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meet some Acorn people
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Mike Ruddock - ex-employee
Commercial Development Manager
Head Office, Newport |
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When did you join Acorn and what job where you doing prior to this? I joined Acorn in April 2006 – I was previously a professional rugby union Coach. My last position in coaching was as National Coach of Wales.
What attracted you to Acorn? The brand, reputation and it’s reputation for quality customer service.
What did you like about working for Acorn? It’s challenging, demanding, dynamic and never repetitive. I like the Team approach displayed in an enjoyable work environment.
What makes Acorn different from other organisations you have worked for? It’s difficult for me to answer that due to my background in rugby however there is no doubt that Acorn has some unique attributes and selling points.
What has been your best/most successful moment at Acorn? Pulling Dan Langford’s leg regarding England rugby team's many losses!
What advice would you give others looking at recruitment as a possible career? Try it; you’ll enjoy it.
Why did you leave? It was a tough decision to make, but the lure of a professional coahing job in the English Premiership was too much - I have left with trmendous memories and a load of new friendships - I'll certainly be recommending Acorn to people and organisations I meet.
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Maria Evans
Regional Director of Operations, South Wales / West
Head Office, Newport |
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When did you join Acorn and what were you doing before? I Joined Acorn as a temp working for a client in 1995 and then began working as a temporary receptionist in Newport Branch. Prior to this I had been a full-time mum.
In 1997 I was taken on as permanent staff and have progressed through the ranks from Junior Consultant to Senior Consultant, managing major contracts and eventually was promoted to Branch Manager of Newport Branch.
I am now Regional Director of Operations and I wouldn’t change a thing!
What attracted you to Acorn? The people. Acorn was and still is a friendly company. Even though it has grown in size those at the top have remained approachable and I count them amongst my friends.
What do you like about working for Acorn? My career has never been static – I have been given every opportunity to develop fully. I have undertaken a variety of roles which I think has developed my management skills as I have experienced these roles first hand.
What makes Acorn different from other organisations you have worked for? Even though Acorn is now a large, leading UK recruitment company it still maintains a family feel. I feel very proud to be part of its development and success.
What has been your best/most successful moment at Acorn? Following a two-year period working on a managed contract for Panasonic (which peaked at 800 temps on site) I set up the Managed Services Division and European Division.
What advice would you give others looking at recruitment as a possible career? Always take the time to listen and enjoy what you do.
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Dal Limbu
Manager, Special Divisions
Head Office, Newport |
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When did you join Acorn and what were you doing before? Before joining Acorn in August 2005 I was a Major in the Ghurka army in Nepal. My career in the army spanned 29 years before I took retirement.
What attracted you to Acorn? Towards the end of my army career I was advising Acorn and other official sources on the opportunities of utilising the skills of ex-Ghurka servicemen following their retirement from the force.
I felt that Acorn really understood the potential of developing this relationship so when they approached me on my own retirement I had no hesitation in working for the company.
What do you like about working for Acorn? I really enjoy working with the people here; everyone is very approachable and supportive. The work is varied and challenging but very rewarding.
What makes Acorn different from other organisations you have worked for? This is my first position after leaving the army but what I believe sets Acorn apart is that there is a mutual respect at all levels of the business. The company is growing quickly and everyone who works here feels they are an important part of the company’s success.
What has been your best/most successful moment at Acorn? We have worked very hard to help our workers integrate into local communities. Whole family units have successfully settled here and are working in various roles and their children participating in the education system. It has been, and continues to be, very rewarding to be part of this repatriation project.
What advice would you give others looking at recruitment as a possible career? Don’t be afraid to try something new and different.
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Christian Ash
Branch Manager
Preston |
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When did you join Acorn and what job where you doing prior to this? I joined Acorn in June 2006 to set up and manage a new branch opening in Preston. Prior to this I worked for large international recruitment firms gaining valuable experience in recruiting for large corporate clients as well as a grounding in temporary and permanent recruitment.
What attracted you to Acorn? I was offered a fantastic opportunity – to set up a new branch for Acorn, which was a great challenge.
However the most important factor was that I felt I would receive the support from Acorn and the people around me to be enable me to be successful in my new role.
Acorn is an established company with a good reputation but it is also working towards some exciting expansion plans, which again were very attractive to me.
What do you like about working for Acorn? The culture of the company and the people. Acorn has a unique feel to it in that it has maintained a friendly and supportive culture whilst growing into a national player in the recruitment and training arena.
What makes Acorn different from other organisations you have worked for? The company is very flexible, both in terms of its approach to recruiting for job-seekers and in terms of the way we go about attracting our clients. I’ve found with really big companies that there are so many hoops to jump through before you get an internal decision that it impacts negatively on what you are able to do. With Acorn, decisions are made quickly and more importantly they are supported from the top.
Acorn looks after their clients, job-seekers and their own people very well, which is a refreshing change as many large companies find it difficult to do both.
What has been your best/most successful moment at Acorn? In Preston we have been able to recruit and develop a fantastic branch team and the result is that we have forged some excellent relationships with local business in a short period of time. We have won several large accounts and work together with them to ensure they have the right people when they need them.
The success of the team has been very rewarding and is something that has been recognised around the company.
What advice would you give others looking at recruitment as a possible career? Recruitment is a job that encompasses a wide range of skills and always offers something different. If you’re new to recruitment 100% effort is a must - just throw yourself into it!
If you’re from the recruitment industry join a company that offers you the flexibility and support to do the job you’re good at and more importantly allows you to enjoy it!
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