What Our Candidates Say

ACCA Qualified Accountant. Now Planning Analyst at EDF Energy in Hove
After an excellent first meeting, I was made to feel you had a genuine interest in finding the right role for me rather than just getting me placed. No other agency made such an effort to fully explore my career to date and future plans. I was only offered suitable roles. Again I have experienced the opposite with other agencies where they approach you with any role that you would be qualified to do regardless of whether you would want to do it. Excellent communications was always available. The whole process went too smoothly to comment, but I would have complete confidence that any issues or questions would be dealt with quickly and effectively. Grafton Banks were the stand out firm of the agencies I dealt with. I felt I was dealing with professionals with a genuine interest in getting the right role for me. I would not hesitate to pick up the phone to Grafton Banks again both as a candidate and as a recruiter.

Melanie Carr - Now Finance Analyst at Kimberley Clark in Brighton
Grafton Banks Finance were very good at listening and understanding my particular requirements. I had very limited geographic search and not once did they come with an “excellent opportunity in Crawley”, (like so many others!) I needed a job in Brighton and that's what I got. They seemed to have good contacts in large and small firms. They understood what sort of roles I was looking for and did not waste my time with any other roles. There was a good level of contact and I appreciated the honesty when they were quiet and there were no roles. There was also good contact during the interview process. Grafton Banks Finance were able to deal with questions on roles and company. If they didn't have the information they were willing to find out. Alex and Nigel were both very helpful, honest and professional at all times. They provided a service that was head and shoulders above other agencies I was registered with at the time.

Andrew Goodson – Now Senior Finance Analyst at Kimberley Clark in Brighton
I found out about Grafton Banks quite late in my job search (via REED website), but found them to be very quick to identify my requirements, and to start finding roles for me. Alex was able to find several opportunities in a short space of time, and through his clear understanding of where my interests and experiences lay, I found almost all of these roles to be ones I was interested in. He knew a lot about both the companies and the roles which we talked about.Alex was prompt in returning my calls, and would update me even if just to say that the recruiter hadn't yet got back to him.I met with Alex and Nigel, who both offered me sound career advice in order to help me reach a good career decision. I was very happy with the professional way they conducted themselves, and was pleased that I didn't feel as though I was being coerced into a decision I didn't want to make.

Alan Price - Now Financial Controller at Public-I, Hove
Nigel and Alex both took time to understand my particular experience and how I wanted my career to progress. They didn't have much time (I quickly got a suitable job with a company that doesn't use agencies) but I'm sure they would have turned up some excellent leads given time. Nigel and Alex are professional and switched on. I will certainly be recommending them.

Tracey Bishop - Now Balance Sheet Manager at EDF Energy in Hove
Alex always provided me with sound guidance and support for the role in question and was very knowledgeable of his client base. He is professional and proactive at all times.

Chris Mawer - Now Financial Controller, Cactus Language, Brighton
Alex was very reliable, professional and friendly and managed to find a number of suitable opportunities for me. With Alex's help I managed to secure an ideal position in a very short space of time. I would definitely use his services again.

Erica Burke - Now Commercial Finance Manager at Novo Nordisk, Crawley
Grafton Banks were excellent at matching not only the job but the culture of the company to the individual and making a match. Service was proactive, personal and successful you can't ask for more.

Paul Instone
Grafton Banks took the time to listen and fully understand the requirement. Regular contact was maintained and I felt very informed on the current market conditions. The level of contact was very motivational for my job search. The professionalism, openness and honesty were greatly received and very helpful. I wish Grafton Banks all success in their growth. I'm sure they will become a major force in Finance Recruitment. Due to the professional service I received, in future, when recruiting I shall include Grafton Banks as one of the recruitment consultants used.

Stephen Taylor
Excellent Service! As much as anything Nigel & Alex convinced me that they were working in my best interests, so I was not concerned during periods of little contact as I knew they were doing their best.

Robert Forshaw - Now Financial Controller of ITW in Crawley
Having listened to my requirements I was given an opportunity with a company that fitted very nearly all of the criteria.Only one opportunity was offered, but it was a good one and I got the job. The process was very efficiently run. A very full and open process meant there were few issues and all questions were dealt with quickly. An extremely quick process going from 1st contact to job offer in six working days, is that a record?

Rob Wilby - Placed as Oracle Finance Lead at Scotia Gas Networks
Alex gives a personal service to both his clients and the candidates he works with. He takes the time to find out the clients needs and understand the candidates goal. Many recruiters just run a process so fail to understand the business needs.

Guy Gibbons - Now Finance Director at Puzzlermedia Ltd - Redhill, Surrey
Alex is a very efficient and focused recruitment professional who utilizes his understanding the business context and requirements of his clients to effectively source and match suitable candidates.

Marc Walden - Now Technical Accounting Manager at Hastings Direct in Bexhill
I feel that of all the recruiters I have been registered with, and there have been a fair few including many of the big names, the service at Grafton Banks far exceeded anything I saw or experienced elsewhere. I asked for roles in a particular region and those were generally the only ones which were offered to me. I was offered roles with a broad spectrum of activities and feel that those I was most interested in were acknowledged and similar roles were found, particularly being able to use technical accounting knowledge which has partly led to the role I will be starting in two weeks.

I must say at first I didn't realise Grafton Banks were a small company as the reach, range and locations of the roles available were so good and the service so fast and professional. I can certainly say I felt well informed at every stage of each process we went through and that goes for all team members, particularly Alex and Paul who I dealt with in the main. I just want to thank the whole team for all their efforts and to tell them that if at any point in the future I am in a position to recruit in their region they will be my first port of call.

Ben Essex - Now Principle Competitor Analyst at EDF Energy, Hove
Alex has been key in helping me secure my new job. He was incredibly helpful, efficient and diligent in his position as a recruitment consultant, and I have no hesitation in recommending him. January 19, 2011

Matt Quinlisk - Now Financial Controller of Kuoni Tour Operation in Dorking, Surrey
Alex has helped find me my first role out in commerce from practice. A range of opportunities were offered and helpful advice given in progressing me through the interview process. The thing I most like about Grafton Banks Finance is that they are very personable, and I genuinely feel I've built a good relationship with the team, and they cared about finding the right role. It is something that sets them apart from other recruiters! March 10, 2011

Anna Dyda - Now Finance Analyst at The Mileage Company, Crawley
From the first minute of our meeting I could see that Paul Bavin was prepared to listen to what I had to say very carefully in order to fully understand exactly what I was looking for in my future job. I thought it was a great idea, as he started talking about Grafton Banks Finance background and how he decided to work for the agency. Although our first meeting was very informal, it allowed an ice breaker and left me feeling more comfortable and confident to talk about my past experience, skills and future job expectations.

I have been kept fully informed about every step in the job selection process. Previously dealing with other agencies, I was left with a short confirmation e-mail that only listed my interview time/date and a company contact details. This time I was e-mailed a detailed description of what to expect from the interview and how to prepare for it. I also had a telephone conversation with Paul to ensure that I was fully prepared. That not only greatly supported me at my interview preparation stage, but also gave me the confidence that I needed during my interview.

I knew that I could ask Paul any questions I had and discuss anything that worried me. Paul replied to all my questions with confidence and gave an impression of someone who is able to support and resolve any issues.

I can say with confidence that I have received a highly professional level of service from Grafton Banks Finance and have already recommended them to my friends. (April 2011)

Professional Interim Contractor placed at TUI Travel, Crawley.
Emma was very attentive and spent sufficient time going through past experience and thoughts for future roles. I was kept updated and informed of contracts that might be suitable. The level of contact was first class – right amount of contact for the short term contract involved. No issues arose but I am sure that if any did they would be resolved speedily and professionally. Only a short term contract but it was a pleasure dealing with professional people who made it their concern to know their client, their needs and introduce candidates with similar ideals. A refreshing change from some of the larger agencies who cannot manage this.

Melanie Ridley now Finance Manager at TUI Education in Brighton
Paul Bavin fully understood what I was looking for and seemed to know exactly which roles would be suited to me from taking the time to listen to my requirements. The opportunities I was presented with were relevant and I was always asked for my opinion on each job specification to assess the suitability. The level of contact was better than any other agency I have dealt with. I was regularly informed of any new roles and was given prompt feedback from applications and interviews. Any questions were answered fully and swiftly and I was offered support in preparing for interviews and throughout the recruitment process. Paul found me the ideal role very quickly and I am pleased I went straight to Grafton Banks. They are really nice, professional guys I would not hesitate to use them again in the future.

Sharon Davis, now Management Accountant at Acumen PI in Brighton.
Grafton Banks Finance was very good at assessing the information and looking for positions that were a good fit. The sourcing of relevant opportunities was excellent, despite the difficulties of my situation, the team found a number of interesting positions that were appropriate. Grafton Banks Finance was eager to assist and respond to questions and full of helpful advice on areas such as practising ability tests. I was extremely pleased with the assistance the team at Grafton Banks gave me; everyone was very helpful and thinking 'outside the box' to find suitable opportunities in a difficult climate.

Professional Interim Contractor placed at Tui Travel, Crawley
Professional Interim Contractor placed at TUI Travel, Crawley. Emma was very attentive and spent sufficient time going through past experience and thoughts for future roles. I was kept updated and informed of contracts that might be suitable. The level of contact was first class – right amount of contact for the short term contract involved. No issues arose but I am sure that if any did they would be resolved speedily and professionally. Only a short term contract but it was a pleasure dealing with professional people who made it their concern to know their client, their needs and introduce candidates with similar ideals. A refreshing change from some of the larger agencies who cannot manage this.

Rozanne de Villiers – now working at Health Partners International, Lewes
Paul Bavin was fantastic at finding me job opportunities which were specific to my needs. Emma was just as dedicated on the temporary side. Opportunities presented were very suitable. Paul asked me to make a list of the skills I felt were relevant to a particular role as well as the qualities I could offer the client. This was a very good approach as it provides another aspect to support my CV (most finance CVs look very similar)! Paul and Emma were always available even when I wasn't. There was an instance where Emma even called from home when she was supposed to have time to herself. I never had to wait more than 10 minutes or so for a call back if one of them were on the phone when I called the agency. Paul made sure I was aware of any decisions being made relating to second interviews and job offers with feedback from the client and any particular reservations they had. Paul provided me with more than enough information relating to the client I was interviewing with. He was able to deal with any queries I had relating to the job specification and the company. Paul is very aware of the market and knows exactly how to market candidates. Grafton Banks Finance is by far the best agency I have come across and I will most certainly recommend them to everyone.