Q1 2021

58 | Q1 2021 Sep20268 Outstanding Reputation Established in 2003, Mason Appointments Ltd is a tailored recruitment service for a diverse range of businesses across the UK. Following the firm’s well-deserved success in the Southern Enterprise Awards 2020, we caught up with CEO Tessa Masson to find out more about the boutique recruitment consultancy. With the world of work constantly changing at an astounding rate, it has never been more important to find real talent who can make a positive difference to a business. To begin, Tessa provides a brief overview of the firm and offers more insight into the type of roles it aims to fill. “Based in West Sussex, Masson Appointments offer a personal recruitment service by working with fewer clients, ensuring that the very best candidates are sourced and introduced. Having a very selective interview procedure has enabled us to build an outstanding reputation as a diligent and considerate recruiter. Typically, the top two-four candidates are chosen for each vacancy, with positions occurring at various levels of a hierarchy. Based upon our core values of honesty and integrity, we have been able to successfully serve the needs of clients across the sales and customer service sectors since the inception of the business.” Despite operating in such a competitive industry like recruitment, being an independent recruiter allows the firm to distance itself from the crowd. “As an independent business, we have more room for flexibility and immediate decision making” Tessa highlights. “No part of our process is outsourced with one person managing the entire lifecycle. Many firms have different employees handling CV shortlisting, interview preparation and client interaction but here at Masson Appointments, you have one point of contact. Other agencies have turnover with their recruiters, but instead I take the time to build a personal relationship with each client I take on. With over 20 years’ experience in recruitment, there are not many roles or industries, that I haven’t supported.” The outbreak of COVID-19 has of course affected several industries with many companies placing their staff on furlough. The Gatwick area was particularly hit very hard, due to the surrounding area having such strong connections to the airport. However, in an attempt to support clients, the firm have provided full recruitment support as Tessa goes on to explain. “Once a company has advertised for a position, we then handle the CV shortlisting and/or first stage interview process and amend fees accordingly to reflect the current economic situation. In addition, we launched an outplacement scheme to assist companies in making redundancies, which included the offer of coaching to those individuals placed at risk of redundancy.” Finally, Tessa comments on the future prospects of the business as we look ahead to 2021 and beyond. “Over the past 20 years, the world of job hunting has changed beyond recognition and many employees who have been loyal and stayed within the same organisation for many years, had a daunting prospect, when going back into the market. Currently, we are working with Gateways to assist companies using the government’s Kickstart Scheme. “Additionally, by working with companies to review candidate applications and conduct first stage interviews we are providing support to anyone going through these difficult times. Having the flexibility to adapt to whatever requirements a company may have has been one of the keys to our success, so moving forwards to a post COVID-19 era we will be looking to maintain this as we look to dominate our industry.” Company: Masson Appointments Ltd Contact: Tessa Masson Website: www.massonappointments.co.uk