Do different attitude from new Norfolk-based recruitment firm

One of Norfolkís top recruitment professionals is launching an exciting new venture; challenging traditional recruitment stereotypes whilst building on a reputation formed working for some of the countryís biggest recruitment companies.

Businesswoman Lisa Johnstone has formed her own company, Johnstones Recruitment Solutions Limited, following the management buyout of Lovewell Blake Search & Selection Limited, which she set up in 2002 and turned into a very successful business.

Lisa said: The time was right to move on. Itís been excellent working with such an esteemed firm as Lovewell Blake, but I have new ideas and new directions I want to head in. Now is the perfect time to branch out. I have a fantastic team, which is really excited at the prospect of being the best in the county in our field. I am determined that we will make Johnstones a great regional success story.

With more than ten yearsí recruitment experience working for top London agencies such as Michael Page and Walker Hamill, this recent move cements Lisaís place in the top ranks of the recruitment consultants in the region. However, she is keen to differentiate herself and her company from the usual recruitment stereotypes. The experienced professionals in her team are known as íBusiness Consultantsí, rather than Recruitment Advisors, as they will challenge a clientís brief to make sure exactly the right candidate is found to fit a role. And, in a radical departure from normal practice, the company has ditched commission-based salaries to reduce stress, and eliminate the íhard sellí approach that can put some clients off.

Lisa commented: I want our business to grow with our clientsí businesses, which is why we always make sure we totally understand a brief so we can find exactly the right sort of person to fill a position. We aspire to see our candidates growing into their roles and moving up the corporate ladder. It is always extremely satisfying to find the perfect fit of company and candidate and to watch that relationship blossom. But I also love to be challenged, and find solutions in different ways. Itís great to be able to make a visible difference to an individual and a company.

Currently specialising in accountancy recruitment and human resources, sales and marketing and office support, with clients such as the Anglian Group Plc, Norwich School, Gardline Group and Fillmore Packaging, the company will soon be branching out into legal recruitment to meet the ever-growing demand in the region.

Client Phil Tweedie, Group Finance Director of Anglian Group Plc, said: I have worked with Lisa both as a candidate and as a recruiter and have always found her to be very professional and client focused. She is totally committed to her profession, has boundless enthusiasm and I would have no hesitation in recommending Lisa to other colleagues and businesses.

Victoria Hipperson, Financial Controller of BERU F1 SYSTEMS, has worked with Lisa both as a candidate and a client. Commenting on her experience as a candidate, she said: Lisa is one of the few consultants to have challenged my reasons for wanting to change employer to check that I was doing it for the right reasons and that it would achieve what I wanted. I always had the feeling that Lisa had my best interests as a candidate at heart and now I am a Financial Controller, I know I can rely on Lisa as a source of good quality candidates who will be interested in any position I want to recruit for.

Robin Ashe, managing partner at Lovewell Blake, said: We wish Lisa every success with her new business. We will continue to use her services for our recruitment purposes and have every confidence she will do very well.

Edward OíRourke at Kester Cunningham John advised on the management buyout with funding assistance secured by Richard Williamson, Senior Business Manager from Natwest Bank, via the Governmentís Department of Trade and Industry Business Development scheme.

Lisa concluded: It has always been my dream to live in Norfolk and open up my own business here. I am passionate about this part of the world. I frequently recruit top-level people from outside the county and I think it really helps that I know it so well and can really sell it to them as a fantastic place to work and live.

To contact Johnstones Recruitment Solutions please call 01603 666674 or visit www.johnstonesrs.com for more information