In figures just released, GatenbySanderson, the UK’s leading public sector executive search and selection consultancy, confirmed that sales for 2009 increased by 5% to reach £22.8m. Profit, before tax and exceptional items, was in line with expectations at £4m.
These figures bucked the trend for the recruitment sector as a whole, which felt the bite of the economic downturn. The public sector market, in which GatenbySanderson operates, has not been immune and faces further change and deeper cuts in the months ahead. GatenbySanderson attributes this positive performance to a continued focus upon quality in its core markets, while being agile enough to adapt to market conditions and work more efficiently and flexibly. The integrated offering of Executive Search, Assessment and Interim management provision, combined with investment in digital technology, continues to open up opportunities across the public sector.
Graham Goodwin, Chairman of GatenbySanderson, said, “The current climate is particularly challenging for recruiters. There is less work around, more pressure on pricing and uncertainty about the immediate future. However, in the executive market, there are key positions that now, more than ever, need to be filled by the most talented candidates. Finding, persuading and motivating these key influencers is where we add most value. We are clear that we need the best people in the market working for us.
When asked about the immediate future, he continued, “The recruitment landscape has been shifting for some time so there will be no fast recovery or return to pre-recession days. Our clients will continue to drive for greater efficiency, more transparency and more tangible evidence of added value and innovation. The opportunity for GatenbySanderson is to capitalise upon our strengths and continue to grow our market share by flexibly delivering what clients are looking for at the price they are willing to pay.
