Hunterskill Recruitment has established a firm foothold in the local recruitment market

(The following piece was originally printed in the 2008 Suffolk Magazine)

Launched in October 2003 by managing director Reg Jacob, Hunterskill has enjoyed a rapid rise, growing a business in what has become an extremely tough and fiercely competitive market.

Mr Jacob formed Hunterskill Recruitment based on his strong track record as a ‘head hunter’ working for a prestigious London based firm.

“I’d achieved a high degree of success in the industry and when the opportunity came along to launch a recruitment business ofmy own it seemed the natural thing to do,” he said.

In its early life, Hunterskill was, as Mr Jacobs describes it, an ‘experimental, part-time’ business, designed to test whether the marketplace would respond to a small, specialised recruitment firm that could meet a burgeoning need for skilled and semi-skilled industrial and catering staff.

“Three months following the launch ofthe business, we successfully secured a portfolio ofclients and I’m proud to say we continue to service these first established clients today,” said Mr Jacobs.

In its first four years, Hunterskill has grown month on month, despite the fact that it now operates in a much more competitive market.

The firm now helps to meet the employment needs ofsome ofthe region’s leading companies, adding driving and commercial to its existing industrial and catering services.

Mr Jacob attributes Hunterskill’s success to the fact that they have achieved a highly successful supportive relationship with their clients and candidates, coupled with the fact that Hunterskill is a family run business. The financial arm ofthe firm is managed by Reg’s father, whilst the office is administered by Reg’s wife Fiona.

Hunterskill has also nurtured a distinctive working culture within the firm in which all members ofthe small team acquire experience in all aspects ofthe recruitment process and running the business.

For the consultants employed by Hunterskill this means a higher level of responsibility, but ultimately greater job satisfaction and faster career progression.

“We work as a team rather than working individually,” said Mr Jacob. “This means in whatever we do we always work towards a one common goal and everybody shares in the benefits.

Mr Jacob adds: “I don’t believe the ‘hard sell’ in our industry is the best form of business development.

“Ever since launching the company, we’ve taken the stance that we will grow the business through a more subtle, service orientated approach, and through building relationships with clients, candidates and each other that are based on trust and respect.”

After an impressive start, where does Mr Jacob see the future taking Hunterskill Recruitment? In such a competitive market he’s reluctant to give much away, but is certain Hunterskill will be around for a long time.

“Let’s just say we’re not here for the short term,” he said. “We have a long term business strategy with some exciting plans that take us up to 2015 and beyond.”