Sustained Corporate Growth and Business Expansion
First written in FY2016. 26 of 37 entries say "Advanced", first in FY2017-Q1. Latest entry: FY2026.
3 other companies' latest entry also says "Other".
- FY2026Revenue Declined Following Sale of UK Business, but Margins and Operating Profit ImprovedAnnual report
「Revenue for the fiscal year was ¥167,483 million, down 10.9% from the previous fiscal year. Although A7 Holdings Co., Ltd. and 2 other companies consolidated as subsidiaries during the fiscal year contributed to results, the decline was mainly due to the significant loss of revenue following the sale of the UK business in the previous fiscal year as part of the optimization of the business portfolio.」
Although revenue declined due to the sale of the UK business, the gross margin rose to 27.6% through a shift toward higher-value-added projects and profitability improvement measures, and operating profit was ¥16,695 million, up 2.8% year on year. - FY2026-H1Lower revenue and higher margins following portfolio optimizationAnnual report
「Revenue for the six-month period was ¥83,572 million, down 17.3% year on year. Although IR Co., Ltd., which was consolidated as a subsidiary in the previous fiscal year, contributed to results, revenue declined mainly because of the loss of revenue following the sale of the UK business in the previous fiscal year as part of the optimization of the business portfolio. Gross profit declined to ¥23,146 million, down 6.5% year on year, mainly due to the sale of the UK business, but the gross margin rose 3.2 percentage points to 27.7%. Although personnel expenses and costs related to productivity improvements increased, the Group restrained recruitment expenses and pursued efficient cost management. As a result, operating profit was ¥9,057 million, up 1.0% year on year, and interim profit attributable to owners of the parent was ¥6,483 million, up 10.2%.」
The sale of the UK business reduced revenue by 17.3% year on year, while the gross margin rose 3.2 percentage points to 27.7%; operating profit increased 1.0% and interim profit attributable to owners of the parent increased 10.2% due to restrained recruitment expenses and cost management. - FY2025-H1AdvancedAnnual report
「Revenue for the six-month period was ¥101,037 million, up 18.8% year on year. This was mainly due to growth in the number of personnel working in the machinery and electrical equipment, IT and construction fields and higher overseas revenue due to foreign exchange effects and other factors. On the profit side, business profit was ¥8,823 million, up 19.9% year on year, operating profit was ¥8,970 million, up 13.4%, and interim profit attributable to owners of the parent was ¥5,884 million, up 10.0%, as the ratios of gross profit and recurring selling, general and administrative expenses to revenue were maintained.」
Growth in the number of personnel working in the machinery and electrical equipment, IT and construction fields, together with foreign exchange effects in the overseas field, resulted in revenue of ¥101,037 million, up 18.8% year on year. Business profit, operating profit and interim profit attributable to owners of the parent also exceeded the prior-year period. - FY2024AdvancedAnnual report
「Revenue for the fiscal year was ¥173,225 million, up 14.9% year on year. This was mainly due to growth in headcount and generally high operating rates in the machinery and electrical equipment, IT and construction fields, higher revenue in the overseas field due to foreign exchange effects and other factors, and the contribution from the results of 2 companies consolidated as subsidiaries on 1 April 2024.」
Trends in headcount and operating rates in the machinery and electrical equipment, IT and construction fields, foreign exchange effects in the overseas field and the consolidation of 2 companies as subsidiaries in April 2024 resulted in revenue of ¥173,225 million, up 14.9% year on year. - FY2024-Q3AdvancedAnnual report
「Revenue for the cumulative third quarter was ¥126,668 million, up 13.3% year on year. This was mainly due to growth in headcount and generally high operating rates in the machinery and electrical equipment, IT and construction fields, together with higher revenue in the overseas field due to foreign exchange effects and other factors.」
On a continuing-operations basis excluding discontinued operations, revenue was ¥126,668 million, up 13.3% year on year, driven by trends in headcount and operating rates in the machinery and electrical equipment, IT and construction fields and foreign exchange effects in the overseas field. - FY2024-Q2AdvancedAnnual report
「Revenue for the cumulative second quarter was ¥85,053 million, up 13.5% year on year. This was mainly due to growth in headcount and generally high operating rates in the machinery and electrical equipment, IT and construction fields, together with higher revenue in the overseas field due to foreign exchange effects.」
Growth in headcount and operating rates in the machinery and electrical equipment, IT and construction fields, together with foreign exchange effects, resulted in revenue of ¥85,053 million, up 13.5% year on year. - FY2024-Q1AdvancedAnnual report
「Revenue for the cumulative first quarter was ¥43,996 million, up 12.8% year on year. This was mainly due to growth in headcount and generally high operating rates in the machinery and electrical equipment, IT and construction fields.」
Growth in headcount and high operating rates in the machinery and electrical equipment, IT and construction fields resulted in revenue of ¥43,996 million, up 12.8% year on year. - FY2023AdvancedAnnual report
「Revenue for the fiscal year was ¥161,689 million, up 8.8% year on year. On the profit side, recruitment costs rose across the fields as labor supply tightened after COVID-19, but overall margins improved due to higher staffing rates, improved operating productivity and a higher revenue mix of more profitable fields.」
Growth in the machinery and electrical equipment, IT, construction and manufacturing fields offset the decline in the overseas field, resulting in revenue of ¥161,689 million, up 8.8% year on year. - FY2023-Q3AdvancedAnnual report
「Revenue for the cumulative third quarter was ¥119,921 million, up 8.3% year on year. This was mainly due to growth in headcount and generally strong operating rates in the machinery and electrical equipment, IT, construction and manufacturing fields. On the profit side, although recruitment expenses increased, profitability improved overall due to higher unit prices, increased operating rates and the absence of one-time expenses such as amortization of PPA-related intangible assets incurred in the previous fiscal year. Consequently, business profit was ¥10,362 million, up 28.8% year on year, operating profit was ¥11,286 million, up 22.0%, and quarterly profit attributable to owners of the parent was ¥7,821 million, up 24.3%.」
Growth in headcount and strong operating rates in the machinery and electrical equipment, IT, construction and manufacturing fields, together with higher unit prices and the absence of one-time expenses, resulted in revenue up 8.3% year on year, business profit up 28.8% and operating profit up 22.0%. - FY2023-Q2AdvancedAnnual report
「Revenue for the cumulative second quarter was ¥80,343 million, up 7.9% year on year. This was mainly due to growth in headcount and generally strong operating rates in the machinery and electrical equipment, IT, construction and manufacturing fields. On the profit side, although recruitment expenses increased, profitability improved overall due to higher unit prices, increased operating rates and the absence of one-time expenses such as amortization of PPA-related intangible assets incurred in the previous fiscal year. Consequently, business profit was ¥6,957 million, up 31.2% year on year, operating profit was ¥7,642 million, up 20.3%, and quarterly profit attributable to owners of the parent was ¥5,264 million, up 25.2%.」
Growth in headcount and operating rates across the machinery and electrical equipment, IT, construction and manufacturing fields resulted in revenue up 7.9% year on year, business profit up 31.2% and operating profit up 20.3%. - FY2023-Q1AdvancedAnnual report
「Revenue for the cumulative first quarter was ¥38,993 million, up 6.7% year on year. This was mainly due to growth in headcount and generally strong operating rates in the machinery and electrical equipment, IT, construction and manufacturing fields. On the profit side, although recruitment expenses increased, profitability improved overall due to higher unit prices, increased operating rates and the absence of one-time expenses such as PPA amortization incurred in the previous fiscal year. Consequently, business profit was ¥3,021 million, up 44.7% year on year, operating profit was ¥3,337 million, up 27.8%, and quarterly profit attributable to owners of the parent was ¥2,122 million, up 37.1%.」
Growth in headcount and operating rates in the machinery and electrical equipment, IT, construction and manufacturing fields resulted in revenue of ¥38,993 million and operating profit of ¥3,337 million. - FY2022AdvancedAnnual report
「Revenue for the fiscal year was ¥148,573 million, up 50.2% year on year. The main factors were the full-year contribution from the former Yumeshin Holdings businesses, which joined the Group through the business integration on 1 April 2021, in the machinery and electrical equipment, IT and construction fields, and growth in the manufacturing business amid an economic recovery.」
The full-year contribution from the machinery and electrical equipment, IT and construction fields through the integration, together with the recovery in manufacturing conditions, resulted in revenue of ¥148,573 million, up 50.2% year on year. - FY2022-Q3AdvancedAnnual report
「Revenue for the cumulative third quarter was ¥118,743 million, up 99.7% year on year. This increase was mainly due to the addition of the former Yumeshin Holdings businesses to the Group's results in the machinery and electrical equipment, IT and construction fields following the business integration on 1 April 2021, together with the end of the impact of COVID-19, mainly in the UK, and the recognition of 12 months of results following the change in the fiscal year-end. On the profit side, profit increased due to the integration and higher revenue, but amortization of goodwill arising from the integration and intangible assets recognized through purchase price allocation was recorded mainly in the construction field. As a result, operating profit was ¥4,884 million, up 43.2% year on year, ordinary profit was ¥5,899 million, up 33.3%, and profit attributable to owners of the parent was ¥3,220 million, up 12.1%.」
The addition of business fields through the integration, recovery from the impact on the UK business and recognition of 12 months of results following the change in the fiscal year-end resulted in revenue of ¥118,743 million, up 99.7% year on year. Operating profit, ordinary profit and profit attributable to owners of the parent also exceeded the prior-year period. - FY2022-Q2AdvancedAnnual report
「Revenue for the cumulative second quarter was ¥82,515 million, up 119.7% year on year. This increase was mainly due to the addition of the former Yumeshin Holdings businesses to the Group's results in the machinery and electrical equipment, IT and construction fields following the business integration on 1 April 2021, together with the end of the impact of COVID-19, mainly in the UK, and the recognition of nine months of results following the change in the fiscal year-end.」
The addition of business fields through the integration, recovery in the UK business and recognition of nine months of results following the change in the fiscal year-end resulted in revenue of ¥82,515 million, up 119.7% year on year. - FY2022-Q1AdvancedAnnual report
「The revenue increase was mainly due to the addition of the former Yumeshin Holdings businesses to the Group's results in the machinery and electrical equipment, IT and construction fields following the business integration on 1 April 2021, higher revenue in the manufacturing field as manufacturers' demand recovered, and the end of the impact of COVID-19, mainly in the UK, together with the recognition of six months of results following the change in the fiscal year-end. On the profit side, profit increased due to the integration and higher revenue, but amortization of goodwill arising from the integration and intangible assets recognized through PPA was recorded mainly in the construction field. As a result, operating profit was ¥1,024 million, up 19.6% year on year, ordinary profit was ¥1,277 million, up 26.8%, and profit attributable to owners of the parent was ¥843 million, up 42.8%.」
The addition of the machinery and electrical equipment, IT and construction fields through the business integration, recovery in manufacturing demand and recovery in the UK business resulted in quarterly revenue of ¥44,600 million, with operating profit up 19.6% year on year. - FY2021Revenue growth from the business integration, but lower operating profitAnnual report
「As a result, revenue was ¥95,110 million, up 16.3% year on year, operating profit was ¥3,356 million, down 28.1%, ordinary profit was ¥4,935 million, up 3.4%, and profit attributable to owners of the parent was ¥2,611 million, up 95.5%.」
The business integration with Yumeshin Holdings increased revenue, while amortization of goodwill and PPA-related expenses and one-time integration costs reduced operating profit. - FY2021-Q3Cumulative revenue and operating profit declined, but ordinary profit increased and net profit surged due to subsidies and other itemsAnnual report
「Revenue for the cumulative third quarter was ¥59,453 million, down 5.0% year on year. Revenue in the technical field declined only slightly, while revenue in the overseas field also fell, although signs of recovery from COVID-19 were emerging. On the profit side, operating profit was ¥3,409 million, down 18.5% year on year, reflecting the significant impact of the low operating rate in the technical field during the first quarter. However, ordinary profit rose 6.9% to ¥4,426 million and profit attributable to owners of the parent rose 171.6% to ¥2,872 million, as non-operating income increased due to receipt of employment adjustment subsidies and other items.」
Cumulative revenue fell 5.0% year on year and operating profit fell 18.5%, while ordinary profit rose 6.9% and profit attributable to owners of the parent rose 171.6% due to employment adjustment subsidies and other items. The overseas business is also showing signs of recovery. - FY2021-Q2Lower revenue and operating profit, but higher ordinary profit due to subsidiesAnnual report
「Revenue for the cumulative second quarter was ¥37,563 million, down 8.1% year on year. Although revenue in the technical field declined only slightly, revenue in the manufacturing and overseas fields fell sharply due to worsening market conditions caused by COVID-19. On the profit side, operating profit was ¥2,300 million, down 16.1% year on year, reflecting the significant impact of the low operating rate in the technical field during the first quarter. However, ordinary profit rose 2.2% to ¥2,778 million and profit attributable to owners of the parent rose 8.9% to ¥1,796 million, as non-operating income increased due to receipt of employment adjustment subsidies and other items.」
While revenue and operating profit fell below the prior-year period due to COVID-19, ordinary profit and profit attributable to owners of the parent exceeded the prior-year period due to employment adjustment subsidies and other items. - FY2021-Q1Quarterly revenue and profit declined amid COVID-19Annual report
「Revenue for the cumulative first quarter was ¥17,743 million, down 12.9% year on year. Although revenue in the technical field declined only slightly, revenue in the manufacturing and overseas fields fell sharply due to worsening market conditions amid COVID-19. On the profit side, the operating rate also declined in the technical field, resulting in operating profit of ¥856 million, down 33.0% year on year, ordinary profit of ¥1,007 million, down 18.5%, and profit attributable to owners of the parent of ¥590 million, down 21.6%.」
In addition to the sharp revenue declines in the manufacturing and overseas fields due to COVID-19, the operating rate in the technical field also declined, leaving revenue, operating profit, ordinary profit and profit attributable to owners of the parent below the prior-year period. - FY2020Full-year slight revenue growth, lower profit and impairment confirmedAnnual report
「Under these conditions, revenue increased slightly year on year due to the growth in employee headcount, but profit at each level fell below the previous fiscal year as the COVID-19 pandemic led customer companies to request postponement of personnel assignments and temporary closures, reducing operating hours and operating rates. In the UK overseas business, the Group revised its projected future earnings due to the impact on operations of the spread of COVID-19 in addition to Brexit, and recorded an impairment loss on goodwill of ¥1,165 million as an extraordinary loss. Consequently, revenue was ¥81,755 million, up 0.2% year on year, operating profit was ¥4,666 million, down 18.4%, ordinary profit was ¥4,771 million, down 14.9%, and profit attributable to owners of the parent was ¥1,335 million, down 64.0%.」
For the full year, revenue rose only 0.2% year on year, while operating profit fell 18.4%, ordinary profit fell 14.9%, and profit attributable to owners of the parent fell 64.0%; an impairment loss on goodwill in the UK business of ¥1,165 million was also recorded. - FY2020-Q3Slight revenue growth but lower profit, with a sharp decline in net profit due to impairmentAnnual report
「The cumulative third quarter was a period of significant change in the business environment surrounding the Group. In Japan, demand for personnel in the automotive sector began to change around summer 2019, resulting in shorter overtime hours and short-term budget adjustments. Meanwhile, demand for semiconductor personnel, which had stagnated due mainly to US-China trade issues, gradually began to recover, while demand for IT software engineers remained strong. By strengthening recruitment and training in these fields, the Group increased its employee headcount. However, the global impact of COVID-19 was becoming apparent not only in corporate activity but also in social activity, and the Group's businesses, initially in China and gradually in Japan, began to be affected. Under these conditions, revenue increased slightly year on year due to the growth in employee headcount, but profit at each level was below the prior-year period as the operating rate declined year on year. In the UK business, the Group recorded an impairment loss on goodwill as an extraordinary loss because the impact of COVID-19 was added to that of Brexit. Revenue was ¥62,605 million, up 1.9% year on year, operating profit was ¥4,183 million, down 5.6%, ordinary profit was ¥4,142 million, down 5.5%, and profit attributable to owners of the parent was ¥1,057 million, down 63.5%.」
Revenue rose slightly by 1.9% year on year, while operating profit fell 5.6%, ordinary profit fell 5.5%, and profit attributable to owners of the parent fell 63.5% due to impairment losses and other factors. - FY2020-Q2Slight revenue growth but lower profitAnnual report
「During the cumulative second quarter, revenue was ¥40,889 million, up 1.6% year on year, as the number of operating days declined as initially expected in the technical and manufacturing fields and growth in the number of personnel on assignment was limited. In addition, ¥75 million in acquisition expenses related to the consolidation of Axis Create Co., Ltd. and 2 other companies in November 2019 was recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. Consequently, operating profit was ¥2,741 million, down 11.2% year on year, ordinary profit was ¥2,718 million, down 11.0%, and profit attributable to owners of the parent was ¥1,648 million, down 17.0%.」
Fewer operating days and limited growth in personnel on assignment in the technical and manufacturing fields, together with acquisition expenses, limited revenue growth to 1.6% year on year and reduced operating profit, ordinary profit and profit attributable to owners of the parent. - FY2020-Q1AdvancedAnnual report
「Revenue for the cumulative first quarter was ¥20,366 million, up 8.8% year on year. Higher profit in the core technical segment and the absence of one-time expenses related to the consolidation of Quattro Group Holdings Limited in the overseas business resulted in operating profit of ¥1,278 million, up 20.4% year on year, ordinary profit of ¥1,236 million, up 15.5%, and profit attributable to owners of the parent of ¥753 million, up 13.3%.」
Higher profit in the technical segment and the absence of one-time expenses in the overseas business resulted in revenue of ¥20,366 million, operating profit of ¥1,278 million, ordinary profit of ¥1,236 million and profit attributable to owners of the parent of ¥753 million. - FY2019AdvancedAnnual report
「Revenue for the fiscal year was ¥81,596 million, up 24.8% year on year. This was mainly due to continued strong growth in the technical field, together with the full-year contribution from Quattro Group Holdings Limited, a UK staffing company whose shares were newly acquired during the first quarter, and Gap Personnel Holdings Limited, a UK staffing company whose shares were acquired in the previous fiscal year.」
Growth in the technical field and the full-year contribution from the UK subsidiaries resulted in revenue of ¥81,596 million, up 24.8% year on year. - FY2019-Q3AdvancedAnnual report
「Revenue for the cumulative third quarter was ¥61,447 million, up 29.5% year on year. During the cumulative third quarter, continued higher profit in the core technical segment and improved profitability in the overseas segment resulted in operating profit of ¥4,474 million, up 41.2% year on year, ordinary profit of ¥4,428 million, up 41.8%, and profit attributable to owners of the parent of ¥2,926 million, up 73.1%.」
Higher profit in the technical segment and improved profitability in the overseas segment resulted in revenue of ¥61,447 million, operating profit of ¥4,474 million, ordinary profit of ¥4,428 million and profit attributable to owners of the parent of ¥2,926 million. - FY2019-Q2AdvancedAnnual report
「During the cumulative second quarter, higher profit in the core technical segment and improved profitability in the overseas segment resulted in operating profit of ¥3,112 million, up 40.8% year on year, ordinary profit of ¥3,079 million, up 39.9%, and profit attributable to owners of the parent of ¥2,000 million, up 52.4%.」
Higher profit in the technical segment and improved profitability in the overseas segment resulted in operating profit of ¥3,112 million, ordinary profit of ¥3,079 million and profit attributable to owners of the parent of ¥2,000 million. - FY2019-Q1AdvancedAnnual report
「Revenue for the cumulative first quarter was ¥18,717 million, up 56.3% year on year.」
Quarterly revenue rose 56.3% year on year, driven by overseas business expansion, including the consolidation of Quattro Group Holdings Limited, and higher profit in the core technical segment. - FY2018-Q3AdvancedAnnual report
「Revenue for the cumulative third quarter ended 31 March 2018 was ¥47,466 million, up 52.3% year on year. This was mainly due to continued strong growth in the technical field, together with the contribution from 1998 Holdings Limited, which owns a UK staffing company whose shares were newly acquired during the second quarter.」
Strong growth in the technical field and the contribution from 1998 Holdings Limited resulted in revenue of ¥47,466 million, up 52.3% year on year. - FY2018-Q2AdvancedAnnual report
「Revenue for the cumulative second quarter ended 31 December 2017 was ¥29,676 million, up 45.0% year on year. This was mainly due to continued strong growth in the technical field, together with the contribution from 1998 Holdings Limited, which owns a UK staffing company whose shares were newly acquired during the cumulative second quarter.」
Continued growth in the technical field and the beginning of 1998 Holdings Limited's contribution resulted in revenue of ¥29,676 million, up 45.0% year on year. - FY2018-Q1AdvancedAnnual report
「Amid these conditions, the Group captured demand from manufacturers for staffing services and actively and continuously recruited and placed personnel. In the previous fiscal year, it promoted business expansion and the establishment of a stronger operating base, including M&A, based on its medium-term growth strategy. During the cumulative first quarter, the Group captured rising demand for personnel, and growth in the technical field drove overall performance, resulting in revenue of ¥11,977 million, up 16.6% year on year. In addition, profit increased across segments, while the prior-year first quarter had included one-time expenses such as advisory fees related to M&A. As a result, operating profit was ¥968 million, up 94.4%, ordinary profit was ¥978 million, up 106.0%, and profit attributable to owners of the parent was ¥612 million, up 188.2%.」
Growth in the technical field and higher profit across segments resulted in revenue of ¥11,977 million, operating profit of ¥968 million, ordinary profit of ¥978 million and profit attributable to owners of the parent of ¥612 million. - FY2017AdvancedAnnual report
「Against this backdrop, our Group captured demand from the manufacturing sector for human resources services and continued to actively and consistently recruit and assign personnel. In addition to acquiring UK staffing company MTrec Limited in August 2016 and 株式会社フュージョンアイ, which operates in the IT and software fields, as subsidiaries in March 2017, we promoted business expansion and the establishment of a business foundation based on the Group's medium-term growth strategy. As a result, revenue for the fiscal year was ¥43,035 million, up 42.8% year on year, operating profit was ¥3,220 million, up 26.3%, ordinary profit was ¥3,185 million, up 26.0%, and profit attributable to owners of the parent was ¥1,923 million, up 26.3%.」
Expanded the business through active recruitment and assignments and the acquisitions of UK-based MTrec Limited and 株式会社フュージョンアイ, generating revenue of ¥43,035 million, up 42.8% year on year. - FY2017-Q3AdvancedAnnual report
「Against this backdrop, our Group captured demand from the manufacturing sector for human resources services and continued to actively and consistently recruit and assign personnel. In addition to acquiring UK staffing company MTrec Limited in August 2016, we acquired 株式会社フュージョンアイ, which operates in the IT and software fields, as a subsidiary in March 2017. We thereby promoted business expansion and the establishment of a business foundation based on the Group's medium-term growth strategy. As a result, revenue for the nine months ended 31 March 2017 was ¥31,162 million, up 39.7% year on year, operating profit was ¥2,167 million, up 20.2%, ordinary profit was ¥2,138 million, up 19.1%, and profit attributable to owners of the parent was ¥1,277 million, up 18.0%.」
Continued active recruitment and assignments and acquired 株式会社フュージョンアイ in addition to MTrec Limited. Revenue rose 39.7% year on year to ¥31,162 million. - FY2017-Q2AdvancedAnnual report
「Against this backdrop, the Group captured demand from the manufacturing sector for human resources services and continued its proactive and ongoing efforts to recruit and place employees. In August 2016, it acquired MTrec Limited, a UK staffing company, as a subsidiary and promoted business expansion and the establishment of a business foundation based on the Group's medium-term growth strategy. As a result, revenue for the first six months of the current fiscal year was ¥20,471 million, up 40.7% year on year, operating profit was ¥1,306 million, up 18.0%, ordinary profit was ¥1,283 million, up 16.3%, and profit attributable to owners of the parent was ¥726 million, up 12.9%.」
The Group continued expanding its business through proactive hiring and placement and the acquisition of MTrec Limited, recording revenue of ¥20,471 million, up 40.7% year on year. - FY2017-Q1AdvancedAnnual report
「Against this backdrop, the Group captured demand from the manufacturing sector for human resources services and continued its proactive efforts to recruit and place employees. In August 2016, it also acquired MTrec Limited, a UK staffing company, as a subsidiary, thereby working to expand its business scope. As a result, revenue for the first quarter of the current fiscal year was ¥10,274 million, up 46.9% year on year.」
The Group expanded its business scope through proactive hiring and placement and the acquisition of MTrec Limited, with quarterly revenue rising 46.9% year on year. - FY2016First statedAnnual report
「The Group believes that, in order to achieve sustained corporate growth and further expand its business, it must continue its efforts to strengthen corporate governance, grow its business centered on the dispatch of engineers, increase hiring and employee retention, and strengthen initiatives to upgrade employee skills.」
The Group links corporate growth to engineer dispatch, hiring and retention, skills development, and stronger governance.