Our Success Stories

Kay McMullen, Consultant (Full Time)
After over a decade working within the Interiors market, Kay came to Ellis Fairbank as a recruitment consultant in May 2003. Specialising in the textiles industry, Kay has been successful in the development of a niche practice within Ellis Fairbank.

“I think if you’ve got determination, enthusiasm, and you enjoy finding out more about companies, people and marrying the two together, the general interest of the role is fantastic. I’ve been able to keep the contacts that I was dealing with in my previous career. I can now advise on their business, because I know quite a lot about the markets they’re working in. There are areas of the business that I’d still like to get involved in. I am also working in international recruitment now, and I could even see myself getting involved in services training in the future, to pass on some of the things I’ve learnt and some of my industry knowledge. I don’t think there’s any limit to what I can achieve here. There are so many different avenues I could go down.” 

Adrian Rees – Principal Consultant (Full Time)

Considered a veteran of the media/TV and film sector, Adrian manages a sizable team from his remote working office in Peterborough.  Working from home allows him to care for his wife.  It’s also in close enough proximity to both Leeds and London if he needs to be present in either of these offices, where most of his clients and candidates are based.  Thanks to the award-winning technology he keeps in daily touch with his team via telecom, reviewing the day’s objectives and providing advisory support when needed.  He is the figurehead of his team, bringing in the business that they then fulfil and manage.  He would normally spend 2 or 3 days a week client facing, so working remotely isn’t either unusual or restricting. 

“I am at the stage where something has to give.  For me, working flexible hours, often from home, means that I get to spend time pursuing my other interests, and I am also able to enjoy more quality time with my family. 

It doesn’t however mean that I take my eye off the ball, am any less effective in what I do or have had to sacrifice my earnings or career potential.  The support of Ellis Fairbank’s award-winning technology and training departments has helped me to remain in constant and close communication with my team and clients.

Such flexibility is invaluable to myself and my wife.  We are able to maintain the lifestyle we have today, whilst taking more time to appreciate all the good things it brings.” 

Carl Smith, General Manager (Full Time)
With a degree in Law and Marketing and over eight years’ recruitment experience, Carl joined Ellis Fairbank in our Leeds FMCG division in October 2003. Initially appointed as a Recruitment Consultant, after a successful first year establishing a viable business proposition within the Toys and Games sector, Carl was quickly promoted to Principal Consultant, where he continued to develop and build key sector specific practices within the division. Shortly afterwards, in early 2005, Carl was further recognised for his success and commitment to Ellis Fairbank and was given the opportunity to spearhead the opening up of our existing office in Manchester.

“Since joining Ellis Fairbank, I have been offered two excellent opportunities to progress, currently heading up our Manchester office as General Manager. Ellis Fairbank prides itself on recognising the individual efforts of its staff and is clearly willing to offer unlimited opportunity to those individuals who demonstrate strong ability. If you have a plausible business case and you put it forward, people isten and allow you to try things. It’s rewarding financially with a good commission structure. It has a corporate mentality but still retains that sort of family environment. No one’s unapproachable.”