Wedzerai Takawira, the Director of Recruitcare Professionals, started her journey to England in 2003 to join her husband. With a teaching degree already in hand, she aspired to pursue a Master's in Special Education. However, connecting with local schools proved challenging. To gain a broader spectrum of experience working with people with special needs, she began volunteering at a care home in Stoke Newington. Her dedication and hard work quickly became evident, landing her a permanent position in 2005.
By 2005, Wedzerai and her family relocated from Romford to Barking and Dagenham, marking a significant step in her career, moving from special needs teaching to care work. Initially unfamiliar with the nuances of care work, she quickly adapted and thrived. Her journey exposed her to working with individuals on the autism spectrum and broadened her understanding of various conditions. Her commitment to this field saw her rise to a managerial position by 2010, overseeing a rehabilitation centre for individuals with mental health issues. This experience equipped her with the skills and insights necessary to establish and lead Recruitcare Professionals.
The services provided by Recruitcare Professionals are grounded in compassion, empathy, and care. The organisation offers domiciliary care, training, and recruitment, striving to meet the individual needs of their clients and addressing all concerns with utmost dedication. To fully meet the needs of their clients, and expand their reach, Wedzerai applied for the Amplify programme.
Marketing Challenges
After establishing Recruitcare Professionals, Wedzerai faced various challenges, particularly in marketing her business. Her business remained stagnant, and she felt uncertain about how to attract more clients. Through her involvement in local business and entrepreneurship meetings in the borough, she received an email about the Amplify programme. Seeing it as a valuable opportunity, she eagerly attended the first session led by Andre Arundell. The programme provided her with essential marketing strategies and business growth insights, which has significantly benefited her organisation. The support from Amplify has been instrumental in helping her overcome previous hurdles and move her business forward.
Creating a digital presence
She found immense value in the Amplify programme, feeling as though it was tailor-made for her needs. The modules were informative and provided a wealth of business education that included digital upskilling and one-on-one tailored support. The sessions were eye-opening, revealing new strategies for improving her organisation's outreach and effectiveness. Wedzerai learned that it wasn't just about offering services physically but also about educating people through digital platforms. She realised the importance of maintaining an online presence, sharing knowledge through blogs, and utilising digital tools to attract clients. The Amplify programme expanded her perspective of marketing, showing her the potential of digital marketing to reach a broader audience and grow her business.
Amplify is here to help
Wedzerai says that she advises anyone considering joining the Amplify programme to avoid making uninformed decisions by working in isolation . She emphasises that help is readily available and that it's important to know when you need it. Reflecting on her own experience, she highlights how she used to send surveys every three months to gauge the satisfaction of those she worked with. The positive feedback she received was invaluable, but she realised she wasn’t capturing this evidence effectively. She stresses the importance of systematically collecting and utilising feedback to continually improve services and adapt to the evolving needs of the people they serve.
Another key piece of advice she offers is taking the opportunity to embrace innovation and technology. Initially, she relied heavily on traditional methods, like paperwork, but the Amplify programme opened her eyes to the advantages of digital tools. Despite not being very tech-savvy, she found immense value in learning how to use software for data collection and communication. This shift not only streamlined her operations but also ensured that important information was readily accessible. Wedzerai emphasises that staying updated with technological advancements is crucial, as it enhances efficiency and effectiveness in delivering services.
Finally, she encourages potential participants to take advantage of the support and financial assistance available through the programme. She acknowledges that while innovation can be costly, its long-term benefits outweigh the expense. Through using modern tools and techniques, businesses can improve their competencies, expand their reach, and make a more significant impact. She believes that joining the Amplify programme can help businesses grow while creating a community where people look after one another, ultimately saving lives and creating a more supportive and effective healthcare environment.
