Tell us about your background?
Very early years – I was born up in Ashington, moved around the country a fair bit for parents work, spending time in Exeter and Norwich before finding our way to Teesside.
I did business management at university up in Newcastle followed by a couple of summer Placements with Howie White Resourcing, joining them full time after I graduated, and then took over the running of the business in 2022.
What is your role?
I am the Managing Director of Howie White Resourcing.
What is the main purpose of HWR?
Howie White Resourcing was established, to provide an alternative to database recruitment agencies. We do not have a database of people seeking employment, but proactively find candidates for the role through our extensive range of contacts and by networking within relevant markets.
What is your proudest business achievement?
Working my way up through the business starting as a graduate in 2013 to taking over the business three years ago and continuing to lead it to success.
What were your career ambitions growing up?
I always wanted to own my own business, (was never sure doing what) I just knew that is what I wanted to aspire to do when I was older. It makes me proud that I have achieved that ambition, but now it’s about bettering myself in the role and making the business the best it can possibly be.
What is your business USP?
People buy from people. Simple. Every role that we recruit is unique, because every business and every appointment is different. We take time and use our experience to really understand what a client wants from someone coming into a role. We seek to understand, not only the technical requirements of a role, but also the culture and values of a business. When you understand what you’re looking for you can find it.
What services do you provide?
We are a search based recruiter, pure and simple. While this sounds simple, making it happen takes a unique skill set. We find that people are incredibly helpful if approached and treated properly and are happy to engage with us to reach relevant candidates.
How do you like to unwind?
Spending family time with my wife, our four year old son and our new addition, eight week old Ella. Going to watch NUFC – although this isn’t always relaxing! Having a good work/life balance can be challenging at times, especially as a business owner, but it’s important to me to make sure I maintain one and don’t miss any key milestones with our young children because I’ve got my head in a laptop.
Briefly, what does a typical working day comprise for you?
It’s the cliche of business owners to say, ‘there isn’t really a typical day, everyday is different’ but it is entirely true. Working with a wide variety of sectors and clients means every role we handle is different. Typically though, my day always starts with taking my son to school, then it’s head down with emails, calls and meetings for the rest of the day. I really cherish that twenty minutes in the car with my son each morning and having a chat with him before work mode kicks in.
What are the plans longer term?
There are no plans for fundamental change, as we are confident that our business model is one which is attractive to our existing, and prospective clients. What drives me, is making sure Howie White can be the best it can be and continue to provide a first class service to our clients.
What advice would you give to someone with a business idea?
I’d say, surround yourself with likeminded people and also people that know a lot more than you. Build a network, get out and meet business owners as well as setting yourself goals, you will get knock backs, but persevere.
What is your company’s mission?
To raise standards within the recruitment industry and to ensure that we continually add value to the businesses that we work with.
What has been your career highlight?
I wouldn’t say I have one career highlight. I am very proud of the business as a whole – Coming through COVID where the world changed in terms of business as usual, was a real challenge, but one that we rose to. Seeing Howie White change and adapt when technology tries to infiltrate the recruitment industry more and more, while still retaining the personal element of the job is always rewarding to see.
Finally…a quick fire round of ‘Either/Or’…
Dog or cat? Dog – we have a pug and a Cockapoo
Indian or Chinese? Indian – Goan Chicken Curry always!
Sunshine or slopes? Sunshine hands down! Preferably with beer in hand Teams or face to face? Face to face, can’t beat meeting people in person.
Email or call? Both! Both have their place for different requirements
Tea or coffee? Coffee – milk no sugar, if you’re offering!
www.howiewhite.co.uk