Get To Know Prospect Personnel
Why did you set up Prospect Personnel?
Both of us have been in recruitment for many years (too many to mention!) working for well-established independent and national agencies, and we have been friends for over 20 years. The idea of the business formed over a coffee soon after both of our youngest daughters were born. Fed up with how the industry was going, high sales targets and pressure from above to work quickly we wanted to use our skills and expertise and do things our way, which is customer service and results orientated led.
How have things changed since you opened?
We started in June 2010 with a lap top laptop and a mobile phone,phone; butterflies in our tummies and determination in our hearts, we now have a lovely office at the Innovation Centre and a loyal client and candidate base.
What is unique about Prospect Personnel?
Our service. We really care about each and every job that we recruit for and every candidate we register, even if we meet a candidate who we can’t help to find a job we offer them advice and support.
Another unique feature is we offer a 6 month guarantee on our placements. We are so confident in our ability to match the right person into the right job that we offer a free of charge replacement – should the candidate leave a job within 6 months. Since we started this in 2010 other agencies have cottoned on and are starting to offer similar guarantees so I guess you could call us trailblazers!
How do you find living and working in the Banbury area?
We think this is a great area in which to live and work, we’re surrounded by beautiful open countryside and have great transport links. Unemployment wise we are and have been more sheltered from the effects of the recession than other area of the UK and things are certainly on the up.
What is the secret to building a good business?
A lot of hard work and planning, passion about your business and providing a service second to none to you customers, a pinch of luck and a lot of guts
How do you relax outside of work?
Sarah – With running a business and two children to look after I don’t get much spare time but when I do I love to spend the day with my family (a long walk and a roast on a Sunday is a favourite). I also love to travel when I get the chance, St Ives in Cornwall is a favourite place of mine where I love to surf and visit the art galleries (and sample the pasties and cider of course!)
Sharon -After a busy day at work I enjoy going to classes at the gym, running (weather permitting!) and at weekends taking the children out for long walks in the countryside. I have been known to also be a bit of an adrenaline junkie in the past and have enjoyed windsurfing in the open sea and have even jumped out of a plane- you wouldn’t catch me doing that these days though!
Do you have a motto for life and for business?
Sarah – Always be open and honest whatever the situation even if you have to deliver bad news to someone, a candidate who hasn’t got the job for instance, just take a deep breath, call them up and give them the honest feedback. Also never give up, if at first you don’t succeed try and try again.
Sharon – Treat others how you would like to be treated yourself, this motto has served me well all of my life both personally and in business
How would you describe the Prospect Personnel team in three words?
Dedicated, honest and friendly
