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Cathy Welch, Aspirations Recruitment Solutions
For the first of our member of the month profiles, Tricia Belchere chatted with Cathy.
Why did you start up Aspirations?
I'd been made redundant after 5 years in the industry and then worked freelance in recruitment for someone
else for 3 months, effectively running my own division. That gave me the confidence to start up my own business,
very much with the aim of 'putting the personal service back into recruitment'.
Listening to candidates, so many felt demoralized after registering with numerous agencies and all too often
felt that they were just another number. I saw an opportunity to use my people skills, offer a more friendly
service, and provide people with the respect they deserve. The industry can have such a ruthless and competitive
reputation at times; it can create an impersonal image.
Sadly some employers also feel recruiters simply have a 'bums on seat' attitude in order to get their fee.
When they work with me, they find I don't work like that.
How long ago did you launch Aspirations?
February 2006, so nearly 4 years! Its scary how time flies.
What makes Aspirations different from other recruitment agencies?
A lot more flexibility for both candidates and clients - it's the advantage of working with an independent!
I can make decisions more quickly, without being part of a high street name with more rigid policies in place,
where ideas need consultation and management approval.
I provide a more personal service and aiming to make people feel they are valued as an individual, not just
another candidate or client on the database. Quality not Quantity: submitting very few CV's to clients, thoroughly
evaluating against job specs. That's why clients use an agency. If any agency is deluging you with applicants,
what selection service are they providing?
What do you enjoy most about your work?
The people contact and genuinely helping people - hearing the delight when you call a candidate to say they've been
offered the job that they really wanted! Even if we don't have a suitable vacancy for them at that time or they
don't get the job, there's still satisfaction in assisting them. Many a candidate has thanked me for making suggestions
to enhance their CV or simply the assistance I've given in preparing them for an interview.
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What do you enjoy least?
Filing and administration (though it has to be done) and sales calls I receive! That's another reason I don't like to
pester people with too many sales calls myself. I try to get a happy medium; it's all about keeping in touch, building
rapport and long term partnerships - without being seen as 'yet another agency' pestering for work every time you call.
How do you manage family life and running a business?
Badly … at times! No seriously, it's great to have the flexibility around my son and to be able to attend school
events a little more easily than if I was requesting time off from a boss. You need to exercise time management in
both your personal and business life.
Have you any tips for women starting their own business?
Persevere, keep focused and stay true to your own values. Treat people
how you want to be treated. Never be afraid to ask for help. Attend
trainings, business and networking events. Don't neglect marketing,
although word of mouth is still the best referral. You just never
know who knows who … so keep networking!
How has being a member of WIN helped your business?
They're a very supportive bunch with a great many years business experience between them (more than some of
them would want me to mention!) If you need advice, there's always someone to turn to. Whether that's finance
or legal advice or whatever, with all the different business sectors around the table, there's usually someone
to ask … or they know a man who can. I'd recommend networking. I have gained direct business and long term
business contacts through it.
Tell me one thing that not many people know about you?
In 1994 I won a competition celebrating 25 years of Concorde, flew to Paris on Concorde, whilst enjoying a
champagne breakfast at Mach 2. We then returned to Southampton overnight on the QE2. The trip was set to coincide
with the D-Day celebrations and the entertainment included Vera Lynn in concert. I later chatted to her at
Southampton (and acquired her autograph) as she was literally in front of us as we disembarked. A fabulous
prize just for buying a specific bag of compost and coming up with a prize winning slogan!
29 Stockton Road
Long Itchington
Southam CV47 9QP
t : 01926 812744
m : 07930 601427
f : 01926 817228
e : cathy@aspirations-recruitment.co.uk
w : www.aspirations-recruitment.co.uk
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