CEO of Caritas Recruitment, Debbie Smith, has been shortlisted for the ‘Business Woman of the Future’ category at this year’s Women of the Future Awards.
Other women shortlisted in this category work in a range of industries and companies including Barclays, HSBC and Asda.
Beginning her recruitment career with Bluecare in 2001, Debbie quickly progressed through the ranks – appointed to Managing Director in 2008. Under her leadership, the company posted turnover results in excess of £40m with a GP of approximately £10m.
Needing another challenge and looking to replicate her success, Debbie left to launch her own business, Caritas Recruitment, a joint venture with Human Capital Investment Group (HCIG). With the backing and support of HCIG, Caritas went from a standing start to a turnover of £8m and GP of £1.4m within its first year and in 2011/2012 figures exceeded £17m turnover and £1m net profit.
Now Caritas is one of the leading providers for the temp/contract and permanent social care markets, and it’s still growing, with Debbie looking for other entrepreneurs to join her business to launch new divisions and share Caritas’ continuing success.
Adam Herron, COO of HCIG said Debbie’s nomination is timely recognition of her drive and passion for recruitment which has seen Caritas rapidly expand its share of the social care market over the past 18 months.
“I would like to congratulate Debbie on behalf of everyone at HCIG and wish her every success at the upcoming award’s ceremony on 20 November," he said.
Now in its seventh year, The Women of the Future Awards, founded by Pinky Lilani OBE with Caspian Media in 2006, and supported by Shell, is committed to unearthing the next generation of high-flying women under 35 years old who are excelling in business, the arts, science, technology and the professions.
Women of the Future Awards founder Pinky Lilani said: “Britain is home to a wealth of inspirational young women who are breaking boundaries in their industries. We must champion their innovation and success so we can create and showcase positive role models for future generations of aspiring women.
“This year's candidates are smashing through barriers into traditionally male-dominated fields such as engineering, construction and sports journalism. It is wonderful to see so many women excelling across a range of industries.”
Graham van’t Hoff, chairman of Shell UK, added: “In our seven-year partnership with the Women of the Future Awards, we have been privileged to meet, and showcase, an incredibly diverse range of talented and enthusiastic women who are using their skills to make a remarkable contribution to their respective fields.
“This year is no exception, and the shortlist once again recognises the high calibre of our women in Britain today.”
To see the full shortlist go to: http://awards.womenofthefuture.co.uk/2012-shortlist
The Women of the Future Award’s ceremony takes place on 20 November at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square.
