3. Company Overview 2012
Welcome to the np group.
Our business is people.
We are an award-winning top 100* provider
Overview 2
of search & contract resource solutions within
the technology, communications & education
sectors. The np group is market leader for the
How we work 4 delivery of specialist ICT skills through the unique
‘campaign delivery’ model & has a proven track
record of successful international campaigns
Methodology 6
across EMEA, North America, Latin America
& Asia Pacific for world-class organisations
Information Security 9 including Logica, Cisco & Deloitte.
This is an overview of the services we offer and
Networking Telecoms 10
& Unified Communications how we go about delivering them. If you would
like to know more please don’t hesitate to get
Windows in touch with us.
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& Distributed Computing
*Source: Recruitment International Top 100 Report
Enterprise Apps & 12
Software Development
I.T. Management & 13
Business Consulting
Green Technology 14
Clients 15
Get in touch 16
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4. Overview
People often ask why
np group consistently
outperform average
market growth. What
makes us different?
We believe that it is a formula Adding Value to Relationships
which marries 5 key factors Since 2000 np group has developed a high-value
campaign-based international sales engagement
in a model which is applied
model that has successfully delivered successive
throughout the group: campaigns across Europe, North America, the
Middle East, Asia and Australia. This capacity
People First to deliver rests on an ability to foster good
np group markets itself on the basis that its relationships with clients, relationships which
clients cannot be the best without the best people. enable np group to add value as trusted
It therefore aims to employ those people in every advisors from the initial briefing onwards.
sector in which it operates, and thus seeks out
individuals who demonstrate knowledge of specific Proactive Identification of Candidates
niches as well as creativity, determination, vision Candidates with in-demand skills can be
and entrepreneurial flair. extremely difficult to source. Yet np group utilises
its knowledge of niche markets to pro-actively
Results-Driven identify candidates using targeted headhunting
Although np group operates in diverse markets, and networking. This approach is employed
it fosters and promotes a high-energy consultative throughout the group for all assignments,
culture throughout the firm. Teamwork and high whatever the skills required, for both
achievement are encouraged, rewarded and contract and permanent vacancies.
celebrated at every level. Importantly the group
has no bureaucratic middle-management to draw Focusing on Candidate-Driven Markets
salaries without contributing revenue, which np group sources and supplies the highest
enables it to operate a remuneration structure quality talent in candidate-short markets,
that attracts the best consultants available. employing a model that has proven to be robust
and transferable to any geographical, commercial
or industrial sector. This is further enhanced with
our off-shore data mining capabilities, enabling
a significant time saving in long-list preparation
and resulting in faster time-to-hire efficiency.
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5. Overview
66%
Candidates
np group has been finding professionals for
permanent and contract opportunities for 12 years,
and in the case of a large proportion of our staff,
somewhat longer. At the centre of what we do, we Interview to offer ratio*
recognise the nature of the engagement between
consultant and candidate, and what makes for
the most productive and long term relationship.
As a business we are consultative, we aim
to fully understand your circumstances and
experience with a view to advising you based
on our experience.
We specialise in the following markets:
• Networking Telecoms & Unified Communications
• Windows & Distributed Computing
• Information Security
• Enterprise Applications & Software Development
• IT Management & Business Consulting
• Green Technology
np delivers industry leading efficiency
Within these markets we are extremely well for clients achieving an average 66%
networked and have long-term relationships with interview to offer ratio*, an 80% submittal
our clients and contacts, this translates to us being to interview ratio and 71% offer to
acceptance ratio.
able to provide access to prime opportunities in
*Analysis from the past two years of client campaigns
an increasingly global industry.
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6. How We Work
Our vision is to “be the leading
global provider of specialist
technology resource via
the differentiated campaign
methodology.”
How we pursue this vision Teamwork culture
is influenced by a set of core Cultivate an environment where people from
diverse cultures and backgrounds can achieve their
values. These are the standards potential with equal access to all opportunities. At
that guide how we service our all times, work in the best interests of the company,
customers, the ideals that form celebrate successes and learn from failures to
ensure the best possible group performance.
how we work together and
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reflect our corporate ambitions.
Every day we set out to achieve
these goals in all our actions:
Client Best Practice
Build trust and loyalty with every client & Quarters
every candidate by understanding their goals in advance
and ambitions and by developing long-term
relationships. Maintain the highest standards
of professional ethics in all aspects of work,
be honest, honourable and open at all times.
Respect for the individual
Treat everyone, regardless of position or
circumstance, with dignity, honour and respect.
We plan carefully with
Take time to focus on the individual, listen to their our client’s to structure
concerns, regard their point of view, explain issues
and answer questions. business critical hiring
programs for many
quarters in advance.
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7. How We Work
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Campaign Resourcing
np group is practised in the successful delivery
of bespoke search campaigns, and owes its
success to a methodology that is tailored to suit
any challenge, whether it be the hire of a single
executive level candidate or an entire team of
people with rare and in-demand skills.
A key element of the campaign methodology major campaigns
lies in np’s organisational structure. Each project delivered across Europe,
is led by an experienced campaign director, who
is responsible for creating a suitably qualified Middle East, Africa, the
project team consisting of a core of campaign United States and Asia
executives and subject matter experts drawn from
over the past 18 months.
within np’s divisional specialisms. The campaign
team are experienced and thoroughly trained
search consultants who own the responsibility Professional Services & Virtual Bench
for candidate identification, acquisition and delivery.
Each project is different but the structure follows Due to the sophisticated nature of an evolving client
the same process, from the initial consultation and market, np group has seen a development in regard
production of statement of works (SOW), through to how resource services are wrapped and supplied
to the management of the campaign day/s and today. We have experienced a greater demand for
offer management process. our business to synchronise and reflect our clients
service provision and buying habits, necessitating
Market intelligence, speed to hire and geographical the need for us to develop a detailed understanding
reach remain primary business drivers for many of of client strategies and resource models in order
np group’s clients, allowing them to realise their that we are able to adopt an innovative approach
corporate visions, whether they involve international to their real needs.
expansion into new territories, rapid growth in new
or existing vertical markets, the development of np group’s Professional Services model is targeted
competencies and expertise in new or existing to provide an alternative solution for businesses
technologies, or the sourcing of key senior wishing to engage strategic, functional or technical
executives who can direct the next stages of their consulting whilst still retaining risk, responsibility
corporate development. np group are able to meet and project ownership. This can be considered
these demands utilising a further key element to as ‘lite consulting’, providing a cost effective way
the campaign methodology, an offshore datamining to engage resource on a pre-defined and fixed
and research capability, providing a proven and work-package basis, that does not require the
vital extra dimension to the initial stages of stand-on-the-shoulders learning and associated
candidate identification that affords np group high end consulting costs of the large integrated
customers the opportunity to work with one consulting organisations, boutiques, ITO’s or
supplier across international boundaries and time- advisory practices.
zones in a way that is scalable, has integrity, and
compliments their own internal processes np group’s Virtual Bench model is designed to
in respect of selection and induction. provide those organisations who run utilisation
and bench models a way in which they can
regularly engage known subject matter expertise,
on a pre-agreed and fixed rate basis, complimenting
and enhancing their own staff capability.
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8. Methodology
Professional Services & Virtual Bench (Continued)
72%
The Virtual Bench in operation today mitigates all
of the traditional concerns of engaging contract
resource, and has allowed np group’s clients to
quickly ramp up to support client opportunity,
explore new market regions, ensure an effective
continuation of service delivery, keep core talent
focused on business critical activity, reduce the
cost of employment at peak points of demand and
enable the creation of revenue through developing
new international service lines.
Each Virtual Bench solution is particular to the client
and their needs, np group utilises the very same of our work is on
campaign methodology to staff the bench skill-
pools effectively and works in conjunction with
a retained, campaign
the client to architect the optimum service model. or RPO basis.
Retained Executive Search
Under retained recruitment conditions, np group ideal candidates, who are then subjected to
acts as a fully ‘outsourced’ recruitment arm of a a comprehensive screening and interview process.
client’ s organisation and conducts a recruitment Once a short list is determined, np group will work
process on the client’ s behalf. The recruitment closely with the client to arrange interviews,
process is tailored to meet the client’s specific undertake reference checks - providing certain
needs, through detailed consultation and constant anonymity to the search assignment, along with
communication with the client. the tertiary benefit of protecting the client’ s most
precious asset of time.
Every retained assignment that np group
undertakes is supported with a detailed written The standard fee structure commensurate with
proposal, which we refer to as a Statement of a retained assignment results with the client
Works (SOW). This outlines the scope of work paying one-third of the fee at commencement
agreed in the consultation, fee structure and of the assignment; one-third upon delivery of
responsibility of both parties to each other for the a short list; and the balance upon successful
duration of the assignment. In such engagements placement of the ideal candidate – which is
np group is held accountable for the recruitment generally known as a performance based retainer.
process by the client, with regular update and In this way the client is paying for a ‘service’
feedback sessions built in to ensure collaboration in recognition of the time and materials that
and a successful outcome. are expended in conducting the assignment.
On appointment, a senior account manager is For high level positions or business critical hires
designated to the client for the duration of the this is recognised as the most efficient way to
assignment, which is supported by escalation to secure talent, as recruitment agencies engaged
senior np group management being made available on a non-exclusive contingent basis generally
to the client. The recruitment process that we use is do not apportion the necessary resources and
rigorous and a detailed search is conducted to find energy to the assignment.
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9. Methodology
Contingency Recruitment
np group recognises that not all appointments From a flexible resource perspective, np group
are strategic in nature. Whether its clients require recognise the need for quality, reliability, speed
full time employees, contractors or interim of supply, in-country compliancy and ease of
executives to meet the challenges of achieving engagement; we invest a significant amount
specific tactical objectives within fixed time of time populating in-demand skill pools across
periods then we can help. the range of regions we supply, and endeavour
to only use contractors known to us and/or who
We are fortunate to be able to call upon a vast have an excellent reputation, one established
network of associates that have proven expertise over time with top-class clients, backed up
within every conceivable vertical market and with demonstrable referencing.
technology sector.
Our resourcing methodology can be easily adjusted
to suit the contingency style of recruitment, utilising
our network, a range of technologies and online
resources in order to secure key individual
executives or technologists, or for the recruitment
of entire project delivery teams.
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11. Practices
Information Security
IT Security has gone through some significant The group’s continued development of this
changes over the past few years. From an initial specialist division is testament to its dedication and
educational programme, through to the global focus in this critical area of resource management
acceptance of the importance of securing one’s and our success can be attributed to the fact that
information. A company’s information is now seen its highly experienced consultants are experienced
as one of the most valuable assets and as the security professionals recruited from the industry,
business environment further embraces the known in market, genuinely understand client
Internet, especially with the current focus on requirements and speak the same language.
Cloud Computing, so the need for reliable Accordingly, they perennially ensure the timely
security increases. delivery of top quality candidates who are
meticulously pre-screened to ensure suitability.
Moreover, the IT Security market terminology np group’s unique campaign methodology has
has shifted from that of ‘Security’, to a focus enabled global organisations to effectively and
on Information Security and Risk Management. efficiently grow their own Security capabilities
This has been largely due to the introduction of to deliver projects on time, achieve regulatory
regulations such as PCI DSS, Sarbanes Oxley, compliance, maintain good business practice
the Prudential Source Book (PSB) and changes and ensure brand protection.
in Corporate Governance. Risk Management,
and we must include all areas of risk – financial, Strong commercial acumen, a proven track
legal, technology, security, compliance etc, is record, industry market awareness and strategic
clearly a specialist area that requires specialist client management has enabled np group to
skills and support. np group has spent the last become one of the most respected recruitment
12 years building market knowledge to best agencies in a highly competitive candidate driven
support our clients in the field of Information market. np group’s specialist information security
Security and Risk Management. division focuses purely on security and risk,
providing professional staff with industry-
recognised qualifications and accreditations.
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12. Practices
Networking Telecoms
& Unified Communications
np group is a Cisco global PSS advanced services architect, design and implement solutions.
partner organisation. During the last 11 years np np group’s UC division works on an international
group has delivered leading-edge networking basis with vendors, channel partners (systems
technology expertise including MPLS, QoS, VoIP, integrators, professional services and
IPT, IMS and IPTV. Our knowledge of the Cisco consultancies), end-users (telecoms and internet
Market has enabled us to partner with clients who service providers), and enterprise end-users.
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are expanding their organisations globally,
delivering CCNA, CCNP, CCDP, CCVP and CCIE
networking consultants in all regions.
Within np group’s networking division, OSS team
works with many OSS consultancies and resellers
to strengthen their delivery capabilities. This
enables go-to-market strategies and strong vendor
partnerships. np group has placed consultants
whose niche skills are within EMC SMARTS,
Infovista, Micromuse, Netcool, Quallaby Proviso
and Concord Arena.
growth
So far, unified communications infrastructure has February 9th 2010
made a limited impact in the enterprise, however,
Cisco forecast a 39-fold increase from 2009 to
global spend is forecast to rise to approximately $1
2014 in global data traffic, or a compound annual
billion by 2013. This growth will be fuelled by a
growth rate (CAGR) of 108%. Two major global
number of factors as organisations continue to
trends are driving this increase – the proliferation
streamline and create competitive edge, but will be
of mobile-ready devices and widespread mobile
underpinned by the skilled people that conceive,
video content consumption.
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13. Practices
Windows &
Distributed Computing
Virtualisation, storage, datacentre consolidation np group’s Windows & Distributed Computing
and the advent of the ‘cloud’ have had a significant division works within the vendor, consulting,
impact on the Windows & Distributed Computing integration and end user communities, focussing
market. on the provision of functional and technical subject
matter experts spanning all levels of competence.
Virtualisation has transformed how IT is We are well placed to be able to deliver support
managed, what is bought, how it is deployed, based resource from 1st line through to escalated
how companies plan and how they are charged. expertise, as well as climbing up the value chain to
As a result, virtualisation has created a new wave the solution architects and programme managers
28%
of competition amongst infrastructure vendors of truly global projects.
that has resulted in considerable market disruption
and consolidation – and more is set to come.
Although the easy server consolidations have
in the main been done, it is as a stalking horse
for Cloud Computing that Virtualisation is now
fuelling growth, with Platform as a Service and
Infrastructure as a Service in the public and
CAGR
private cloud computing models.
The value of Cloud computing services is forecast
to grow 28% CAGR over the next 4 years from
$56bn 2009 to $150bn 2013 (Gartner study Jan
1st, 2010). More importantly, spending on cloud
computing will accelerate throughout the forecast
period, capturing 25% of IT spending growth in
2012 and nearly a third of growth the following
year. Datacentre consolidation continues to be
a popular strategy showing powerful economic
characteristics. Major organisations are reaping
the benefits of consolidation, as can be best
outlined in the following two examples; Gartner study published Jan 1st, 2010 forecasts
the value of Cloud computing services will see
Hewlett Packard cutting its 85 global datacentres 28% compound annual growth rate (CAGR)
down to 6, 3 of which are mirrored disaster over a 4 year period from $46.41 billion in
recovery sites. HP expects to save the 2008 to $150.1 billion in 2013.
company $1 billion annually with this move.
IBM consolidating 3,900 servers into 30 virtualised
mainframes running under Linux. The company
anticipates an 80% reduction in energy usage
whilst significantly shrinking its current 8 million
square feet of datacentre space.
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14. Practices
Enterprise Apps &
Software Development
In today’s corporate environment, enterprise Front and back office solutions are covered in
applications are complex, scalable, distributed, disciplines such as online shopping and online
component-based, and mission-critical. They payment processing, billing systems, security,
may be deployed on a variety of platforms across content management, CRM, ERP, Business
corporate networks, intranets, or the Internet. Intelligence, HR Management, Manufacturing
They are data-centric, user-friendly, and must meet and Enterprise Application Integration;
stringent requirements for security, administration, programming languages include Java, C,
and maintenance. In short, they are highly complex C++, C#, Perl, JavaScript, Visual Basic .NET,
systems, with thousands of competing vendors. PHP, Ajax ,Python and Ruby.
14.8%
Designing and developing such enterprise
applications means satisfying hundreds or
thousands of separate requirements. What’s
growth
more, every development decision you make
to satisfy each requirement affects many other
requirements, often in ways that are difficult to
understand or predict – and the failure to meet
any of these requirements can mean the failure
of the entire project!
np group’s Enterprise Application & Software
Development Division works within the vendor,
consulting, integration and end user communities,
focussing on the provision of functional and
technical subject matter experts spanning the Celent report published in Jan 2010 forecasts
full development life cycle. 14.8% growth in 2010 on external software
spending by financial services institutions
in the Asia-Pacific region.
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15. Practices
I.T. Management &
Business Consulting
The need for full automation, organised workflows, For recruiting needs a level under the CIO, we
need of expert opinion, business expansion, have experts with deep experience in infrastructure,
market uncertainty, process improvements, applications/software development, enterprise
business transformation, government regulations, systems, project management, sourcing, and
and increasing complexities of businesses have architecture and information security.
contributed to the need of IT management and
US$ 393.5
consulting. The need to align IT with business
objectives, assistance on critical IT related tools,
regulatory requirements, and the new technologies
billion
such as cloud computing and SOA are lending to
the ever increasing importance and influence of IT
at Board level, which is also providing an impetus
to the Global IT Consulting Services market.
np group’s strength in recruiting top-performing
senior technology and operations executives is a
part of our heritage. For 12 years, np group has
helped organisations build world-class leadership Celent report published Jan 2010 forecasts CAGR
teams by leveraging our network of leading in global FS IT spending of 4.9% 2010-12, in
technology executives. Our Business Consulting comparison to global decline of -2.5% in 2009.
& IT Management division structure allows us to Asia Pac will be the fastest growth of all regions
continually focus on and track talent in all industry at 6.2% CAGR 2010-12. Celent expects global
sectors, where we draw upon our team members spending by financial services institutions on IT
functional specialty areas. products and services to grow to US$393.5 billion
by 2012.
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16. Practices
Green Technology
Virtualisation, storage, datacentre consolidation
Corporate IT organisations are feeling increasing
pressure, and finding growing opportunities,
to improve their sustainability practices. Driven
by a combination of cost savings imperatives,
corporate green initiatives, and technology refresh
opportunities, enterprise IT businesses are going
green, and looking for help to do so. IT services
providers are responding by building capabilities,
forming alliances, and positioning their resources group clients
and counting...
to capture mindshare and market share of user
companies putting green IT initiatives in place.
This market can be referred to as green IT
services, and defined as consulting services
including may
that help enterprise IT organisations reduce their
companies’ environmental impact by assessing, global leading
organisations.
planning, and implementing initiatives that make
the procurement, operation, and disposal of IT
assets more environmentally responsible.
np group’s Green Technology division focuses
on the provision of resources that span the
assessment to implementation life cycle within
the consulting, integration and end user
communities, focussing on the provision of
functional and technical subject matter experts.
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17. Clients
Awards & Accreditations
Skills For Growth Recruitment and Employment Confederation
Apprenticeships Award Winner 2010
For more information please visit our website:
www.groupnp.com
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