- How long have you been in recruitment?
Coming up to 11 years now. I started in April 2013. I spent 6 Years working in the Fenestration industry, supporting Window and Door manufacturers and now 5 years running SFR 😊
- What product sectors do you cover?
We set up SFR almost 5 years ago and have been working alongside the Ironmongery, door and access controls product sectors. We have seen an increase in businesses building teams to support the sales of electronic locking and access control solutions. In the last few years we have also noticed the importance that businesses put on marketing and finding specific skills and experience when recruiting.
- Tell us about your first recruitment placement?
Interestingly I have come full circle really as my first placement was with an ironmongery supplier by the name of Basta Parsons, a business based in Northern Ireland but supplied the UK merchants and hardware stores. I recruited a northern area sales manager. Sadly they are no longer in business but are remembered fondly by many in the industry.
- What’s the most enjoyable part of the job?
Building relationships. Without a doubt getting to know people. Understand how we can help, if we can help.
- What’s the biggest challenge you face currently?
Like many businesses there has never been more challenges, the last 2 years have been totally mad, just when we thought the pandemic was over, who would have known that to follow would be Putin’s war, the fuel and energy crisis, Government instability, rising interest rates and the highest inflation on record since 1982! It’s more difficult to attract talent at the moment, before I would easily get 5 suitable candidates to put forward, but more recently it’s a challenge to find 2-3 potential candidates. But I love what I do, and there is nothing more rewarding than finding someone their next career move and finding clients the perfect candidate! I get the ‘feeling’ when we’ve found ‘the one’ you just know!
- Tell us an interesting thing about yourself!
I don’t feel very interesting at all and that question always stumps me! It’s funny as i’m sure candidates are asked that question all the time in interviews! I have three children aged 5, 8 and 13 that keep me busy! Nowadays, I live for my kids and, although some of my interests have gone on the backburner with family and work, I do love running and my son now runs with me too! I am also an iced coffee addict and frequently found in Costa!
