Hiring Managers: Real Recruitment Success Stories from our Clients
Showcasing how Howard James Recruitment helps small, medium, and large companies overcome hiring challenges and secure top-tier talent.
1. Supporting a Boutique Accountancy Firm
Client Overview:
A growing accountancy practice in Chester with a team of 12, serving SMEs and sole traders across the North West.
The Challenge:
The firm struggled to recruit an Accounts Assistant with both client-facing experience and familiarity with cloud-based software like Xero and QuickBooks.
Our Solution:
Howard James Recruitment conducted a localised search and presented a shortlist within five days. We screened for both technical knowledge and communication style to ensure the candidate could represent the firm with clients.
The Result:
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Position filled within 10 days
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Candidate now managing 25% of the firm’s client portfolio
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Long-term recruitment partnership established
Testimonial:
"They got what we needed straight away. It wasn’t just about skills – it was about the right fit for how we work with clients."
– Partner, Boutique Accountancy Firm
2. Recruiting for a Tech Consultancy Scale-Up
Client Overview:
A tech consultancy based in Manchester with around 90 staff, expanding rapidly across the UK.
The Challenge:
The business needed a Project Manager with Agile delivery experience for a high-profile government contract – and fast.
Our Solution:
We tapped into our project management talent pool and delivered three qualified candidates within 72 hours. We coordinated a two-stage interview process and supported salary negotiations.
The Result:
- Project Manager hired within three weeks
- Contract delivered on time and under budget
- Now on retained terms for all future PM and BA hiring
Testimonial:
"They’re fast, efficient, and understand how we work. Recruitment finally feels like part of our growth strategy."
– Head of Delivery, Tech Consultancy
3. Delivering Senior Finance Talent for a International Bank
Client Overview:
An International bank with thousands of employees globally and a London HQ.
The Challenge:
The client had an urgent need for a Head of Finance. Internal referrals and national agencies had failed to provide a suitable shortlist after two months.
Our Solution:
We activated our senior finance network and discreetly approached high-performing candidates in competing firms. Our consultative approach secured interest from passive talent.
The Result:
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Head of Finance placed within 28 days
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New hire led the finance team through a successful audit
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Now our exclusive partner for all senior hires in the North
Testimonial:
"Howard James Recruitment delivered what others couldn’t – high-calibre, board-level candidates with regional knowledge."
– Group HR Director, Professional Services PLC
Candidates: Job Search Journeys That Changed Lives
Read how graduates, professionals, and senior leaders found career success with Howard James Recruitment.
1. Graduate: Starting a Career in HR
Client Overview:
Sophie, a recent graduate with a degree in Business and HR, seeking her first role in a professional setting.
The Challenge:
With limited experience beyond part-time hospitality roles, Sophie was being overlooked for entry-level HR Assistant positions.
Our Solution:
We helped Sophie reframe her transferable skills and polished her CV. We connected her with a client who values potential and provided interview coaching to build her confidence.
The Result:
- Landed an HR Assistant role at a legal firm in Liverpool
- Promoted to HR Coordinator within 12 months
- Now mentoring other new graduates internally
Testimonial:
"I’d applied to so many roles with no luck – Howard James Recruitment changed everything. They believed in me and helped me believe in myself."
– Sophie, HR Coordinator
2. Career Progression: Moving Up in a Marketing Career
Client Overview:
Adam, a Marketing Executive with four years’ experience, seeking a step up into a managerial role with more autonomy.
The Challenge:
Adam was struggling to find roles that offered leadership without needing 8+ years' experience – despite strong performance in his current role.
Our Solution:
We matched Adam with a growing SaaS company looking for a Marketing Manager to own campaigns and strategy. We supported him through a three-stage interview process, including a presentation task.
The Result:
- Placed as Marketing Manager in a ÂŁ2m turnover tech firm
- Delivered a 40% increase in lead generation in Q1
- Now managing a team of two and reporting to the CMO
Testimonial:
"Howard James Recruitment found me a role that matched my ambition – and then helped me win it."
– Adam, Marketing Manager
3. Management Role: Stepping into a Senior Leadership Position
Client Overview:
Samantha an experienced Office Manager in the legal sector, looking to transition into a multi-site Operations Manager role.
The Challenge:
Samantha felt stuck in her current role and wasn’t sure how to position herself for broader leadership opportunities.
Our Solution:
We worked with Samantha on career mapping and identified opportunities where her experience aligned with strategic operations. We introduced her to a facilities management consultancy undergoing expansion.
The Result:
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Secured Operations Manager role across three offices
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Introduced new systems that improved workflow by 30%
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Recently shortlisted for a national women in leadership award
Testimonial:
"From career advice to job placement, they guided me through the whole journey. I wouldn’t be where I am now without them."
– Samantha, Operations Manager
Ready to Start Your Own Success Story?
Whether you're looking to hire top talent or find your next role, we're here to make recruitment simple, swift, and successful.
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👉 Hiring Manager? Register a vacancy or schedule a call with us today.
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🙋‍♀️ Job seeker? Book a free consultation and let’s find your perfect fit.
Let Howard James Recruitment turn your challenge into a case study worth sharing.
We love to talk recruitment, simply call us and we will help with your recruitment need
Regional Helplines:
North: 0161 641 2550 Midlands: 0121 296 7370
South: 0203 771 5540
