the hot seat

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What was your first job?

Like most of us, I had loads of different jobs whilst still at school and then University but I think the very first was actually working in a sausage factory. I like to think that there is absolutely no association between staring at sausages all day and my first career-orientated job as a personnel officer.

What advice would you give to Consultants starting their recruitment career?

Building successful businesses is all about thinking long term and not just about short-term gains. Build relationships with everyone – your clients, candidates and your colleagues - and don't just think about the more immediate transactions and quick wins.

What's the greatest challenge facing your business now?

That’s easy. We’re a service industry and that 'means what is says on the tin’. Provide the best possible service and that means finding the highest possible calibre consultants to grow the business.

What is the main key performance indicator that you monitor in your business?

There’s a growing tendency for people to hide behind email and the phone these days. There is absolutely no substitute for getting out there and spending face-to-face time with clients and candidates.

What's been your best business decision?

The best thing we ever did at Digby Morgan was to ‘stick to our knitting’ and become a niche player. We were all specialist HR professionals and had been tempted into other areas. Going back to our roots all those years ago has enabled us to become the largest specialist HR search and selection consultancy.

What do you drive?

Porsche 911 4S Cabriolet. My forth Porsche – though the new Ferrari 599 looks absolutely wonderful…