branch manager, preston
Christian Ash
Branch Manager, Preston
When did you join Acorn and what job where you doing prior to this?
I joined Acorn in June 2006 to set up and manage a new branch opening in Preston. Prior to this I worked for large international recruitment firms gaining valuable experience in recruiting for large corporate clients as well as a grounding in temporary and permanent recruitment.
What attracted you to Acorn?
I was offered a fantastic opportunity – to set up a new branch for Acorn, which was a great challenge. However the most important factor was that I felt I would receive the support from Acorn and the people around me to be enable me to be successful in my new role.
Acorn is an established company with a good reputation but it was also working towards some exciting expansion plans, which again were very attractive to me.
What do you like about working for Acorn?
The culture of the company and the people. Acorn has a unique feel to it in that it has maintained a friendly and supportive culture whilst growing into a national player in the recruitment and training arena.
What makes Acorn different from other organisations you have worked for?
The company is very flexible, both in terms of its approach to recruiting for job-seekers and in terms of the way we go about attracting our clients. I’ve found with really big companies that there are so many hoops to jump through before you get an internal decision that it impacts negatively on what you are able to do. With Acorn, decisions are made quickly and more importantly they are supported from the top.
Acorn looks after its clients and job-seekers very well and does the same for its own people, which is a refreshing change as many large companies find it difficult to do both.
What has been your best/most successful moment at Acorn?
In Preston we have been able to recruit and develop a fantastic branch team and the result is that we have forged some excellent relationships with local business in a short period of time. We have won several large accounts and work together with them to ensure they have the right people when they need them.
The success of the team has been very rewarding and is something that has been recognised around the company.
What advice would you give others looking at recruitment as a possible career?
Recruitment is a job that encompasses a wide range of skills and always offers something different. If you’re new to recruitment 100% effort is a must - just throw yourself into it!
If you’re from the recruitment industry, join a company that offers you the flexibility and support to do the job you’re good at and, more importantly, allows you to enjoy it!
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