🌼 Welcome to the Spring Edition of Saffron Connects!
Spring is a time for growth, and we’re excited to help you and your business flourish in the season ahead. In this edition, we’ll share essential tips, new offerings, and practical insights to help you achieve success. Whether you’re looking to improve your HR strategies, upskill your team, or streamline recruitment, we’re here to support your journey.
What’s Inside This Edition:
👋 A note from Claire – Springing into the season together
🧠 Why In-Person Training Works – More than just learning
📚 New Coaching & Mentoring Services – Designed to empower your team
🧹 Expanding Our Training Topics – Addressing today’s challenges
📋 HR Support That Works for You – Compliance, performance, and beyond
💸 What Does It Really Cost to Hire? – The true cost of recruitment
💼 Smart Recruitment Solutions – Hire with confidence
☕ Join Us at Saffron Sessions – Networking events and business insights
👋 A Note from Claire – Springing Into the Season Together
As we move into spring, we’re seeing a positive shift in business, especially in the hospitality sector. With challenges like staff shortages still affecting many businesses, it’s a great time to look at how we can support your team’s growth and development.
At Saffron Academy, we’re focusing on providing you with practical tools to build a strong foundation for your business, with a focus on leadership training, HR support, and new coaching services.
Let’s work together to spring into action and make this season one of growth and success.
Claire Hall
Director, Saffron Academy
🧠 Why In-Person Training Works
As digital learning continues to rise, in-person training is making a strong comeback. Here’s why it’s more beneficial than ever for businesses:
The Power of Face-to-Face Learning:
- Engagement: In-person training fosters higher levels of interaction and discussion, making learning more effective.
- Instant Feedback: Learners can ask questions and receive immediate support.
- Building Relationships: Stronger bonds form between team members, encouraging collaboration.
- Tailored Content: We adapt sessions in real time, directly addressing your team’s needs.
Benefits for Your Business:
- Improved Retention: Studies show face-to-face training leads to higher knowledge retention rates.
- Stronger Team Dynamics: Shared learning builds trust and team cohesion.
- Increased Productivity: Employees leave ready to implement new skills immediately.
📅 Want to boost your team’s skills? Let’s plan an in-person session tailored to your needs.
📚 New for 2025: Coaching & Mentoring Services
“72% of UK firms are struggling with skills gaps … leading to a £275 million annual loss in productivity.”
— HR Network, September 2024
Investing in your team’s development is essential to stay competitive. Coaching and mentoring provide cost-effective ways to upskill your staff without the expenses of recruiting new hires.
Imagine a team member with a passion for photography being supported to develop marketing skills — managing your social media, enhancing your brand, and growing professionally at the same time. A true win-win!
Our coaching and mentoring services include:
✅ 1:1 Coaching for team leaders and business owners
✅ Group Mentoring to upskill and support the team
✅ Tailored Workshops covering social media strategy, cost control, branding, and burnout prevention
“Businesses that invest in training see a 24% higher profit margin compared to those that don’t.”
— Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), 2023
💬 Let your team shine from the inside out. Ask us about coaching today.
🧹 Expanding Our Training Topics: Tailored for Today’s Needs
We’ve expanded our course offering to meet the evolving needs of businesses:
✅ Housekeeping Training: Essential for accommodation providers to improve efficiency and service standards.
✅ Costings: Streamline your kitchen operations and boost profitability.
✅ Social Media Strategy: Equip your team to grow your brand and increase customer engagement.
🎯 Got a particular challenge? We can create a bespoke training programme just for you.
📋 HR Support That Works for You
Effective HR isn’t just about ticking compliance boxes — it’s about building happy, engaged, and productive teams. Our experienced HR team supports you every step of the way.
Our services include:
- Employment Contracts & Handbooks
- Employee Engagement Strategies
- Performance Reviews & Development Planning
- Compliance & Risk Management
⚖️ Protect and strengthen your business with expert HR support.
💸 What Does It Really Cost to Hire?
Hiring isn’t just about paying a salary — it’s an investment of time, energy, and resources. Here’s a breakdown of the typical hidden costs:
1. Advertising and Recruitment Costs
- Average: £200–£1,000
- Covers job board listings, social media ads, recruiter fees.
2. Interviewing and Screening
- Average: £500–£1,000
- Includes CV reviews, interviews, assessments, and background checks.
3. Onboarding and Training
- Average: £500–£1,500
- Includes inductions, training sessions, equipment setup.
4. Productivity Dip During Onboarding
- Average: £500–£2,000
- New hires typically require time to reach full productivity.
5. Risk of Early Turnover
- Average: £2,500–£5,000
- Cost of replacing early leavers, including loss of morale.
Total Average Cost to Hire a New Employee:
- Hourly positions: £1,500–£2,500
- Specialist roles: £2,500–£5,000+
Sources: Oxford Economics, “The Cost of Brain Drain” (2023) and Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), “Resourcing and Talent Planning Report 2023”.
➡️ Looking to avoid these costs? Investing in your existing team through training and development is often the smarter choice.
💼 Smart Recruitment Solutions – Hire with Confidence
Attracting and retaining the right people is vital for business success. Our recruitment services help you:
- Write standout, clear job descriptions
- Shortlist candidates effectively
- Interview and assess for cultural fit
- Onboard new hires with confidence
🧠 We take the hassle out of recruitment — so you can focus on running your business.
☕ Join Us at Saffron Sessions
Come and join us for relaxed networking, learning, and lots of coffee at The Celtic Lounge, Newquay.
📍 Saffron Sessions are all about connection, growth, and sharing practical ideas.
💻 There’s even a live countdown to our May event on our website — perfect for those of you who love a bit of suspense and planning your month around important dates. (We fully encourage Eurovision-level excitement.)
👉 [Click here to check the countdown and book your place!]
💬 Final Words
Thank you for being part of the Saffron Academy community.
We’re here to help you grow, succeed, and thrive — this season and beyond.
➡️ Stay connected and follow us on social:
📲 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
Saffron Academy Limited - Training and HR Services 
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