the hot seat
Andy Winterburgh, Managing Director, Witan Jardine
Witan Jardine (www.witanjardine.co.uk) is one of the most established and recognisable names in the London recruitment market and one of the Sunday Times 100 Best Small Companies to work for 2007. Specialising in Accountancy, Tax, Risk, Operations & Middle Office and Marketing recruitment, Witan Jardine has been successfully working with businesses and jobseekers since 1979. Witan Jardine has based its growth on providing its customers with the highest possible standards of service and integrity and by providing an environment in which individuals with commitment, passion and integrity can really thrive.
What was your first job?
I did a variety of jobs through School and University, but I guess my first “proper” job, was as a Trainee Recruitment Consultant at Witan Jardine.
What attracted you to the recruitment sector?
I was attracted by the idea of helping talented people and quality companies either develop their careers or their businesses. I also really liked the direct correlation between the amount of success you were having and the amount of reward you'd achieve.
What advice would you give to Consultants starting their recruitment career?
1. Listen to your clients and candidates so you can fully understand their needs. 2. Never deviate from the truth. If the advice you’re offering is going to be accepted, people need to know that your word is absolutely reliable.
Who do you most admire?
In the business world, Allan Leighton has had a brilliant career starting at Mars Confectionery as a Salesman in 1974, he was appointed Chief Executive of ASDA in 1996 and he’s currently Chairman of the Post Office amongst other Non-Exec roles. There are lots of management speakers out there who can make things unnecessarily complicated. Allan isn’t one of them. He has a refreshingly common sense approach and believes in focusing on two things: your colleagues and your clients. In a business like Witan Jardine that makes a lot of sense, I know if I look after those two things the results will follow.
What’s your greatest financial indulgence?
I went Heli-skiing with friends in Canada last year, which was a bit of an indulgence, but was the most fun I’ve ever had!
What do you drive?
I live in Islington and work in Holborn, so either walk or take the Tube to work. That meant leaving my car sat outside my house 5 days a week and taking it for an occasional run at the weekends, which didn’t really make much sense. As a result, earlier this year in part for practical and in part for environmental reasons I joined Street Car and the Classic Car Club. Between the two of them I can either get a practical run-around to nip to the shops or something more interesting if I fancy having a bit of fun!
What gadget can’t you live without?
I’d find it hard to live without my iPod, which just goes to show how quickly the world is changing. Five years ago who would have thought they’d need to take their entire music collection with them whenever they left the house?
How do you relax?
I live quite close to the Regents Canal, which looks fantastic in the early morning sun (when there is some). I find running by the water is a great way to clear my thoughts and relax.
