TGt Meets... Karen Davison

As part of our Entrepreneur Week Specials, we've been speaking to Karen Davison from C&D.

Tell us a little bit more about your business?

C&D are totally committed to providing the highest standard of recruitment services with an exceptional track record and a genuine passion for the industry. Our key strengths are an unparalleled knowledge of the unique challenges facing local employee marketplaces. The stable and mature team at C&D have a track record second to none. Offering customers reliability in relationships, consistency in service levels, continuous improvement, and exceptional delivery. 

What inspired you to set up your business?

Running your own business has to be one of the most rewarding experiences life has to offer, giving you the opportunity to be the best version of yourself. I also have a huge passion and determination for helping people fulfil their own potential. I’ve come across so many people who have a huge amount of ability, who just need to find a way to express it. During my early years at Securicor Recruitment Services, I saw a gap in the market for a new type of recruitment business that could recognise, nurture and develop people’s skills in a progressive more inclusive way that enabled me to help people fulfil their potential.     

What do you think attracts people to starting their own business?

Undoubtedly the opportunity of being a successful entrepreneur is a big attraction, holding your career, and therefore future in your own hands. However, having a passion for what you do is also a major influence. Some people have passion for their industry and are eager to reach their full potential by starting a business. Others start a business because they see a gap in the market. Whatever ignites the entrepreneurial spark, passion or opportunism, starting your own business from scratch is incredibly exciting and rewarding, with the passion and determination flowing closely behind.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?

Initially it was a challenging finding a foothold in a highly competitive industry. We have since expanded and adapted our business in an exhausting recession, taking advantage of every new opportunity to provide recruitment solutions to companies that have both national and international operations. Keeping ahead of the competition has to be the biggest test, both tactically and strategically, ensuring that C&D remains a market leader that disrupts complacency, transforming the industry for the better every time.  

Do you have a motto or favourite motivational quote?

Yes, from Audrey Hepburn the award-winning Hollywood actress, she said,

‘Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I‘m possible’

I recently visited, the Audrey Hepburn exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London, which was an amazing experience. I like to take a leaf from her book, a very determined women from humble beginnings who had a huge passion for her work.

What advice would you give someone looking to take the plunge and start a business?

You have to be prepared to take a lot of no’s before you start getting yes’s, so remember all of those record producers who said ‘no’ to the Beatles and stay true to your end goal. Much has changed since I started my business in the 1990s, with the introduction of the internet, competition online has grown exponentially, therefore technology should play a major part in anyone’s plan.

What’s the biggest challenge facing business leaders today?

My personal view is that recruiting and retaining top talent is probably the biggest challenge not just for C&D but for all businesses in many different industry sectors.  An experienced, dedicated, loyal and ambitious team is tough to find in the first place, let alone retain. With so much competition out there for great people, particularly in recruitment, it’s maintaining consistent employee engagement and motivation. That’s the one thing that keeps me awake at night.

What’s been your biggest achievement to date?

For me personally it has been the recent expansion of C&D. A new C&D Recruitment Centre in Havelock Street, Swindon, a new Group HQ at South Marston, recently opening the C&D London Office and the signing this week of the new C&D Birmingham Recruitment Centre. Finding, renovating and getting premises ready to start trading has been an achievement of such magnitude that we are currently looking into expanding further into Europe.

When you’re not busy running your business, how do you like to spend your downtime?

My husband and I have five children ranging from nine months to eighteen years old who keep us exceptionally busy. I absolutely still love playing netball, relaxing through a yoga session and getting pushed to my physical and emotional limits by my personal trainer. It so important to have a supportive home life, coupled with sport or hobbies that allow you to totally relax and recharge for the next challenge that every entrepreneur faces on a regular basis.