Kirsty makes the connection

Jun 25 2009 by Gil Lightfoot, Chester Chronicle

Kirsty Craig is a firm believer in quality – especially when it comes to business. “If you are going to do something, you might as well do it the right way,” she says.

As the CEO of one of Chester’s longest-established independent recruitment agencies, The Business Connection, it is a philosophy that has paid dividends over the years.

And, ever-ready to buck the trend, she is currently celebrating the opening of her third new branch this year – despite the tough economic climate.

The latest office, in Salford Quays, follows hot on the heels of openings in Liverpool and Wrexham earlier this year.

“The aim is to become the largest independent recruitment agency in the North West,” says Kirsty.

“Yes, times are tough, but we have seen an increase in the number of permanent vacancies over the past six weeks, which is very encouraging.”

And once Kirsty sets her mind on something, she goes all out to achieve it.

She decided on a career in the recruitment industry after working for a company which used agencies to recruit staff. “It was very frustrating because the quality of service simply wasn’t there,” she says.

Going on to work for a multi-national recruiter only fuelled her feeling that it could be done better. “There was no customer focus and no confidentiality for the candidates,” she said. So 20 years ago she set up The Business Connection in premises in Bridge Street Row.

“I was literally on my own,” she says, “but my driving force was the thought that I could do it better. Other agencies seemed to focus on the client, not the candidate, but they are as important as each other. Within a couple of weeks I couldn’t believe how busy I was.”

Her client list includes some of the city’s biggest employers, including MBNA. One of the first candidates she placed at M&S Money in 1989 still works for the company.

Kirsty, who has a 17-year-old son, Harry, makes a point of building relationships with her clients and her candidates. “We take the holistic approach,” she says. “How you deal with people is very important.”

Kirsty is passionate about the industry and is now the MD of The Employment Agents Movement (TEAM), a network of more than 300 independent agencies across the UK.

“It gives us access to sectors we would not otherwise have, and we can pool our resources,” she says.

Kirsty also feels that the industry as a whole needs regulating so that agencies have to meet certain standards.

“We are already regulated but not licensed since 1993, and as we had been when I set up TBC in 1988. So there are no barriers to entry which has created huge disparity in the quality of agencies across the UK.

“With me it comes down to personal values,” she says. “I found my niche and I think we can, and do, make a difference to clients and candidates. We are very honest here and we are great listeners. It can make a huge difference when you really listen to what people want.”

So with her passion for business and an expansion plan on the cards, how does Kirsty relax?

“Oh, I run another business with my husband Tim,” she says, and adds as an afterthought, “ and I like to go to the gym.”

For Kirsty it’s business first.