Baxter Williams - More than just recruitment!Baxter Williams, the consultancy that specialises in recruitment, employee engagement and team building.Our specialisms:1. Retained Executive Headhunt and Search & Selection (International)2. Industry & Commerce (Nationally), sourcing Permanent and Temporary Recruitment from Management to Exec within Finance, Sales, Marketing, Procurement, Operations, Customer Service, PA/AdministrationWhy Baxter Williams?Our ethos is simple – “Connecting Exceptional People” and our entire team prides themselves as a truly transparent, consultative and professional recruitment partner for both our clients and candidates.We are an honest and straight talking recruitment partner who enjoys building relationships built on trust and results. We get immense satisfaction from sourcing the best talent in the marketplace for our clients and finding candidates their “dream” jobs.

Kanes Foods is the largest private employer in Worcestershire, supplying Retailers with a variety of Fresh Produce Products. When I joined the team, the company had recently embarked upon a challenging turnaround, with a newly appointed top team. They set tough targets for themselves and the business and my role was to support them with day-to-day business and change implementation. I took on a role which was a mixture of Project co-ordinator with executive assistant and office manager responsibilities.The company is on a much surer footing, now, following the swift and disciplined execution of numerous cost-down projects, and so the role has effectively ended - with success and an upturn in profitability.

Responsible for growing and managing the residential property portfolio and brand.

• Managing the overall brand, marketing, business development and sales. Prospecting for new business, identifying new opportunities within the local market and networking to increase contacts• Demonstrating effective planning to drive the business forward, both strategically and operationally• Financial management; setting budgets and targets, ensuring timely payment for supplier and client accounts• Using strong negotiation and communication skills to build client base and develop supplier relationships• Managing client funds within strict protocols, and instructing repairs and maintenance as required and necessary on client property, of both a routine and regulatory nature• Responsibility for business book-keeping and VAT collection and payments, staff pay, reconciling the bank accounts, business and client• Sole operator until Sept 2013 when business expanded; took on staff to support rentals operations• Undertook industry based training, and attained two professional qualifications• Project managed a relocation and re-branding during the 6 year period.

• Acquired a small rentals agency, and then focussed on exploiting new market opportunities; these sales accounted for 20% of turnover in 2013• Used strong business acumen and a tenacious approach to increase business turnover by approximately 60% in first 4 years• Chose to run wholly independently under new branding when it was clear that the ‘franchise’ branding was not enhancing business growth, market position or supporting my desire to deliver excellent customer service. Designed and developed new brand and saw improved business positioning in the town as a result. Our strapline was: ‘Responsive – Understanding – Fair’, and my focus was excellent service for clients and tenants • Undertook personal development training, attaining certificates in both sales and rentals management, awarded by the National Federation of Property Professionals (NFoPP), recognised by the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA)• Sold rentals ‘book’ in late 2014 – having been approached, and assessed the expansion opportunities for the business, took the difficult decision to sell to a larger company, with the economies of scale to face the challenges approaching the private rental sector• Managed the transfer of the clients and the business files to the new owners, over a 3 month period• Project managed the refurbishment of a Grade II listed property on our books, on behalf of the owner• Under personal branding sponsored two ‘Poppy Concerts’ organised by the Royal British Legion and two fund-raising concerts in aid of a local church roof, plus a local children’s nursery Christmas fayre.

Sales and Lettings Agent

• Managed a range of business and IT change management projects in various industries• Led critical business change for high profile clients. Used influential communication skills and planning abilities to build relationships with key client contacts to ensure projects delivered to agreed schedule• Projects included Transport for London’s Public-Private Partnership, the NHS introduction of choice within medical provision, and the Student Loans Company change in ownership and management• Had a particular proficiency for process improvement and efficiency improvement and helping clients to achieve improvements using technology• Wrote, delivered and improved internal training courses, as well as assessing and coaching new recruits, acted as mentor to new recruits and coach to those on a rapid promotion course.

• Displayed an adaptable approach to quickly understand the client business landscape and challenges that change projects presented; allowed for effective project management and delivery• Achieved engagement and lasting change within varied industrial environments.