JUICE RECRUITMENT CELEBRATES 20 YEARS IN BUSINESS
Twenty years ago , Emma Summers set up Juice Recruitment in Bath , determined to bring a fresh approach to the sector . Two years later , she was joined by her husband , Andrew , who is now operations director . The company specialises in sourcing exceptional candidates in sales , human resources and accountancy , and now boasts five offices across the South West , with 24 employees .
We asked managing director Emma about her 20 years in business and what she believes sets Juice apart …
What inspired you to set up the business ?
I felt the recruitment industry required a fresh new approach – one that was customer-led , and focused on a quality experience for both candidates and clients .
My mission was to create a company that specialised in supplying exceptional candidates that go above and beyond in their passion to succeed in their chosen environment . A company that makes its candidates and clients feel welcomed and provides an unparalleled recruitment experience across every channel .
What started as a logo and a set of core values of how a recruitment business should operate has become a wellknown and highly respected business representing many of the South West ’ s most prolific brands .
Why did you want to work for yourself ? My father had established a very successful ceiling and flooring business , so we were used to him talking about VAT returns and the projects he was working on across the dining room table – something must have stayed with us , as being the middle one of three daughters , we have all gone into business !
Why did you choose to go into recruitment ?
Recruitment is such a wonderfully fascinating industry . It is focused around amazing people at every stage of their working career coupled with meeting and understanding such an array of interesting businesses across the South West . There is nothing better than a candidate being over the moon at a fresh new opportunity or an employer being super excited about bringing dazzling new talent to power their business .
What was it like starting out on your own ?
Exceedingly exciting but also very daunting . I started Juice when I was 26 so I had gained four years of industry sector experience . I had such a belief in the way a recruitment business should be portrayed and operate . I was keen for Juice to be focused on customer relations , alongside a distinctive brand , culture and very strong values of honesty and integrity .
How has recruitment changed over the last 20 years ?
Enormously . Partcularly with advances in technology , legislation and process . As active members of the REC , Juice has always been one step ahead of those changes and this is reflected in our operating systems , our brand and culture and our exceedingly high customer service delivery .
What ’ s it like being a married couple in business together ?
Andrew and I love working together . There is nothing better than coming home on an evening , pouring a glass of wine and discussing our day , always with a view of what we are going to achieve tomorrow .
Have you had to deal with any difficult situations in business ?
The recession in 2009 was tough and I never forget the day of having to release over 100 temps overnight who were working for one of our clients . You do , however , need lessons in life like this as they strengthen your ability to demonstrate commercial acumen in both good and harsher times .
Some of the Juice Recruitment team at the launch of the Swindon office
What sets Juice apart from the competition ?
We believe Juice is the most innovative , dynamic and vibrant recruitment agency in the South West . Our brand , culture and ethos oozes enthusiasm , eagerness and energy . We treasure old-fashioned values – honesty , trust and integrity - and our goal is to connect the right people with the right opportunities . This is integral to everything we do . We believe in people not paper ( the person behind the CV and the opportunity behind the job specification ) and our approach ensures we recruit based on core values along with skill sets and ability . We meet all our candidates and clients ensuring we are best for both parties every time .
What are the plans for Juice Recruitment ’ s future ?
The company that began life in a small office in Bath now has five branches across the South West with further openings on the horizon . Our aim in the forthcoming months and years is to strengthen our existing divisions with expansion into further locations across the South West … exciting times ahead !
8 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2018