KRISTOFFER GALLOWAY Founder of Newcastle IT Recruit Ltd
What were your career ambitions growing up?
I suppose like many people I aspired to be a footballer. I played to a decent standard at school and for the county but sadly was never going to make the grade. I did found though that coaching I received from Newcastle College during my Sports Coaching course helped when I enrolled in an apprenticeship in IT at Newcastle City Council. This was very much a new trade and excitingly “the future.” I enjoyed a very rounded role at Newcastle Council and a spell at Hewlett Packard before taking a career break and working a Summer in Greece. When the season ended I enrolled at London Metropolitan University to undertake a degree in Computing,Electronics and Mathematics. After further experience with different companies I was fortunate to work a spell in Melbourne, Australia within the banking sector, where my wife had a role with Tommee Tippee. Upon returning back to the UK I began my current role at Northern Gas Networks where I have moved through the ranks to manage a team of eight. I do this currently in conjunction with my new business. Tell us about Newcastle IT Recruit Ltd?
I recently decided to set up my own Recruitment Agency after working for more than 20 years across the IT sector in various industries including – Banking, Utilities, FMCG, Social Services & big tech company HP. During this time, I realised that recruiting the right people for IT roles can often be problematic when those hiring do not have a background in this field. Requirements within IT can often be very specific and technical, and therefore having someone who specialises in this area significantly increases the chances of pairing the right client and candidate. I have covered it all; 1st, 2nd & 3rd Line Support, Refurbishments, Migrations and many other Project based work. In addition to this I have also gained my Level 7 Diploma in Recruitment Management. My role at Newcastle IT Recruit Ltd is the Managing Director but not limited to wearing many hats during my time so far. I’m keen on keeping a close eye on all aspects of the business which will help drive the brand and message about what we are trying to achieve but more importantly, how we can help others.
What has been your proudest achievement?
Undoubtedly setting up the new company within a pandemic which was both scary and exciting.
What are you currently working on?
We are trying to expand our online presence, expand the new brand and improve what we can achieve for the candidate and employer. We are also attempting to make significant inroads into the student marketplace.
Where do you hope to see the business in 12 months time?
Being spoken in the same breath as the already established big names, improving our sales approach and service levels and also fully establishing the brand.
How has the industry changed in the last few years?
The world of IT is incredibly fast paced and continually evolving and that will continue to be the case. With GDPR and security attacks the policies and procedures to learn are huge. Artificial Intelligence will become ever more prevalent as will remote working which was initially forced upon us by the pandemic.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
I suppose it has been really more of what I have witnessed. Loads of online businesses have popped up during the coronavirus crisis and this has led to me reflecting on how I could change and adapt and improve what I am doing.
What has been your biggest challenge?
In recent months, lack of face to face meetings and human contact. I hope to take Newcastle IT Recruit full time by the end of the year which I’m sure will help in establishing long term relationships.
Who are your Heroes and Mentors?
Unquestionably my Mum who prepared me for anything. Also Arnold Schwarznegger. He dreamt of winning Mr. Olympia and moved to America in his quest at a time when he couldn’t speak English. The rest as they say is history with his subsequent moves into acting and politics. He is the living embodiment of someone who made the impossible happen.
How do you like to unwind?
Spending time with my family, going to the gym, building lego and enjoying everything our beautiful North East has to offer.
What are your favourite books?
Total Recall by Arnold Schwarznegger and the History of Volkswagen which was a fascinating read.