COMMUNITY
BETTER THAN BANANA BREAD! Big wins for small businesses
At Portman Scott, as in many small companies, we wish we could devote more of our time to pro bono work. But although both founders sit on not-forprofit boards, the truth is that we are not yet at that stage in our recruitment business. Lockdown, whilst uninvited, brought us abruptly to a place where although we were not providing our services totally pro bono, did give us a chance to rethink how we were approaching the market. The whole world in complete economic shutdown meant a wealth of senior candidates who, irrespective of their quality and circumstances, found themselves without a role. Short-term futures were suddenly transformed into home-schooling, Netflix and baking banana bread! Keeping busy yes, but also for many, a time of reflection. What was important to them? Perhaps that their
next role would be more fulfilling, more of a challenge and more of a change than they had previously contemplated. Fast forward six weeks and we are delighted to be in a position where we have contributed in a small way to a company (c. £1m turnover) having the best month in its nine-year history. An entrepreneurial CEO had just acquired a new business, knew he had a great product and had several glowing testimonials. He found it difficult, however, to capitalise on its success; a Marketing Director was needed, but a six figure salary wasn’t feasible. Frustratingly, this was also the dream role for a creative, commercial Marketing Director who wanted to make a real impact in an ethical company. At the same time there were investors interested, but they had concerns about the lack of senior experience in the existing team.
An interesting three months or so at Ardent Tide. While we were able to carry on business as normal for our clients and subcontractors we were all working from home. The biggest challenge was getting information to self-employed ops regarding the Govt income support scheme; ‘being made up as you along’ so getting facts was always going to be tricky. We also organised a loan facility for the ops so between the two nobody suffered any hardship. As of early June were are back to 80% trading which is great.
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Happily, we were able, in these unique times, to act as the catalyst for a deal that worked for all parties. The candidate agreed to work for a significantly reduced salary, initially for three months to help scale the company. With the date of review and market salary agreed up front, it’s everyone’s intention that the candidate continue in the role, reverting to market salary at the end of the three months. And the part that we played as the search/recruitment company? It follows the “thrive rather than just survive” model we developed in week one of Lockdown. We meet many owners who have potentially great companies, but lack budget for senior hires. To support them we decided to provide this complete Search Service solution – but to only invoice our full fee when the candidate reverts to the permanent role. That way we share the risk with all parties involved and our clients get to try our services and the candidate “before they buy” too. It’s not a totally pro bono model, but it is our way of adapting to the times and, hopefully, can lead to a positive outcome that works for all. We have chosen not to name the company concerned, but if you’d like further details, please do get in touch. We have permission from both to discuss their experience. b.cunningham@portmanscott.com.
