2. Company Overview 2010
Welcome to the np group.
Our business is people.
We are an award-winning top 100* provider
Overview 2 of search and contract resource solutions within
the technology and communications sectors.
The np group is market leader for the delivery
How we work 4
of specialist ICT skills through the unique
‘campaign delivery’ model and has a proven
track record of successful international
Methodology 6
campaigns across EMEA, North America,
Latin America and Asia Pacific for world-class
Information Security 9 organisations 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 11
in touch with us.
& 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
3. Overview Overview
People often ask why
np group consistently
outperform average
market growth. What
makes us different?
66%
We believe that it is a formula Adding Value to Relationships
Candidates
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 np group has been finding professionals for
model that has successfully delivered successive
throughout the group: campaigns across Europe, North America, the
permanent and contract opportunities for 12 years,
and in the case of a large proportion of our staff,
Middle East, Asia and Australia. This capacity
People First to deliver rests on an ability to foster good
somewhat longer. At the centre of what we do, we Interview to offer ratio*
recognise the nature of the engagement between
np group markets itself on the basis that its relationships with clients, relationships which
consultant and candidate, and what makes for
clients cannot be the best without the best people. enable np group to add value as trusted
the most productive and long term relationship.
It therefore aims to employ those people in every advisors from the initial briefing onwards.
As a business we are consultative, we aim
sector in which it operates, and thus seeks out
to fully understand your circumstances and
individuals who demonstrate knowledge of specific Proactive Identification of Candidates
experience with a view to advising you based
niches as well as creativity, determination, vision Candidates with in-demand skills can be on our experience.
and entrepreneurial flair. extremely difficult to source. Yet np group utilises
its knowledge of niche markets to pro-actively We specialise in the following markets:
Results-Driven identify candidates using targeted headhunting
• Networking Telecoms & Unified Communications
Although np group operates in diverse markets, and networking. This approach is employed
• Windows & Distributed Computing
it fosters and promotes a high-energy consultative throughout the group for all assignments,
• Information Security
culture throughout the firm. Teamwork and high whatever the skills required, for both
• Enterprise Applications & Software Development
achievement are encouraged, rewarded and contract and permanent vacancies.
• IT Management & Business Consulting
celebrated at every level. Importantly the group
• Green Technology
has no bureaucratic middle-management to draw Focusing on Candidate-Driven Markets
np delivers industry leading efficiency
salaries without contributing revenue, which np group sources and supplies the highest for clients achieving an average 66%
Within these markets we are extremely well
enables it to operate a remuneration structure quality talent in candidate-short markets, interview to offer ratio*, an 80% submittal
networked and have long-term relationships with
that attracts the best consultants available. employing a model that has proven to be robust to interview ratio and 71% offer to
our clients and contacts, this translates to us being
and transferable to any geographical, commercial acceptance ratio.
able to provide access to prime opportunities in
or industrial sector. This is further enhanced with an increasingly global industry. *Analysis from the past two years of client campaigns
our off-shore data mining capabilities, enabling
a significant time saving in long-list preparation
and resulting in faster time-to-hire efficiency.
4. How We Work How We Work
54
Campaign Resourcing
Our vision is to “be the leading np group is practised in the successful delivery
of bespoke search campaigns, and owes its
success to a methodology that is tailored to suit
global provider of specialist any challenge, whether it be the hire of a single
executive level candidate or an entire team of
technology resource via people with rare and in-demand skills.
A key element of the campaign methodology major campaigns
the differentiated campaign lies in np’s organisational structure. Each project
is led by an experienced campaign director, who
delivered across Europe,
Middle East, Africa,
methodology.”
is responsible for creating a suitably qualified
project team consisting of a core of campaign United States and Asia
executives and subject matter experts drawn from
within np’s divisional specialisms. The campaign
over the past 18 months.
team are experienced and thoroughly trained
search consultants who own the responsibility Professional Services & Virtual Bench
How we pursue this vision Teamwork culture
for candidate identification, acquisition and delivery.
is influenced by a set of core Cultivate an environment where people from Each project is different but the structure follows Due to the sophisticated nature of an evolving client
diverse cultures and backgrounds can achieve their the same process, from the initial consultation and
values. These are the standards potential with equal access to all opportunities. At
market, np group has seen a development in regard
production of statement of works (SOW), through to how resource services are wrapped and supplied
that guide how we service our all times, work in the best interests of the company, to the management of the campaign day/s and today. We have experienced a greater demand for
customers, the ideals that form celebrate successes and learn from failures to offer management process. our business to synchronise and reflect our clients
ensure the best possible group performance.
how we work together and service provision and buying habits, necessitating
4
Market intelligence, speed to hire and geographical
reflect our corporate ambitions. reach remain primary business drivers for many of
the need for us to develop a detailed understanding
of client strategies and resource models in order
Every day we set out to achieve np group’s clients, allowing them to realise their that we are able to adopt an innovative approach
these goals in all our actions: corporate visions, whether they involve international to their real needs.
expansion into new territories, rapid growth in new
Client Best Practice or existing vertical markets, the development of np group’s Professional Services model is targeted
Build trust and loyalty with every client and Quarters competencies and expertise in new or existing to provide an alternative solution for businesses
technologies, or the sourcing of key senior
every candidate by understanding their goals in advance executives who can direct the next stages of their
wishing to engage strategic, functional or technical
and ambitions and by developing long-term consulting whilst still retaining risk, responsibility
relationships. Maintain the highest standards corporate development. np group are able to meet and project ownership. This can be considered
of professional ethics in all aspects of work, these demands utilising a further key element to as ‘lite consulting’, providing a cost effective way
be honest, honourable and open at all times. 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
Respect for the individual 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
Treat everyone, regardless of position or
circumstance, with dignity, honour and respect.
We plan carefully with customers the opportunity to work with one consulting organisations, boutiques, ITO’s or
supplier across international boundaries and
Take time to focus on the individual, listen to their
concerns, regard their point of view, explain issues
our client’s to structure time-zones in a way that is scalable, has integrity,
advisory practices.
and compliments their own internal processes
and answer questions. business critical hiring in respect of selection and induction.
np group’s Virtual Bench model is designed to
provide those organisations who run utilisation
programs for many and bench models a way in which they can
regularly engage known subject matter expertise,
quarters in advance. on a pre-agreed and fixed rate basis, complimenting
and enhancing their own staff capability.
5. Methodology 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. Contingency Recruitment
np group recognises that not all appointments From a flexible resource perspective, np group
Retained Executive Search 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
Under retained recruitment conditions, np group ideal candidates, who are then subjected to executives to meet the challenges of achieving engagement; we invest a significant amount
acts as a fully ‘outsourced’ recruitment arm of a a comprehensive screening and interview process. specific tactical objectives within fixed time of time populating in-demand skill pools across
client’s organisation and conducts a recruitment Once a short list is determined, np group will work periods then we can help. the range of regions we supply, and endeavour
process on the client’s behalf. The recruitment closely with the client to arrange interviews, to only use contractors known to us and/or who
process is tailored to meet the client’s specific undertake reference checks - providing certain We are fortunate to be able to call upon a vast have an excellent reputation, one established
needs, through detailed consultation and constant anonymity to the search assignment, along with network of associates that have proven expertise over time with top-class clients, backed up
communication with the client. the tertiary benefit of protecting the client’ s most within every conceivable vertical market and with demonstrable referencing.
precious asset of time. technology sector.
Every retained assignment that np group
undertakes is supported with a detailed written The standard fee structure commensurate with Our resourcing methodology can be easily adjusted
proposal, which we refer to as a Statement of a retained assignment results with the client to suit the contingency style of recruitment, utilising
Works (SOW). This outlines the scope of work paying one-third of the fee at commencement our network, a range of technologies and online
agreed in the consultation, fee structure and of the assignment; one-third upon delivery of resources in order to secure key individual
responsibility of both parties to each other for the a short list; and the balance upon successful executives or technologists, or for the recruitment
duration of the assignment. In such engagements placement of the ideal candidate – which is of entire project delivery teams.
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.
6. Practices
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.
7. Practices 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
of competition amongst infrastructure vendors of truly global projects.
28%
Networking Telecoms
that has resulted in considerable market disruption
and consolidation – and more is set to come.
Although the easy server consolidations have
& Unified Communications 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
np group is a Cisco global PSS advanced services architect, design and implement solutions. private Cloud Computing models.
CAGR
partner organisation. During the last 12 years np np group’s UC division works on an international
group has delivered leading-edge networking basis with vendors, channel partners (systems The value of Cloud computing services is forecast
technology expertise including MPLS, QoS, VoIP, integrators, professional services and to grow 28% CAGR over the next 4 years from
IPT, IMS and IPTV. Our knowledge of the Cisco consultancies), end-users (telecoms and internet $56bn 2009 to $150bn 2013 (Gartner study Jan
market has enabled us to partner with clients who service providers), and enterprise end-users. 1st, 2010). More importantly, spending on cloud
39
are expanding their organisations globally, computing will accelerate throughout the forecast
delivering CCNA, CCNP, CCDP, CCVP and CCIE period, capturing 25% of IT spending growth in
networking consultants in all regions. 2012 and nearly a third of growth the following
year. Datacentre consolidation continues to be
Within np group’s networking division, OSS team a popular strategy showing powerful economic
works with many OSS consultancies and resellers characteristics. Major organisations are reaping
to strengthen their delivery capabilities. This the benefits of consolidation, as can be best
enables go-to-market strategies and strong vendor outlined in the following two examples;
partnerships. np group has placed consultants Gartner study published Jan 1st, 2010 forecasts
growth
whose niche skills are within EMC SMARTS, the value of Cloud computing services will see
Hewlett Packard cutting its 85 global datacentres 28% compound annual growth rate (CAGR)
Infovista, Micromuse, Netcool, Quallaby Proviso down to 6, 3 of which are mirrored disaster
and Concord Arena. 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.
So far, unified communications infrastructure has
made a limited impact in the enterprise, however,
February 9th 2010
IBM consolidating 3,900 servers into 30 virtualised
global spend is forecast to rise to approximately $1 Cisco forecast a 39-fold increase from 2009 to
mainframes running under Linux. The company
billion by 2013. This growth will be fuelled by a 2014 in global data traffic, or a compound annual
anticipates an 80% reduction in energy usage
number of factors as organisations continue to growth rate (CAGR) of 108%. Two major global
whilst significantly shrinking its current 8 million
streamline and create competitive edge, but will be trends are driving this increase – the proliferation
square feet of datacentre space.
underpinned by the skilled people that conceive, of mobile-ready devices and widespread mobile
video content consumption.
8. Practices Practices
Enterprise Apps & I.T. Management &
Software Development Business Consulting
In today’s corporate environment, enterprise Front and back office solutions are covered in For recruiting needs a level under the CIO, we
The need for full automation, organised workflows,
applications are complex, scalable, distributed, disciplines such as online shopping and online have experts with deep experience in infrastructure,
need of expert opinion, business expansion,
component-based, and mission-critical. They payment processing, billing systems, security, applications/software development, enterprise
market uncertainty, process improvements,
may be deployed on a variety of platforms across content management, CRM, ERP, Business systems, project management, sourcing, and
business transformation, government regulations,
corporate networks, intranets, or the Internet. Intelligence, HR Management, Manufacturing architecture and information security.
and increasing complexities of businesses have
They are data-centric, user-friendly, and must meet and Enterprise Application Integration;
contributed to the need of IT management and
US$ 393.5
stringent requirements for security, administration, programming languages include Java, C,
consulting. The need to align IT with business
and maintenance. In short, they are highly complex C++, C#, Perl, JavaScript, Visual Basic, .NET,
objectives, assistance on critical IT related tools,
systems, with thousands of competing vendors. PHP, Ajax, Python and Ruby.
regulatory requirements, and the new technologies
14.8% billion
such as Cloud Computing and SOA are lending to
Designing and developing such enterprise the ever increasing importance and influence of IT
applications means satisfying hundreds or at board level, which is also providing an impetus to
thousands of separate requirements. What’s the Global IT Consulting Services market.
growth
more, every development decision you make
to satisfy each requirement affects many other np group’s strength in recruiting top-performing
requirements, often in ways that are difficult to senior technology and operations executives is a
understand or predict – and the failure to meet part of our heritage. For 12 years, np group has
any of these requirements can mean the failure helped organisations build world-class leadership Celent report published Jan 2010 forecasts CAGR
of the entire project! 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.
np group’s Enterprise Application & Software & IT Management division structure allows us to Asia Pac will be the fastest growth of all regions
Development Division works within the vendor, continually focus on and track talent in all industry at 6.2% CAGR 2010-12. Celent expects global
consulting, integration and end user communities, sectors, where we draw upon our team members spending by financial services institutions on IT
focussing on the provision of functional and functional specialty areas. products and services to grow to US$ 393.5 billion
technical subject matter experts spanning the Celent report published in Jan 2010 forecasts by 2012.
full development life cycle. 14.8% growth in 2010 on external software
spending by financial services institutions
in the Asia-Pacific region.
9. Practices Clients
Green Technology
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
to capture mindshare and market share of user group clients
and counting...
companies putting green IT initiatives in place.
This market can be referred to as green IT Awards & Accreditations
services, and defined as consulting services
that help enterprise IT organisations reduce their including many
global leading
companies’ environmental impact by assessing,
planning, and implementing initiatives that make
the procurement, operation, and disposal of IT
assets more environmentally responsible.
organisations.
np group’s Green Technology division focuses
on the provision of resources that span the
assessment to implementation life cycle within Skills For Growth Recruitment and Employment Confederation
the consulting, integration and end user Apprenticeships Award Winner 2010
communities, focussing on the provision of
functional and technical subject matter experts. For more information please visit our website:
www.groupnp.com
