Colin Lindsay
As head of Gallery Recruitment, I have more than 10 years of Recruitment experience gained with two of the larger recruitment specialists.
But it didn't start there. I went into the Army straight from school and spent a very successful 10 years travelling, playing sport and having new experiences - and I was also trained to be one of the best chefs in the army, if I say so myself!
When I saw the light, I decided to move on from the army and settled in Denmark for a number of years spending time working in some of the best restaurants and hotels in Copenhagen, being capped off with looking after the residence and catering for the American Ambassador in Denmark. Before leaving Denmark for the greener fields and hills of the UK, I managed the food and beverage operations of 5 large hotels in the centre of Copenhagen.
Once back in the UK, like most people I fell into recruitment for all the right reasons. I am very passionate about the industry and work hard to maintain the name of good recruiters. Over the last 10 years I have worked in various sectors, such as transport and logistics, sales and marketing, commercial, renewable energies and, of course, hotel and leisure.
When I am not at work I spend time with the family and try to catch up with all those missed hours of climbing, skiing, and anything else that is "wooly hatting".
Chris Whittam
I was born at a very young age and have lived this long due to an uncanny ability to keep breathing, one of the few things which actually comes naturally to me.
Education started late for me. At school, I learnt what I wasn't very good at, which was mainly that I wasn't very good at being taught. However, I have ended up with qualifications and letters after my name - honest ones for which I worked hard, whilst holding down both a full time job and two young children - so school wasn't all in vain.
Due to an apparent addiction to three meals a day and the lofty aspiration to keep a roof over our heads, I am always keen to promote the services of Gallery Recruitment - my business experiences have lead me to the rather old-fashioned conclusion that because I go the extra mile for my clients, they are willing to pay a fair price, thus ensuring that we get to eat a hot meal in a house.
I have always worked in the business to business sectors: I find the snobbery of being a professional such a change from reality. Whilst my background was insurance for many years (see what I mean?), my senior management experience has been in consultancy. I have a distinct leaning towards directing sales and marketing activities, as I enjoy telling people what to do.... something I am not allowed to do at home.
I also enjoy many hobbies. Some of the less disgusting and more legal ones include martial arts. Despite what my dad told me when I was young, after many years of practice, I can now punch my own way out of a paper bag! Reading and lately motorcycling also feature in my leisure time.
I have done more than my fair share of public speaking and have been compared to some of the very best on the Dinner circuit. Apparently, compared to them, I am crap.
Overall, my values are professionalism, quality and adding value to whatever I do. I believe in providing an excellent service to everyone I come into contact with (except my wife, so she tells me) and I believe that Gallery Recruitment's success to date and for the future will be well founded on these points.
Jonathan Boardman
I am the Director and Founder of a very successful Contract Hire and Car Leasing Brokerage.
For the last 10 years I have enjoyed huge successes achieving accreditations both for service and price, as a market leading brokerage, and a much valued introducer of business to Car Dealerships and Finance Companies; I have sold or leased millions of pounds worth of vehicles to thousands of satisfied customers, all over the U.K.
I'm a self motivated, ambitious professional. I have always been a high achiever and have the ability to communicate with individuals at all levels; I have great empathy, patience, tenacity and business intuition, in essence I am the definitive broker (not the middle man of old), a fusionologist which means that I identify needs and solutions and marry the best combinations. This what I've been doing for years, be it people, vehicles or business to business solutions.. I believe business success is about helping clients, whilst offering impartial advice and practical solutions.
I've got a fantastic Fiancée, an adorable son; I figured (after 10 years) it was time to work smarter not harder, the guys at Gallery have a really good ethos... a great outlook, I'm looking forward to the work / life balance / enrichment, and maybe a free golf lesson!!
Pat Hall
As an American living in the UK, I feel that I bring a multi cultural work ethic and a confident and service-centric approach to my business ventures. I came over to Cheshire for 6 months but half my life later I think it's safe to admit I now really do live here. For historical background I am a native Californian who felt the need to check out the lifestyle stories about 'West Coast v East Coast'. Crazy as it might seem, the East won and when I finished my Masters Degree, I stayed in the East. I worked with Art in Public Places in Chicago, taught at the University of Virginia, and then managed various bars/restaurants in New York City. One night I served an Englishman, who was in the city doing a product launch. The rest of the story is a personal whirlwind, but he convinced me that since I had gone east to find culture I should come to England and find real culture! So I married him and I find myself still here!
Together we set up an advertising agency (Campaign listing of top 300 agencies) and operated three Business and Conference Centres. As a full service agency, our role was to become an integral part of a client's management team but provide an unusual approach to solving problems. My multi life experiences often came in handy with the PR and commercial marketing campaigns within the large cross section of market sectors. Within the business centres, I provided the overall management of prestigious serviced office accommodation in two Cheshire locations. The tenant base ranged from start up companies to international plc's.
In joining Gallery Recruitment, I will encounter a new set of challenges and opportunities to which I can apply my absolute dedication and skills. At Gallery, I will now specialise in the commercial sector of recruitment. Being a highly motivated and creative professional with excellent communication skills, will allow me to provide Clients with service that will exceed their expectations.
When the working hours and weather permit, most weekends I am down supporting Cheshire Polo Club, where I am the Chairman of the social committee. I also keep in touch with the art community in the USA and when the budget permits I also collect American Folk Art.
Janet Hurren
Probably one of the happiest friendliest ladies you're likely to meet on this planet!
Hardworking and fun, very creative, exceptional relationship skills, great determination and personality that could never be outshone... and modest about it as well!
As a professional singer, I won a contract to travel the world under the umbrella of an US giant, the brewer 'Miller Lite', working with American forces. My sales skills meant that I also managed to secure similar contracts with the Ministry of Defence, and the English breweries, Bass and Thwaites over the five successful years I spent at the top of the European cabaret scene.
Since then, I spent 10 years in sales at a blue-chip chemical company and have worked in sales in the marketing business for the last 8 years.
With that background, I am now keen to use my expertise in recruiting in the Sales and New Business Development area. In joining Gallery Recruitment, I am sure I will encounter a new set of challenges and opportunities and I am looking forward to applying my absolute dedication and skills to them.
When I am not working I'm happy at home with my husband or as much as possible in Wales hiking all day long over the hills. Spending time with my siblings is very important to me; I'm one of the fortunate people that belong to a large very close-knit family, something which is unusual these days. I can only put this down to my parents on a job well done in rearing all 6 of us in the correct manner.
Simon Lockhart
I joined Gallery Recruitment after ten years or so in various management roles in hospitality. Having had extensive experience in some of the finest hotels, restaurants and bars located in London, Birmingham and more recently Cheshire, it was the obvious industry for me to specialise in.
Locally, I'm better known for being part of the team of the recently revamped and now successful Fox & Barrel and, as the manager, enjoyed a fantastic relationship with the local community. Before that I was based at Macdonalds Portal Hotel Golf and Spa as the Food and Beverage manager, which was also a fairly new site, and once again presented various challenges but I enjoyed the role immensely.
Having been exposed to such intense levels of quality control, professionalism and discipline, I will be keen to bring these particular attributes to Gallery Recruitment and my clients.
In my spare time (whenever that is available!), I can usually be found with my four year old daughter learning the latest nursery street slang and what is particularly popular at the time on the c-beebies music chart.
When the 'free' time does become available, I'll occasionally pop down to the Cheshire polo to see a few games or relax by playing my guitar while my neighbours gently weep!
Simon Martin
I joined Gallery at the start of 2009 and I specialise in recruiting for a variety of industries ranging from graphic arts through to electronic services and social sectors. Coming from a varied business background and having had senior management positions in a number of large businesses, I believe I am ideally placed to source the right candidate for you and take the headache out of recruitment.
I have had 13 years experience in the graphic arts and surrounding industries starting with advertising then moving through to purchasing, direct mail, printing and ending up in print management.
Whilst I am passionate about graphic arts during working hours, I am also passionate about my three daughters and family, who take up most of the rest of my time. In the unlikely event that I have other spare time to fill, I enjoy supporting the best team in the premiership, playing golf, cycling, travelling and most things cultural.
Jon Pacey
My areas of expertise are Sales & Marketing in Sports, Fashion, Creative & Media and a little bit of Print thrown in for good measure.
Having started out as a Sports Coach I moved into sales with sports brand Le coq Sportif then Dunlop Slazenger and latterly Yonex, holding positions from Sales Executive through to Sales & Marketing Director. I then moved into the Fashion Industry with a Jeanswear company and then to Van Gils (Dutch Menswear Co) as UK & Ireland Sales and Marketing Director. Changing tack I spent a year and a half as a Consultant at a friends print business and then took up the role of Commercial Director at a Manchester, city centre Creative & Marketing Agency.
Like you I have now taken the step of becoming self-employed at Gallery.
On a personal note I am 48 years of age, married to Kerry and have a 13-year-old daughter Emily. We live in Adlington a rural village between Stockport and Macclesfield and enjoy good food, wine, and time with friends plus long walks with our 10-month-old German shepherd dog through the great countryside on our doorstep. My main hobby is golf and lets just say I am a keen 5 handicapper, I can give that away now I'm self-employed.
I look forward to working with everyone involved at Gallery and ensuring that we achieve both personal and financial success along the way.
Ted Sellwood
I have spent most of my working life in the Financial Services sector; the majority of my career with Colonial Mutual and latterly as an Independent Financial Adviser.
Having built and sold two Financial Practices, I had visions of moving to France and working with expats as a Financial Adviser. The credit crunch put paid to that dream and I am now committed to using my experience in Financial Services to develop my business as a Recruitment Consultant with Gallery Recruitment.
My main interests outside the workplace are cricket (now as a spectator), our house in France and spending time with my wife and grown up children, all three of them.
I am also studying for a Masters Degree in Life Planning, which is exceptionally hard going but very rewarding. I have no doubt that it enhances my ability to provide an exceptional understanding of the needs of my present clients.
Adeel Cheema
Over the last 10 years I have worked in various roles in financial services, increasing in responsibility at each stage, ranging from sales assistant through to mortgage broker and financial planning manager. I succeeded in the industry for 2 reasons: firstly, I am able to understand the needs of each client and, secondly, I am good at building long term relationships with them.
Looking at my long term goals, I carried out a considerable amount of research on my next move and I decided that working in recruitment is the next logical career step for me. My knowledge and understanding of the financial services sector, together with the reasons for my success in that industry, will allow me to succeed as a recruitment consultant in financial services.
Outside of work I have an active social life, especially enjoying socialising with friends and family. I like to try to keep fit , I enjoy playing football, cycling and going to the gym. I also am a big supporter of Liverpool and I try to watch as many live games as possible.
Jason Whitham
B.A Business with Education Studies., B.A. Hons. Business Administration, AMInstLM
I joined Gallery Recruitment so that I can specialise in education, education services, graduate recruitment and retail.
I have held a number of positions within retail and education and feel that I am able to help you recruit the best individuals. I am confident in dealing with all levels of people ranging from junior positions to senior executives.
I am one of the lucky few who have not only visited several countries but have actually lived there. I have lived in Oman, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. However I have also visited Australia, Egypt, Cyprus, Turkey and Indonesia. I am looking forward to visiting mainland Europe, China, Japan and the USA.
Of all the recruitment companies, I felt that Gallery Recruitment's ethos most closely embodied my personal commitment to act exclusively for the Client and Candidate. Our relatively small specialised team enables us to cater to both Client and Candidates on a personal basis. Both my degrees are in Business and this knowledge assists me in identifying your business needs and matching candidates' skills and abilities to these.
Throughout my higher education I have been active in widening student participation in the education and employment sectors. This was achieved by me holding amongst others, a number of voluntary positions including BA Programme Committee Representative, Aim Higher Representative , Volunteer Mentor at a local primary school, Head of the Anti-Bullying Committee and Deputy Head of Student Council.
In my spare time, I love to read travel books and enjoy cooking for the family - but not the washing up. Although some of my favourite authors include JK Rowling and Bill Bryson, I do like a more serious read and particularly enjoy British history. I am geeky enough, still, to read academic books and this is so that I can keep up to date with the latest theories and policies and remain ahead of the game!
Craig Gordon
I have worked in the catering and hospitality industry for over 16 years; I feel I now have the necessary expertise to recruit within my profession, as I know what the busy chef or restaurant manager is looking for and how best to meet their needs - essentially by providing the right staff and a quality service dedicated to my clients and candidates alike.
My professional career started in South Africa. After completing a two year course in Professional Cookery, I ventured out into the big world of being a Chef. Having worked at some of the finest hotels of my hometown, Durban, I emigrated to the UK some 8 years ago and have continued my career progression here, working in some of the best and finest hotels in London.
I currently live in West London and aim to provide you with the best service possible and to assist you to either find work or to find the right candidate available for your position.
Wendy Woodhead
I have spent the last ten years working in the catering and hospitality profession in both the UK and South Africa.
Having successfully completed the Diploma as a chef in South Africa and after a couple of years I became part owner of one of South Africa's top restaurants.
Here in the UK I have been working for one of the UK's largest restaurant groups for almost five years and I have gained vast experience in all areas in the industry.
After enjoying so much time in the hospitality industry I have decided to make the move to be become self employed as a specialist recruiter to that profession, so that I can put all my people experience to good practice.
Whilst I am not working I enjoy spending time with my husband, taking long walks and long distant running.
I am now very excited to be working at Gallery and I am ready to tackle any recruitment challenge.
Burhan Ahmed
Before joining Gallery Recruitment I obtained a BSc Hons degree in Industrial Pharmaceutical Sciences and now specialise in recruiting within the pharmaceutical industry.
Having a sales background, I knew recruitment would most definitely suit me. The challenge of the industry reflects my character and I look to consistently over perform at whatever I do. Using the skills I gained from my previous role combined with the knowledge I possess about the pharmaceutical industry I look forward to my career with Gallery Recruitment.
Outside of working hours I enjoy playing various sports although football tops the list. I am also a fan of snooker even if my capability in this game will never take me to the Crucible - but then it's all about giving it a go, isn't it?!
Hugh O'Brien
I have joined the Gallery Recruitment team following a career in Logistics spanning nearly 30 years.
My specialist area is Supply Chain, Warehousing and Distribution as I have operated at different levels in several organisations (from FLT operator through to Senior Management). My career involved planning, implementing and managing logistics operations and I have excellent business skills and expertise including having recruited whole new teams in new start-up divisions.
The extensive experience gained in transport, warehousing and the supply chain allowed me to run highly efficient operations.
I am a highly motivated and focused recruitment manager who provides a clear understanding of the industry. My experience will allow me to identify the ideal candidate for your company once I understand your company philosophy and long term goals, which I feel is an important aspect of the service I offer.
My strong business understanding gives me the skills to work with you closely and effectively to ensure quality recruitment is achieved at every level and across all disciplines in your organisation.
My objective is to work with you and for you to fulfil your current and future requirements.
I will ensure you have quality candidates allowing you to focus on your business priorities.
I look forward to working with you and bringing in the people to make your business a success.
On the personal front, it has been known for me to relax with my growing family enjoying the theatre, comedy clubs, football and the odd glass of good wine when I turn off the laptop.
Garry Naden
I have thoroughly enjoyed my 30 plus years in SME manufacturing and am now keen to use those wide skills to help clients exceed in planning, growth and profitability. And that all starts with staff. I have enjoyed a variety of roles in my career which all involved recruiting, managing and motivating people: business development; product manager; UK sales manager; and international sales - Middle/Far East, Indian sub-continent and Australia working at board level with one of the world's top pump manufacturers.
To further improve my man-management skills, I moved to a senior position in the window manufacturing industry. I have been lucky enough to see turnover and profits increase regularly throughout my career. Having served my time as Managing Director, I moved on to consultancy work which lead me to buying my own company from one of my clients - vey scary!!! Great experiences ensued and many lessons, good and bad , added to the rock and roll of business ; some planned, some on the hoof. The highs of improving good staff, new business wins, loyal clients who became good pals, looking after suppliers who helped us on a regular basis added to our list of reliable professionals. We won a National award in our first full year and built our reputation on quality control, lots of communication, documentation, accurate IT costing functions and a gradual clear out of employees who didn't want change. We posted record profits in 2004. All of these experiences make me feel ideally suited to my work in recruitment.
When not in work mode I play in a rock band and absolutely batter a very loud drum kit as well as my Natal Congas for more subtle moments in rehearsals. I also enjoy golf, reading, music, movies, cooking, travel and I mentor my partner Louise on her quest to top the Telegraph football fantasy league as the only female participating in Astra Zeneca ,as she lies 3rd of 17 - the guys are not happy.
