Celebrating 5 Years of Debbie Burbage Recruitment

After five years focusing on recruitment in the Finance and Accountancy sector in Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire Debbie Burbage Recruitment (DBR) is set to expand into the Commercial sector.

Celebrating five years in business is no mean feat for any business, let alone one involved in employment bearing in mind the economic climate and coming out of the last recession.

Here, Debbie Burbage, the founder of DBR, reveals her own entrepreneurial journey:

How did the idea for DBR come to you?

“I made the transition from financial controller to recruitment consultant in 1996 and it soon became clear to me that recruitment organisations are not held in very high esteem.

“I simply couldn’t understand why there couldn’t be transparency, honesty and an ethical approach to recruitment, with the aim of getting a clear understanding of what the client or candidate actually need. The whole process should be simple but effective for all concerned.

“I decided that having been on both sides I had the right experience, sincere approach and necessary drive to do something about it.”

When did you finally take the plunge?

“After many months of planning Debbie Burbage Recruitment (DBR) was set up in August 2012, aimed mainly at the Finance and Accountancy sector. I formed a highly professionally team around me whose skills I felt would complement and mirror the DBR ethos.”

They say the first three years are the toughest…were they?

“We hit the road running and I have to say that we were highly successful. Our professional, independent and highly experienced approach meant we consistently delivered.

“It is important to us to listen to what a client requires. It amazes me how often this isn’t the case. We then come up with the right candidate who is not only technically adept but with the same values, beliefs, outlook and fit for an individual client’s culture.

“From a candidate’s prospective we work with the best candidates and using our expertise we endeavour that they are portrayed as that high calibre candidate.”

What would you say are the secrets of DBR’s success?

“We come up with the goods and we take enormous pride in what we do – providing a high-quality, cost-effective bespoke service. It is not rocket science but the secret is we can be trusted to do a good job. This is so important to clients whose time is valuable and where mistakes cannot be tolerated.

“Our services also include up-to-date HR advice (this can save companies a lot of time), targeted tax advice for owner-managed businesses (to help safe unnecessary costs).

What plans have you for the next five years?

“Well, a successful business never stands still. We are currently expanding our business into additional work areas, building on our success in the areas in which we already excel in.”​

What advice would you give to someone wanting to start up their own business?

“Get the right team around you as they will be the hub of your business – your business will flourish or flounder depending on whether you get this right or not. Keep costs low and invest in the business to keep it on track.

“On a personal level, pat yourself on the back and have faith in your abilities, but most of all be prepared to go the extra mile… and of course enjoy every moment doing something you love.”

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