When I left school, I had no idea where my career would eventually take me. Like many young people, I didn’t have a carefully thought-out plan. My journey from then until now has been shaped by hard work, determination and a commitment to making the most of every opportunity that came my way.
My first career was in modelling, which wasn’t always as glamorous as it sounds! Though it was exciting and great fun, I knew I wasn’t going to be gracing catwalks and cameras forever. But it taught me confidence, professionalism and how to deal with people from all walks of life. Skills that would become invaluable later in business.
My career then took a completely different direction when I joined BT part-time through a recruitment agency. Within a few months, the agency approached me and offered me the role of Contract Co-ordinator. Suddenly, I wasn’t answering calls anymore—I was recruiting, interviewing and training customer service advisers. As I progressed within the organisation, I was managing additional operational contracts, including a large-scale UK-wide recruitment campaign for a major utilities company. Those experiences helped me discover a career I genuinely loved.
After several successful years, I was offered the opportunity to head up the Commercial Department of a training organisation, where I also became a member of the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management. That role was also incredibly rewarding, but eventually I felt I had taken it as far as I could and it was during this time that I began to seriously consider the possibility of starting a business of my own.
Like many would-be business owners, I had a great idea, plenty of enthusiasm and the occasional 3am conversation with myself about whether this was a brilliant idea or a terrible one
Before handing in my notice and venturing into the unknown, I turned to the person whose opinion I trusted most—my Dad. I asked if he would support me during those crucial early months. He didn’t hesitate. Having already taught me some valuable lessons about leadership, he once again gave me the advice I needed telling me that it was better to look back knowing I’d tried than to spend years wondering what might have been. His encouragement and belief in me gave me the confidence to move forward.
In April 1999, AllNeeds Recruitment Company Ltd was born.
What began as a small recruitment agency supplying temporary, permanent and contract staff across Ayrshire has grown steadily over the past 27 years, expanding into Glasgow before ultimately supporting businesses throughout Scotland and across the UK. As AllNeeds has grown one thing has remained unchanged—my belief that recruitment is built on trust, honesty and and the understanding of the needs of both clients and candidates.
Being a woman in business has undoubtedly brought challenges, looking back to the early days there were times when I had to work that bit harder to prove myself and establish credibility. But I was determined to build a reputation through hard work, professionalism and delivering results.
After almost three decades in business, my passion for helping employers and candidates remains as strong as ever.
The recruitment industry will continue to evolve, and I’m looking forward to evolving with it, and continuing to grow, adapt and embrace the opportunities ahead.
If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that sometimes all you need is someone who believes in you. For me, that was my Dad. His advice, support and guidance gave me the confidence to take a chance. And although he passed away last year I still hear his voice in every decision I make.
allneeds.co.uk
