IFSDG: How long have you worked in
HRC
Recruitment?
Elaine: I joined HRC Recruitment just over 2
years ago. In my previous role, HRC Recruitment was my main
competition within the insurance recruitment sector, so it made
sense that we joined forces.
IFSDG: How many people work at
HRC Recruitment?
Elaine: 63 and counting between our Glasgow,
Edinburgh and Dundee offices.
IFSDG: What is the vision for HRC
Recruitment in Glasgow?
Elaine: It sounds like a cliché, but after 20
years recruiting within the general insurance sector, I'd like to
be seen as a subject matter expert and the go-to person for all
recruitment requirements.
IFSDG: What's a typical day for you?
Elaine: There is never a typical day in
recruitment, it's such a reactive job. I receive around 80 emails
per day; I interview one or two candidates; and I usually have at
least one client meeting over coffee or lunch. The one thing that
is guaranteed about my day is that my 'things to do' list gets
bigger.
IFSDG: Why did HRC
Recruitment choose to locate in the IFSD in
Glasgow?
Elaine: The move was essential, due to our
staff numbers continually growing. We have recently moved into a
state of the art, open plan office space with floor to ceiling
windows. On a clear day, I can look out of my office window and see
the Campsie Hills. It's such a great feeling coming into a
professional office where the majority of your clients are situated
nearby, making it easy to pop out to catch face to face time with
them.
IFSDG: Three good things about working
in Glasgow?
Elaine: As a shopaholic, I have to say the
retail offering, closely followed by the people - they are
genuinely so friendly and outgoing. Lastly, the architecture - our
city is full of beautiful old buildings with the most amazing
stonework which sit in contrast to the brand shiny new tower
blocks, we just don't look up enough.
IFSDG: What is your biggest business achievement
to date?
Elaine: I am extremely proud of the success of
the Ladies of Insurance Lunches. Nine years ago, it started by
inviting 20 women from the industry to a charity lunch. Fast
forward to 2019 and these lunches are still happening twice a year
for between 150-200 ladies every time. We have raised thousands and
thousands of pounds for local charities as well as having some
fabulous afternoon networking events… often ending in a karaoke
session!
IFSDG: What is the best investment you ever
made?
Elaine: Without a doubt, it's my family. I met
my husband almost 30 years ago and we have one son, aged 27, who
makes me proud every day. Next year he gets married to a great girl
and I also have two amazing, crazy, energetic and handsome
grandsons. I have been extremely lucky to have a great work-life
balance throughout my career.
IFSDG: Which businessperson or company do you most
admire and why?
Elaine: I have just finished reading the Jo
Malone story. She is inspirational, building her brand up from
nothing and going on to sell her company for millions of pounds,
while remaining closely involved with the business. I enjoy reading
how kind, ruthless, mad, hard working or even lucky some
businesspeople are.
IFSDG: What did you want to be when you were a
child?
Elaine: I wanted to be a teacher. Even as a
child I wanted people to pay attention and listen to me.
IFSDG: What do you do to relax away from the
office?
Elaine: I had to look up "relax" as I don't
understand the concept. I visit the gym up to six times a
week; I babysit my grandsons as much as possible; and I have a very
active social life, networking with clients at least twice per
week.
IFSDG: I-Phone or Android?
Elaine: Android
IFSDG: Favourite band?
Elaine: Michael Bublé (seen him 3 times
live)
IFSDG: Favourite sport?
Elaine: Do spin classes at the gym count?
IFSDG: Favourite movie?
Elaine: At the moment its Monsters Inc, I can
recite every word!
IFSDG: Sunshine or snow?
Elaine: Definitely sunshine
IFSDG: and finally, what three words sum you
up?
Elaine: competitive, sociable, fun