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.

Grahame Gurney now Finance Director at Viscose Closures in Crawley.
Alex is a person who looks out for the interests of his clients and will support them when required, as well as going out of his way to ensure that they get what they need. He has integrity and I would certainly use him again in the future. February 21, 2012

John Cross. Now IFRS Reporting Accountant at Unum in Dorking.
Alex was very committed in helping to place me in the right role and I am very grateful for his hard work and professional approach. Feb 22nd 2012.

Hayley White. 14.03.12
Emma and I had detailed discussions around my CV and my requirements for a new role and company. She asked relevant questions to ensure that she had a full understanding of my needs and I was confident that she knew what I was looking for. Unlike some other agencies, I was only approached with roles which matched my requirements, rather than just sending over anything and everything. This is something that I really appreciate as it confirms an understanding of requirements and also does not waste everybody's time. Emma was openly proactive in her search for me, sending over a list of companies that she worked with to discuss if I would like her to approach any of them on my behalf. Emma and I kept in regular contact and if there were no relevant vacancies she would still ring me to check on my status and let me know that they were still looking for me. We built up an easy relationship and the flow of information was fluid. I had no doubt that if Emma needed to clarify any information that she would have done so and got back to me very promptly. I would just like to say that it was a pleasure working with Emma and the team at Grafton Banks and to thank you for all your help. I will definitely contact Grafton in the future.

Matt Killick, now Trainee Accountant at Cardens Accountancy Practice in Hove.
Grafton Banks Finance was very good at listening and understanding my requirements and got me an interview for a job that matched my particular requirements for work. Claire at Grafton Banks was very good at keeping me informed. She was in regular contact from when we first spoke to arranging a further meeting prior to the interview a week later. I did not have many issues or questions but any I had were dealt with quickly and simply. 26th April 2012

Jane Capel
Throughout my dealings with Emma, I felt that she understood all of my requirements in terms of the level and variety I was looking for in a role. Although Grafton Banks Finance was slightly out of my geographical area, Emma sourced a number of clients who had suitable locations for me, the one particular role that I applied for was a good match and Emma worked hard to get me selected initially for the interview process. I was kept informed of progress throughout and given clear feedback and guidance on preparation for next stages. Emma was always available and through her strong relationship with the client was able to answer any queries. It was a real pleasure to deal with Emma and I would certainly contact her at Grafton Banks in the future for my job placement requirements, whether for me, or as an employer. 25th April 2012.

Madeline Burt now at Knill James in Lewes.
I am extremely grateful to you Claire for how much effort you put in with regards to contacting me about the job at Knill James and before and after each interview stage. It felt like I was receiving a more personal service and not just someone that you wanted to get on the books like I felt when being contacted by other agencies. All my questions regarding the job were answered while we were on the phone or shortly after which considering my issue with already having an offer in place made my decisions so much easier. One thing that I also appreciated was that when you were not in the office and I spoke to another colleague they knew why I was contacting and were able to speak to me and not just say that you would return my call when you were back at work. I don't really know what more I can say but just thanks again for all your help in finding me a position so quickly after finishing University. I would definitely recommend Grafton Banks to anyone else in the industry!

Cecilia Jamel-Billy - Interim Finance Manager at Legal & General, Kingswood
From our very first telephone conversation to our meeting in person, and throughout the whole recruitment process, Emma has been honest, genuine and generally fantastic, at listening, and then providing clear feedback and constructive advice. From the start, Emma made a point of listening carefully to my synopsis of my career history, reviewing my CV and my current situation, as well as my aspirations going forward. Whilst I am a professional, I am also a mum with teenage children who wants to work closer to home, and I felt Emma had a genuine interest in finding the most suitable role for me Emma was honest about the availability of contract roles in my chosen geographical area, but also made a point of contacting me regularly to discuss the suitability of possible roles as they came up. She has excellent insight into the requirements of the recruiting companies, and was able to advise me in my job applications. Within a few weeks she had guided me sufficiently to secure interviews with the two companies I applied to and then to get the first role that I actually interviewed for, which was my preferred role. Emma put a lot of effort into ensuring that all issues and questions were dealt with promptly from all sides, in both the pre and post interview stages of the recruitment process. There was an excellent level of contact between myself, not only with Emma, but I was also kept informed by other Grafton Banks colleagues, Nigel and Marie. I was always able to speak to Emma directly or a colleague when I called for feedback. My calls were always returned where necessary, and emails always answered. I feel that I have received a pleasantly personal and generally excellent level of service which exceeds my experiences with other agencies. I would definitely recommend Emma and the team, and will contact them again myself for future roles. August 2012

Andrew McLean
I have had a very good experience with Grafton Banks and have been put forward for more positions by this recruitment specialist than all the other agencies together. Their approach is friendly but always professional. Their recruiters have been extremely proactive and contact me on a regular basis with information on vacancies that are of interest to me. They are particularly good at matching the candidate to the role and although I have not been successful to date I realise that Grafton Banks are the most likely to play a part in my eventual success in the job search. I am indeed "delighted"

Adam Jewell now Financial Controller at Cmed Group in Horsham.
Grafton Banks have set themselves apart from other agencies by taking the time to understand my job search and have delivered multiple roles that meet my search criteria. They have been both higly proffesional and personable and all of their team members are a pleasure to work with. They will certainly be my first call in the future whether I'm looking for a new role myself or looking to recruit others. It would be fair to say that I have been delighted by their service!

Stewart Rose - Now Group Financial Controller and Company Secretary at Quadrant Group Limited, Burgess Hill
When I decided that it was time to move on from my current role, I contacted a few recruitment agencies. One of which was Grafton Banks. I met with Nigel and Alex at an early stage to go through my CV. I felt from the start that they really understood me in terms of the frustrations I had with my current role and my aspirations for my next one. During my search, the leads provided by Grafton Banks were a very good fit for where I wanted to get career-wise. This compared to the ‘scatter-gun' approach that some of the other recruiters seemed to adopt, whereby I felt that my name was just keyed into a database to see what came up. They also offered good advice to enhance my CV and also got me to think how my current experience could be related to a potential new job so that they could really fight my case and get me to interview. These small things – taking the time to understand me, the advice on my CV, the feeling of being a person rather than a database record, all adds up to a lot in my mind. Perhaps the best testimonial that I can give in terms of customer delight is that I got my current role through them! And though it is still early on, I am so happy with it and the challenges and opportunities that it gives me. I would have no hesitation in using Grafton Banks, either as a candidate or an employer again!

Anne-Marie Franklin - Director at Employment Answers Ltd, Ringmer
Grafton Banks provide an excellent and efficient service to their clients and are prepared to go ‘the extra mile' to meet their clients needs. The Consultants take the time from the outset to meet with the client and to understand the clients business. As a result of this they have a strong relationship with the client which then enables them to make a perfect match. I have no hesitation recommending Grafton Banks to my clients on this basis.

Madeline Burt now Trainee Accountant at Knill James in Lewes
I was really pleased with the service that I received from Grafton Banks but the main thing that I appreciated was how nice and friendly all the staff were at all times of contact. If Claire wasn't around to answer any questions I had some-else would be able to answer my questions then and there or get back to me with a response. With using a specific accountancy sector agency I found that I was taken more seriously than other agents I contacted and that all my preferences in job hunting were considered with other suggestions made and avenues considered. The before and after interview contact made by Claire while I was going through the interview stage really helped me refine my answers to the interview questions making me come across as a better candidate for the position that I was then offered. I would definitely contact Grafton Banks again if I was to look to moving from my current position.