Sam's Blog

Hello Sam Fans!

I’m back in the office today after my summer retreat to the lovely area of Glen Cova in Angus, Scotland.  As Mum and Dad’s Ibiza clubbing days are behind them now, I’m in charge of pawing through the holiday magazines and sniffing out the best locations. 

Being a chap with simple tastes who doesn’t like to create a fuss, all I ask is that I’m provided with a log fire to lay in front of, a running stream to dip my paws in and a local pub to snaffle pies off the laps of unsuspecting diners.  My puppy cousin Baxter is a bit more high maintenance, demanding that his holiday cottage must be no more than half a mile from the nearest Mr Whippy ice-cream shop.  These youngsters…

While I enjoy our family holidays, sometimes it’s nice to get the house to myself and so I recently dispatched Mum and Dad off to a friends wedding overnight allowing me to invite my pal Auntie Jill (you’ll know her as Smithy) round to enjoy the pleasure of my company. 

Things didn’t start well when she suggested we have some Dominoes only to produce daft bits of black wood with white dots on them instead of a pizza menu.

Still, as this was her first overnight visit, I felt it only fair that I furnish Smithy with what I like to call Sammy’s Sleepover Tips;

1. If Sam is in the garden sun-bathing, do not insist he comes back in.

2. If Sam is in the garden investigating, do not insist he comes back in.

3. If Sam needs a comfort break in the garden at 3am… you know how it goes.  

4. Breakfast kibbles should be served at room temperature at 8am sharp and during this time visitors may feel free to re-plump my bedding ready for my mid-morning snooze, essential if I’m to be refreshed for brainstorming meetings at the office in the afternoon.

5. All doggie medications (my hips aren’t what they were Sam Fans) must be smothered in Laughing Cow soft cheese (low fat variety, obviously).

6. I don’t do tap water, it’s Evian for me – because I’m worth it!
 
7. Visitors are allowed to utilise one corner area of my couch in the event that I am not fully stretched out, alternatively, they may enjoy the comforts of floor which I understand is cooling to ones underbelly.

8. And finally, sleepover pals need to realise that I COLLECT THE POST!  Cash within birthday cards especially has to be laundered through my good self first, and I know Mum enjoys our little quiz game of “guess the sender” when certain letters are chewed off her correspondence….

And so Sam Fans, I will depart again as I’ve urgent business to attend to (yes, more chips left on the pavement from Thursday night revellers). Have a good weekend my loyal following, and may the sun shine as bright as my newly cleaned knashers.

Hello everyone, and welcome back to Sam’s Blog!  My name is Baxter (or Baxter the Bear if you listen to my Mum, something about my curly coat apparently…) and I’m a three month old Cockapoo.  I’m just filling in for my cousin Sam this week on his world famous blog. 

Unfortunately, due to the recent flying bans, Sam has been stranded in Lapland where he was training huskies for the next winter Olympics.  So he sent me a text (thank goodness for our i-touch phones, designed with dogs in mind) and asked me to get a blog out to his adoring public. 

Well, it’s been a busy time for me as I had to attend the office in Sam’s absence (he says the girls need his guidance every so often) and my mummy (Jill Inggall), Sam’s honorary Auntie, said she’d show me the ropes at Karen MacRae Resources.

Sam thankfully gave me a heads up on office etiquette and told me all about time management; he says biscuits are dispensed at 10am and 3pm prompt, and that the big leafed plants require regular moisture, in the form of environmentally friendly doggie slobbers.  Thanks Sam, job done!

To start with, I conducted a thorough Health and Safety audit, inspecting the cables under the girl’s desks and removing fire hazards such as slouch socks and snotty hankies. 

Then, to protect my Auntie Karen (who has a bit of a sore back) I helpfully removed a trip hazard; her high healed shoes, which were lying on the floor beside her.

IT wise I’m a whiz and thumbs or no thumbs it’s clear four paws can type quicker than two hands, as my Auntie Jill (Smith) discovered when I sat in her chair and put paw to keyboard.  I also tried to show my Auntie Julie how to reboot her computer; you just press that big button with the bright blue light, you can’t miss it, especially when you’re a small person like me, close to ground level.
 
Clearly with so much going on there’s no time to sleep and Sam was so right, without us dogs here to amuse the girls I just don’t know how they’d fill their day.  I’ve yet to persuade them to let me help look through candidate files, however, I clearly impressed them when I took a drink of water from my bowl while still holding on to my chew bone.  Who says boys can’t multi-task!  And I’m clearly cut out for helping clients with their recruitment problems; check me out perfecting my Superman pose.

It’s time though for a wee executive power nap, so I’ll say goodbye for now.  I might write to you again sometime, as cousin Sam is often very busy with his public engagements; opening supermarkets, presenting papers at HR Conferences and all while studying for his CIPD qualification (Cats Indifference Perplexes Dog).

Lots of love, Baxter (the bear) x

Yes, after more comebacks than Sinatra, I’ve finally returned to the public stage to dispense woofs of wisdom to my adoring public.  Well, what a year it’s been Sam fans.  2009 was a difficult time in business for many people. 

The team here worked really hard helping candidates find new jobs, many of whom fell victim to the economic downturn, and we were keenly aware of the need to help our clients find calibre candidates to join their teams.  Despite everything, I’m pleased to say that our year was a positive one and so may we take this opportunity to wish you all much success in 2010.

This summer, I took a well earned break to Glen Cova in Scotland; mainly to avoid autograph hunters and paparazzi who scale the wall of my garden at home, hoping for a salacious tabloid shot of me sunbathing. 

After much moaning, groaning and general begging (on their part), I agreed to take Mum and Dad along.  We had a lovely time in a little cottage and even though I’m a city gent, I’m also a multi-talented hound and therefore easily adapted to the country way of life, donning my Wellington boots to stride down to the local pub whereupon I’d exchange views of the day with the locals. 

Mum made an attempt to bake during our summer cottage retreat, although I swear I saw Sainsbury`s muffin wrappers in the bin.  Best say nothing, Dad told me, as he tucked into his fifth.

After a leisurely swim with the ducks nearby (who never seemed quite as keen as me to meet up) it was back home for a snooze in my oh-so-cosy smoking jacket.  Okay, so it was a dog fleece but I just know I’d be a tremendous leading man who’d give Brad Pittbull a run for his money if only I could get my acting break (and Dad would cut his 40% agent fees).  Actually, I was asked to star in the new Twilight movie but pulled out when I discovered that those lovely mint chocolates were not going to be filling my trailer every day.... But I digress…

Back at the office, a new member joined our team when Jill Smith came onboard as Recruitment Administrator in August.  Jill, a Graduate in BA (Hons) Management with Human Resource Management, has been a great addition to the team despite being slow to learn the company dress code; no black trousers on Sammy Slobber visit days and keep your handbag zipped at all times!

I was unable to join the team at their Christmas party this year as I graciously agreed to stay at the office and man the phones.  Many clients still thought it was my mum answering calls only with a bout of laryngitis and sorely in need of a leg wax.  Blonde bombshells we may be but that’s where our similarities end; I might do wellies but I don’t do heels! You can imagine my disgust then when, having magnanimously missed out on the staff party, the girls returned to work the next day talking endlessly about Alexsandr this and Alexsandr that, having stumbled upon some (allegedly) handsome waiter at a trendy wine bar.  Well, I told them straight Sam fans, Kats and Dogs just don’t mix, it’s as Simples as that…

Hi Sam Fans, yes, I’m back by popular demand, owing to the sack full of complaint letters the team have received about my lack of blogging.  You see, in these times of credit crunch, my executive superstar wages had to be reviewed and so I negotiated a new flexible working regime to spend more time at home.  This meant I was able to watch loads more episodes of Loose Women and of course, re-re-runs of Quincy! 

Tightening of belts has also been big news, alas, after a weekend at my Granny and Grandad’s, where chocolate biscuits regularly ‘fall’ off the kitchen table, I’m just not sure how far Sammy’s belt would bend.  Still, I can always work it off chasing the ice-cream van down the street….

I took a bit of time off and recently let mum and dad join me on a trip to Loch Kinnord where I took my annual outdoor bath, bbrrr.

The lovely people at the Hotel even let my Mum and Dad sleep in the same bedroom as me – how lucky where they?!?!

I also partook in a spot of snorkelling as my Dad dropped a £1 coin in the river and, being Scottish, he refused to leave without retrieving it!!!  A small case of ‘dog flu’ followed but being a male, I don’t like to complain….

On a serious note though, I’m very conscious of what a difficult start to the year it was for many individuals and companies.  With the wider impact of the global economy reaching Aberdeen, the team here have been busy meeting lots of new candidates, both people already located in Aberdeen and those choosing to relocate to our fair city. 

We often place candidates from other industries who have gone on to be very successful within the oil and gas sector and the team are always keen to make our clients aware of fresh talent.  If you’re interested in any of our current vacancies posted on the website, please feel free to get in touch and one of the girls, who be pleased to have a chat with you.

And so Sammy fans, enough of me imparting wisdom to the masses, time to log off and leave the office.  But not before I quality control some chocolate gifts that we’re sponsoring at the forthcoming Cherries HR Awards, which the team will attend on 28th May at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre; do pop over to say ‘hi’ if you’re there, the team always enjoy meeting up with friends old and new.

Seasons Greetings Sam Fans! 

Here I am with my annual speech to the nation, bringing hope, joy, and super-slobbers to my loyal fan base.  You may have noticed the absence of my blog in recent months…well, the Sammy Social Diary has been pretty busy, particularly since undergoing a big op to remove a cyst but thankfully it all turned out okay – accept for losing some of my golden locks that is, but Dad promised to loan me some of his special hair lotions…  And so I’ve spent a bit of time recovering in both my city and country retreats.

Obviously while off-site I’ve been keeping an eye on the credit crunch, which is apparently why my food portions are being reduced and nothing to do with my sylph like figure… Talking of which, you’ll be glad to know I passed my MOT again today, which is more than the team could muster following our Staff Christmas Party last night.  Again, they selfishly chose a venue which refused entry to four legged employees.  Personally, I think Malmaison would have approved of some quality fur on their furnishings not to mention a giant poster of yours truly on their restaurant wall.

Not to worry though, I’ll enjoy my walk down town tomorrow hoovering up all the used chip shop wrappers from sozzled Christmas party revellers – purely in the interest of environmental recycling, you understand.

I hope you’re all looking forward to Christmas as much as those lucky enough to be spending it with me.  Isn’t it great when your grandparents get drunk on Advokat and Babycham and drop the odd mince pie out of their hands????

It’s been another good year here at The Firm but we’re always thinking of how we can provide a bigger and better service to our candidates and clients.  However, on a sad note, we’re unfortunately losing our fabulous team member Gemma Brydon, whose love for her partner Michael confusingly enough superseded her adoration of moi, leading to her decision to relocate to Edinburgh when Michael starts his new job in January.  We’ve absolutely loved having Gemma in our team and she’s provided a really great contribution to our work here, and so I’d like to take this opportunity on behalf of the girls and I to wish Gemma all the very best of luck in her future – our loss is definitely another employer’s gain!

Well that’s all from me, I’m away home to battle with the sellotape and Christmas wrapping paper.  I hope you and your family enjoy the festive season and we wish you a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2009 from everyone at Karen MacRae Resources.

Hi Sam fans!  Well here I am, returning to my adoring public who apparently have been missing my handsome features from our website. I’ve been away on my summer break you see, so many BBQs, so little chance to snaffle the goods…

I’ll be back in the office very soon though with all my news and no doubt the girls will also want me to tell you about our night at the Northern Star Business Awards, which are being hosted on Thursday 25th September at the AECC.  See you back on my blog soon for the next thrilling update!

Hi Sam Fans, sorry for neglecting you all, I’ve actually been away from the office on a top secret work assignment but it seems I got back just in time as things are really busy and it’s all paws on deck again. 

Firstly, hot off the press, we have hired a new Recruitment Consultant who starts with us in June which we`re all really looking forward to – me especially, as I always insist that “Pandering to Sam’s Every Whim” is  included as a key responsibility in the team`s job description!

Secondly, as you know Sam Fans, one of our recruitment divisions is HSEQ and unfortunately I have to report a bit of a safety incident involving yours truly while practising my Baywatch slow motion running down on Aberdeen Beach. 

There was much blood (me) and much tears (Mum) after I’d gashed my paw while mid-romp.  Mum said it was on a sharp sea-shell, personally, I think it was on an old bottle of Buckfast that fell out of Dad’s  jacket…. 

To protect said paw I needed to be gloved up like Ricky Hatton before I was allowed to go out on any walks but I’m happy to report I’m now back to full match fitness and once again smoozing my way around the streets of the West End.

Finally, we’re all looking forward to spending an evening with our clients as we have a table booked at the cHeRries Awards for HR professionals.  Apparently though, for Health and Safety reasons, yours truly isn’t allowed to attend.  Personally, I think it’s just because I was a dead cert for the HR Director (‘Handsomest Retriever’) award and the other finalists have conspired against me….  You know who you are!!!!!  But I don’t want to be vain, take a look at my latest photoshoot and I’ll leave you to decide who’s top dog!

Welcome back everyone to my now (in)famous blog.  Yes fans, I’ve been raiding the dressing up box again…you see, the girls have been on their travels recently (Karen to Goa, Jill to Dubai) and, well, I’ve let the holiday spirit go to my head – literally.

Now there’s been a suggestion that my ‘look’ is more Mardi Gras than Easter Bunny but let me tell you, this top of the range Sat Nav system enables me to hear a biscuit fall on the floor from three rooms away!

Easter is upon us already and our recruitment work continues to be really busy, which the team thrive on.  Gemma and Jill were recently at an employment law seminar hosted by McGrigors on the topic of I.R.  It pains me greatly, Sam fans, to learn that their interest in this subject relates solely to Industrial Relations and NOT Irresistible Retrievers!!!  You just can’t get the staff these days…Not to worry, as a keen employment law expert myself I know that from 6th April 2008 S.S.P. rates increase to £75.40 / week so naturally I`m delighted that “Superstar Sammy’s Pay” is finally on the up!

Where’s My Motivation?

Hi Sam fans, I’m back!  Sorry for neglecting you all, you see I’ve been out of the spotlight for a while to focus on my 2008 fitness regime as I had a few post-Christmas pounds to work off.  Thanks to plenty of walks (and a pedometer on each paw) I’m now officially super-trim and ready to dispense more words of wisdom.

This got me to thinking, as I read through the jobs page in our local paper, about what attracts people to a new role.  For me, regular time off for romps at the beach is essential and so my contract stipulates I work a one day fortnight, and I also receive a generous luncheon allowance (generally anything I can snaffle from the girls desks).For others, the more traditional drivers which motivate people have been career progression and salary prospects.  However, our market research during the last six months has established that there are now other key trends which affect people’s decisions to change job, and identifies the kind of contractual benefits which would make an employer attractive to prospective job seekers.

So I suggested to the team that it would be really helpful to publish some of our findings on the website, which we hope would be useful to both our candidates and clients.  Keep a watchful eye for our Compensation & Benefits survey results coming soon.

PS – I know how all you girls love a man in uniform, so here’s a treat for all you Sam fans x

Well, after the disappointment of the Euro 2008 football campaigns, I’ve put my woes to one side and am once again rushed off my paws with our recruitment activity. 

No, I’m not talking about finding new Managers for Scotland and England – there are limits to even Sammy’s powers of persuasion! - but rather I’m back to helping the girls work on all the exciting new vacancies which have been coming in.

Unfortunately the girls turned down my request to make our website entirely dedicated to yours truly and my ever increasing fan club, and instead they told me how important it was that our new jobs are put online for people to take a look at. 

Just click on ‘Current Vacancies’ to read more.

This made me think of 2007 drawing to a close and I wondered how many people are resolved to make 2008 their year of change?   Perhaps it`s time to sniff out a new opportunity within HR, QHSE, Management or Administration?  If so, our team are happy to talk to you about taking that all important next step.

I for one intend to start the new year fighting fit, having recently received rave reviews from my vet when I went in for my annual MOT.  Yes, the new improved super-sleek-Sam has lost a few pounds thanks to a new diet (mum tells me it’s for seniors but I don’t see her slipping Dad any dried food in place of his steak and chips…). Anyway, I’ll have no trouble now fitting into my Christmas party outfit.

So until we speak again Sam fans, I’ll leave you with this parting thought; is it fair to all the other dogs in the world that I was born THIS cute????

Hi Sam fans.  Well, I have to say I’ve not been doing much recruitment work this week because I’ve been limbering up for the Scotland v Italy match tomorrow.  Yes, I am now a ‘bone’afide foot soldier for the Tartan Army. 

I’m also quite the coach you know and have been giving Alex McLeish tips from the touch-line.  My ball chasing technique is on par with Archie Gemmel’s golden days (though I’m told dribbling is actually my forte) and when I’m in the park for a walk I find myself having a Frank McAvennie “whaur’s the birds?” moment… 

Obviously I’m hoping Craig Gordon will give me a go in goal after half time – we reckon a paw in each corner of the net should just about see off the opposition. 

Well folks, it’s time to get back to training.  Just a few last minute tips to pass on to Mr McFadden. 

Best of luck to the Scottish squad for tomorrow’s big game and to all the other teams participating in the tournament.  Ciao!

Mother dragged me out of bed
So I could come update the web
It’s Halloween but have no fear
My fans await and Sammy’s here

In the cauldron boil and bake
The perfect job for you we’ll make
HSE and HR too
Give us a call, we’re here for you

Eye of newt, and toe of frog
But lets forget the tongue of dog
And for a charm of powerful trouble
The girls work best with a glass of bubble

So Happy Halloween my fans
Enjoy your ghoulish party plans

By Sammy Shakespeare