the hot seat
Claire Owen, Managing Director, The SG Group
The SG Group, who specialise in Marketing Recruitment, are proud to say they aren't your typical recruitment company. In 1993, Claire Owen set out to challenge the conventions of traditional recruitment by creating a place that cared equally for clients, candidates and employees. They are matchmakers not brokers, guided by their hearts as much as their heads. The SG Group work according to a set of values rather than processes and because they're independent, they're not driven by the financial bottom line.
What was your first job?
I've worked for as long as I can remember, but I think my first job was cooking in a cafe from 6pm - 7pm followed by washing up downstairs in the Pizza restaurant - I probably did this two nights a week. I then progressed to a Saturday job running a fruit and veg shop followed by a stint at BHS! But my first 'proper' job after my degree was in as and Account Exec in a Sales Promotion agency called FKB.
What attracted you to the recruitment sector?
Circumstances! And in fact I was never attracted to it as such, but having been made redundant when the marketing agency I was working for went into receivership and I had a baby and a large mortgage I needed a job! Rather than go and work for someone else, I provided a 'stopgap' for my client who, due to the agency closing down, needed help finishing off a trade promotion. I then saw an opportunity to provide other clients with a 'stopgap marketing' service, and shortly after realised what I was offering was a recruitment service.
What advice would you give to Consultants starting their recruitment career?
Be careful about who you work for and make sure their motivations match yours. Don't be put off if one culture isn't right, there are many, many different styles of agencies out there, you just have to find one that suit you.
What's the greatest challenge facing your business now?
The Internet. It gives greater access to candidates looking for jobs which means a) they don't need to limit their job search to business's like ours and b) people can very easily apply for jobs who are not right which adds a huge administrative burden to handle them in the way we like to.
Who would you want with you on a desert island?
Bill, my future husband. I know this might sound a bit slushy, but there is nobody else who I can happily spend 24 hours a day with 7 days a week!
What's your worst habit and how have you overcome it?
Getting excited about a new idea but not been great at following it through. I still haven't overcome this totally, but luckily I have a fantastic team who can pick up on the ideas, consider them with a rational and objective head, and if they also think they are great, take them through to completion.
What's been your best business decision?
To buy the properties that we occupy. Why pay rent to a landlord when you can be paying off a mortgage??
What's been your biggest regret?
Not learning to play golf earlier in life. It's a fantastic game, as a relative beginner it can be hugely frustrating - first 9 holes are brilliant and the back 9 a disaster! I know that every golfer has bad holes, but not as many as I had last week!!
What's your greatest financial indulgence?
I suppose this would have to be eating out in great restaurants. Last month we had lunch at Heston Blumental's Fat Duck - a totally amazing but somewhat extravagant experience - I highly recommend the 5 hour lunch!!
What do you drive?
I drive one of three cars - one fun and environmentally friendly, one practical and one very special. My fun and environmentally friendly car is a Smart for two which just goes for miles and miles on a £20 tank. My practical car is a VW Touran which can carry the kids and their friends as well as tow a trailer full of horse manure (I have three horses). My special car is a silver (with red leather interior) 1961 Aston Martin DB4 Mark 11 which belonged to my grandfather. I bought it back into the family two years ago and every minute driving it is a total delight.
What time do you start work?
Nowadays I have the luxury of only working three days a week. But on these days, if I'm in the office I'll usually be there by 8.15am and will leave about 7pm.
How do you relax?
By indulging in my three favorite pastimes: 1) Playing golf - I started just over a year ago and am completely hooked, 2) Riding my horses across Epsom Downs and 3) Eating good food and drinking great wine - a perfect end to a day.
