T: Our work is totally about solving problems. The clients have work piling up and need someone to alleviate the pressure they are under and our candidates have some issue they wish to address by changing their employment. After 30 years in talent, I think I am pretty good at problem-solving!

Industry Landscape: How has the industry landscape that Clearnorth operates in changed since the company's founding? T: The main change in the last 4/5 years has been online interviewing and meetings. As a business, we were already using this technology before Covid, but since then it has been adopted by 95% of clients.

Company Culture: What are the core values that define Clearnorth's company culture? How do these values translate into the daily work environment for employees?

T: Core values; self-belief, motivation, hard work, respect and willingness to help. I like to think we have built a ‘family feel’ in our business. Our ‘family’ has fun, supports each other, celebrates each other’s successes and welcomes new family with open arms.

Biggest Achievement: Looking back, what would you say is Clearnorth's biggest achievement to date? What are you most proud of as a founder/director?

T: I am proud of the brand we have built, still building! Our biggest achievement is passing on knowledge to the next generation of recruiters.

Biggest Challenge: What is the biggest challenge that Clearnorth is currently facing? How is the company working to overcome this challenge?

T: The biggest challenge any talent business faces is the homogenisation of the sector. From our client's perspective, all the businesses are alike. They put them all in one pigeonhole, like to pay them all the same, make them sign the same agreements and send them documents… they do not communicate and avoid all communication!

We are breaking that mould, and helping clients realise that there is a comfortable middle ground between traditional staffing solutions and consultancy services. Very early on in our business, we chose to focus on being great at one thing and be famous for it, to specialise, offer expertise and focus on the long term. That’s where the magic happens for our clients.

Lessons Learned: What are some of the most valuable lessons you have learned since founding Clearnorth? What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

T: Don’t run before you can walk is an old adage which springs to mind. Build the foundations, don’t worry about changing direction, accept help, surround yourself with good people and use the best tech you can afford.

Future Outlook: What does the future hold for Clearnorth? What are your long-term goals and aspirations for the company?

T: The long-term goal is to be recognised as the go-to business for Quantity Surveyors. To be a trusted partner in the careers of QSs from when they come out of university to the point they retire.

How is Clearnorth positioned to adapt and thrive in the future? T: We are constantly adapting our systems and procedures to find the ‘best’ practice. We are wide open to new tech and ideas and positively encourage everyone in the business to share their ideas.

Words of Wisdom: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? Perhaps words of wisdom or encouragement for those interested in the industry or following a similar path?



T: I fell into recruitment 30 years ago, after discovering accountancy was not the career for me. After my group assessment, I well remember calling my Dad and telling him I was in a room with a dozen other people just like me, to which he replied oh god there are more people like you! Recruitment has changed a lot over those 30 years, but if you are the person in your group who knows everyone’s stories, who chats to random people on the bus, who likes to compete, and challenges yourself and is not afraid of a no…..then maybe recruitment could be the job for you!