Having worked for a huge national recruitment company for 9 years and having worked in a very structured and corporate environment, it has been like a breath of fresh air working for a brand within the Empresaria Group. As an MD I really enjoy the autonomy and responsibility I now have. Empresaria has a very light corporate centre and as a result every brand within the group is run as a separate business. This type of set up is something I prefer as I can really take ownership for my business but I also have the benefit of support when I need it.
It was for these reasons as well as the equity participation that really attracted me to the group in the first place. To have a meaningful stake in my company means I have a clear vision and goals on where I want to take my business. This provides me with a huge amount of extra motivation and desire.
Being part of Empresaria is very exciting as it is very entrepreneurial; constantly growing by acquiring new businesses, internationally and in the UK. The vision that the board have is inspiring and it is great being part of an organisation whose vision really is coming to life.
Russell Thompson, MD LMa
Although we are a small company being part of a whole group gives us not only more credibility in our market place but also a feeling of belonging to a bigger network. To have a network of individuals to call upon for advice and support is very valuable as is having Empresaria’s support and knowledge for business growth into new markets.
The support of Empresaria in terms of finance, HR and legal advice ensures Directors can focus upon its core business while companies can also benefit, as a group, from supplier discounts ranging from insurance to stationery.
Stephanie Storey, MD Greycoat Placements
When we were offered the opportunity to buy McCall we looked at a number of options and, in particular, funding from City Institutions and Joint Venture options generally. We decided that the JV route was the preferred option, as each of the companies that offer this have a tried and tested model of success. The key reasons that we chose Empresaria was that we had worked with Empresaria in the past, as a client hiring McCall candidates. They had always displayed a high level of integrity, plus the model that they have is attractive and whilst others in the marketplace offer joint ventures, Empresaria had very ambitious plans for growth.
It is exciting to be part of a growing international group, as the UK market is just a “drop in the ocean”. Growth internationally also means it has become viable for our business to expand overseas.
Nick Bancroft & Julie O’Neill, Joint MDs, McCall Ltd
I didn’t quite know what to expect when Reflex joined Empresaria Group but I felt optimistic based on what I had learnt about Empresaria prior to the buyout. I also felt somewhat sceptical, as I really had no idea as to what the future held. This was also coupled with the concerns of joining a Plc and the potential demands that this would put on the business.
However, being part of Empresaria has given Reflex the backing and support that the business previously lacked. They have been very supportive of us, as a business and are always open to ideas. I have been allowed to get on and run the business, without being told what to do or how to do it. I feel Empresaria, in this sense, has assisted me from the sideline. The other benefits are access to a wide range of services including HR and being able to call on and exchange views with other group directors. Financial backing to be able to develop the business is also a huge benefit.
Simon Lanaway, MD Reflex HR
