Miriam Purser

• Company: Hall Recruitment
• Industry: Recruitment
• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/309474
• Website: http://www.hallrecruitment.ie/
• Location: Dublin 2

Why did you decide to start your business/how did you come up with the idea?

We started Hall Recruitment in June 2003. Our MD, Vivienne Hall, had at that time, worked in the industry for 29 years and the other co-founder and Director, Catherine Jordan, for about 13 years so there was a lot of experience between us.  In addition to this we felt the industry lacked any personal service and generally had a bad name so we wanted to set up a company that was going to be guided by the principles that were instilled in us. Our aim was to bring a more honest, straightforward and upright approach to our business dealings influenced at all times by the desire to build long-term relationships with clients and candidates alike.

What are your plans for the future?

The economic downturn hit the recruitment industry particularly hard. Our short term aim is to survive this recession and build the company back up again.  We had grown from the two founders and one other to a total of 7 and this meant a corresponding increase in costs.  With the onset of the recession costs had risen to a level that a significantly reduced turnover could not sustain.  Initially everyone took a 20% reduction in salary (Directors much more) but this was not sufficient and inevitably we took the harsh step of initially laying off two members of staff.  This was followed by a further two members later in 2009.  This was an incredibly hard decision and we put it off for as long as we could.  We should have cut deeper and earlier but it was extremely difficult to do this as our hearts were ruling our heads and we were emotionally involved.

How are you gaining visibility and promoting the business?

With resources being limited at the moment it is difficult.  Apart from job boards it is down to networking and networking via the social media and direct marketing via email.  Hopefully, in time, we can increase the advertising budget to include radio and outdoor advertising once again.

In terms of Social Media we use LinkedIn and Facebook to advertise our vacancies. I would say it has a positive impact.  To date we have roughly 300 followers on Facebook.  Facebook seems to be the best method of staying in touch with our candidates on a regular basis.

What is your advice for other entrepreneurs?

My advice is to know the business you are getting into well and then go for it! Research and planning are instrumental and I believe experience is also key to success.  When you know what you are doing, know your industry and what is going on in it, its strengths and weaknesses, it only stands to reason that this is something you are going to be better at. Experience also gives you credibility in the marketplace.