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Welsh Recruitment meets Jennifer Griffiths

1. What made you decide to start a recruitment consultancy?

After the birth of my daughter Amanda, I worked as a freelance secretary – taking on ad-hoc typing and secretarial jobs. It was an occasion where I got double-booked for an assignment that I decided to advertise for help … the rest as they say is history!

2. Where were you based initially?
I worked from my home.

3. There are a plethora of consultancies in South Wales today. What was the industry like when you started in 1969?

There were very few agencies around in 1969 and the emphasis was very much on supplying a personal service. There was much more loyalty and trust in those days and my customers (some of which are still with me) trusted us to simply supply the right help. There was no such thing as sending CV’s and client interviews back then.

4. Was there a defining moment when you realised that your business would become the success story it is today?

Not so much of a defining moment. I have always felt that we are on a journey and that we still continuing this journey.

5. What has been your biggest breakthrough?

The transition from being a self-employed person to running a diverse multi-million pound business has been an interesting experience and realising that it’s the people in my business that make the business what it is.

6. The company has an impressive client base including blue-chip private and numerous public sector organisations. What is it about Jennifer Griffiths Recruitment that sets you apart from your competitors?

I think there are several factors that set us apart. Importantly, it’s the ethos of true personal service, where everyone involved in the business, from the person who answers the telephone to the person that sends the invoice, understands how to add value to our customers. Secondly I think it’s the speed and agility that we can adapt to the changing needs of our customers.

7. What sectors do you envisage will have the biggest demand over the next few years?

With Wales enjoying a “construction high” and the construction projects in preparation for the London Olympics, demand for skilled construction workers is set to grow. Also the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector. Of course, with demand outstripping supply, we are constantly looking at innovative ways of recruiting talent from outside Wales.

8. Tell us about Jentec Recruitment. Why did you decide to set up a new division specialising in providing solutions for the Construction sector?

I set-up Jentec over 20 years ago to address a gap in the market for skilled engineers. Jentec has grown substantially and now provides various staffing solutions including industrial workers, skilled trades and on-site managed services. Last year we had an opportunity to acquire a small construction recruitment business to compliment our service offering. Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32