I’m Neil, I’ve been recruiting for over five years and I genuinely love recruitment - specifically working with individuals from Graduate level through to CFO, to find their new role in the Thames Valley.
You were in Real Estate before moving into recruitment – what enticed you to make the career change?
I had a friend in the family who was in recruitment who had always asked me to meet him for a chat, eventually I gave in. I spent 13 years in estate agency and felt it was time for a change in career so went from helping people find their dream home, to finding their dream job!! Now I'm in my 6th year covering accountancy and finance and love everyday.
What three things attracted you to join Marks Sattin to lead our Reading team?
The MS brand had always been strong in the Thames valley, well respected and one I would always come up against during my early days in recruitment.
The people, everyone I met on my interview journey with Marks Sattin always left their ego at the door, from Pres my director, Ali and Matt - despite being with the company for 18 years plus and being in high level roles I always got the impression they were genuine, nice people, good at what they do but with no god complex! It struck me as a place I could learn from some really experienced, polished individuals.
The challenge, growing the TV office to a point of being market leaders again was a big draw to be, having the autonomy to do that and hire who I wanted.
Tell us about one of your fondest memories working with us so far?
Hard one, Directors cut was a great day out, meeting some of the individuals from the wider business in an informal setting was great, losing all my money on the horses was probably not so great. I've enjoyed visiting the team in London, the last company meet up we had in Canary Wharf was also a brilliant day :)
What are your growth plans for the team in Reading?
Approaching 2025 cautiously but quietly optimistic. We now have a good solid team as a foundation, I'll be concentrating on senior qualified roles, Oli newly qualified and qualified, Clare's leading the charge on the temporary division and Milly joins us looking after the transactional and part qualified market. Plan is to move into a bigger office in q1 which will be great, continue to build on the foundations and possibly look to grow the team further as we head into the second half of the year.
What advice do you have for a consultant considering joining team Reading?
We want to work with genuine people, hard working people, we are all about collaboration and doing the right thing, even if that means having to play the long game for a win.
