With a commitment to prioritizing people and maintaining service excellence since its inception in 2018, Somnium Recruitment has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the staffing industry by providing second chances and building a better future for all.
Established by Chris Mapp, Co-owner and Director in 2018 and later joined by Gemma Downing as Co-owner and Director in 2021, Somnium Recruitment is headquartered in Eversholt, England. The company was founded with the goal of streamlining processes and removing bureaucratic hurdles. Specializing in contract and permanent recruitment across multiple sectors in the UK, including finance and accounting, sales and marketing, human resources, and office support, Somnium Recruitment is dedicated to delivering efficient and reliable recruitment solutions.
Both Mapp and Downing’s journey from disillusionment at a conventional recruitment firm to the creation of Somnium speaks volumes about the company’s core values.
Reflecting on their past frustrations; “We’ve been there – trapped in a corporate maze where innovation was stifled by red tape. We knew we had to break free and make a real impact.”
And that’s exactly what they did.
Transforming Potential into Progress
But what truly sets Somnium Recruitment apart is its willingness to go above and beyond and provide individuals with opportunities to start anew, a sentiment echoed by business projects and transformation manager and Somnium’s first employee, Samantha Marshall.
Marshall, who transitioned from the aviation sector to staffing, believes joining Somnium has been the best decision of her life.
“This is my first role in staffing. Taking a leap of faith, I knew my strengths and skills, but I was uncertain where I would fit. The company recognized my potential and welcomed me with open arms. Frankly, I desperately wanted to help people like myself —people who know their worth but are seeking their niche to shine in the world,” she says.
Shared Vision and Values
Mapp credits Co-owner and Director Gemma Downing for spearheading the remodelling of the company’s vision and strategy while instilling a set of aligned values, which has propelled Somnium to achieve 600% growth over the past three years.
“We now boast a well-defined vision and strategy. There are abundant growth opportunities for our candidates, clients, and employees. Trust me, we’re only just getting started,” Mapp asserts.
That’s the level of shared support ingrained within the organization, notes Marshall.
“As Somnium’s first employee, I understood the impetus behind its creation. However, I yearned for personal growth. Somnium didn’t just recognize my value; they invested in my development,” she explains.
Marshall’s development journey with Somnium also included enrolling her in a year-long course with a life coach.
“How many companies prioritize employee development to this extent? That investment in my growth reaffirmed my value,” Marshall says.
Upholding High Standards
While other companies prioritize numbers, Somnium believes in upholding high standards in all operational aspects.
“We prioritize our employees’ well-being and professional advancement in both the short and long term. Recruitment can be arduous, and it’s imperative that individuals thrive in our environment. From the client’s perspective, we operate as an ethical recruitment business dedicated to doing things correctly. We don’t believe in cutting corners. Our ethos revolves around promoting growth rather than merely filling positions,” Downing explains.
“Whether it’s identifying gaps in the market, conducting salary reviews, or hosting seminars on industry trends, we consistently provide value-added services to the clients,” she says.
For talent specialist Graham Bramwell, who joined Somnium Recruitment in January 2024, it’s this attention to detail and adherence to high standards that differentiates Somnium from the rest.
“We don’t simply engage with any organization. When we collaborate, we ensure they not only align with our values proposition but also exemplify them, offering a quality of service that’s distinct from others and affording them the attention and respect they deserve,” he shares.
Ensuring Flexibility and Team-Building
Another hallmark of Somnium that makes it the Best Staffing Firm to Work For is its deep-rooted focus on transparency, flexibility, and collective well-being.
“Recruitment is no easy feat, and our management recognizes this reality. They have gone the extra mile by establishing an open door policy where every team member can connect with management, not just for discussions but to actively pursue their goals,” Marshall shares.
Aligned with the devotion to promoting work-life balance, the company has implemented a one-day remote work policy, acknowledging the evolving landscape post-Covid. This initiative grants employees the rejuvenation they need while maintaining productivity.
“The post-Covid work environment has undergone a seismic shift, benefitting us as we’ve long advocated for remote work options,” Mapp says.
“Open dialogue and transparent communication have enabled our staff, many of whom are new to recruitment, to express their needs honestly,” he says.
Despite this flexibility, Somnium maintains a strong sense of camaraderie through team-building activities and outings.
The spirit of collaborative success runs deep, resonating with all team members, not just the management.
“Success isn’t synonymous with ruthless competition. You don’t have to be cutthroat to be successful. One can be successful by uplifting others along the way,” Bramwell says.
More than Recognition: A Commitment to Progress
For Downing, being named the Best Staffing Firm to Work For is not just an accolade but a reaffirmation of Somnium’s dedication to its mission. “This achievement further solidifies our position in the market and is a step toward building a brighter tomorrow.”