05 Mar 20 years of Profile Resourcing (& counting): An interview with Andy
Picture this – you escaped the Millennial bug unscathed, Sven-Göran Eriksson has just started at England, Brad and Jen are still together, and you’re just about to kick back with a Flake Snow as J.Lo comes onto Horizon Radio.
Oh, and Andy Setterfield has just launched Profile Resourcing.
Yes, it’s January 2001, and Profile Resourcing has officially opened its doors. And today, it’s looking better than ever, with 20 years of experience, clients, candidates and stories under its belt.
How has the journey been? Let’s find out by speaking with the man himself, Andy Setterfield.
Hi Andy – so 20 years, what a great achievement. What were you doing all those years ago?
I’d actually been made redundant. I’d spent years working in the banking industry, and suddenly my banking career ended and I found myself in recruitment. I opened an office just outside Milton Keynes before becoming an official MK business when we moved to Stony Stratford.
Looking back, the jump from banking to opening my own recruitment consultancy was smooth and straightforward, but I’m sure I felt differently at the time!
How have the past 20 years been, and how has recruitment changed during that time?
It’s been quick, varied and interesting; certainly the past 12 months, for sure.
The recruitment industry has changed immensely since those first days 20 years ago. We used to send CVs in the post to clients – can you imagine?!
The internet really tipped the industry on its head, making it easier for us to advertise jobs, find candidates and communicate with clients. If you told me 20 years ago that I could receive a brief in the morning, have it advertised by lunch, and send over the first CVs in the afternoon, I would have thought you’d had one too many Bacardi Breezers.
What’s been your proudest Profile Resourcing achievement so far?
Still being here after 20 years! Jokes aside, that is the biggest achievement. Starting a business is hard work and keeping that business alive is even harder.
We’ve seen a lot of change in the recruitment industry, among clients, in Milton Keynes, and across the world – to even survive this year has been a huge achievement.
What’s been the biggest struggle?
The hardest challenge is dealing with change. In recruitment, you must be ahead of the game because it’s what clients want and candidates need. And often, that means completely pivoting your plans and strategies.
But that’s what makes my job so interesting and enjoyable. I wouldn’t have it any other way (although ask me tomorrow, and my answer might be different!) And I have a brilliant team that comes together to face and overcome any challenges.
What job placement are you most proud of?
The job placement that sticks in my mind is placing a candidate who’d been with a client for 10 years in their first MD role.
That is one of the nicest parts of working in recruitment – helping people achieve their dream positions and progress their careers.
What do the next 20 years hold?
Hopefully, a lot more golf!
What advice would you give 20-year-ago you, and what advice would you give someone thinking about starting their own business?
20-year-ago me: stop procrastinating and get out of banking now.
Someone thinking of starting their own business: just do it. It’s better to fail trying than failing to try.
What’s going to be the biggest recruitment challenge for businesses this year?
Good question. I think managing the skills gap and virtual recruitment will be two enormous challenges for businesses in 2021.
Thankfully, we’re well placed to help!
Why Milton Keynes, and what’s your favourite roundabout?
I’ve lived in Milton Keynes before they even thought of it. I love the place – it’s a great location to live and work because there is something for everyone.
The business community is hugely supportive, and it’s been the perfect location for Profile Resourcing.
Oh, and roundabout – Magic (for those old enough to remember!)
If you’d like to congratulate Andy and the team on 20 years – get following them over on LinkedIn, or
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