Voice of the Customer

“Shop Direct Group (a merger of 2 Retail companies, Littlewoods and Great Universal Stores totalling 20,000 people & £1.8 bn sales in 2003) embarked on a Lean / Six Sigma programme in 2004 in order to transform the business from a failing organisation losing 10% sales annually, into the modern customer focused, online led Retail leader it is today – recently winning UK Retailer of the Year, achieving 15% improvement in overall customer satisfaction, 6% year on year annual organic sales growth and many other accolades. During this period the Lean / Six Sigma programme has been a key contributor to achieving over 30% total cost base reduction.

From the outset an over several years Aspire Resourcing has been a key Search and Selection agency for Lean / Six Sigma roles, resulting in a number of critical positions being filled to support the Lean / Six Sigma programme. I have no hesitation in recommending Aspire and have found them responsive, easy to do business with, and demonstrating the ability to access talented individuals who have proved to be assets within Shop Direct Group.”

“After dealing with many proposals from larger consulting firms, I found that this was not providing the practical application that was needed in Shell’s Lean deployment.

I engaged Aspire and they supplied Shell, with a couple of consultants. It was clear that financially this was better for Shell, but also the quality of the individuals was exceptional. Aspire listened to Shell and applied Lean in their own recruitment policy, by testing candidates, via the British Quality Foundation. This way only suitable candidates would be put forward for me to interview.

At one point Aspire had 9 consultants on Shell`s books supporting a wide range of businesses and locations. This included UK, Norway and Holland and Asia, covering production, reliability, technical, logistics and maintenance. I found the fact that this team was more about execution, rather than theory, both rewarding and refreshing. The fact that each consultant was an independent, removed the pressure, as shown by some larger companies, to “bring in more support”. This allowed myself to deploy the resources where needed and have them support in the approach requested.

The Aspire team worked in the areas of delivering training, using Shell materials and standards. Execution of activities, but most importantly built the internal capability of shell employees.

I know that the combined support from the consultants helped Shell in producing significant revenues, cost reductions and the internal capability to deliver this process when the consultants eventually leave Shell.”

“I have worked with the Aspire team since 2004 and have always found them very professional and easy to do business with. They take a common-sense approach to sorting out the usual day-day issues which occur and are very flexible to deal with – which makes a change from some other companies in the market. It’s interesting to note that my end-client have a similar view of Aspire, which speaks volumes.”

“I have found Aspire to be professional and knowledgeable, he has been able to provide me with a good selection of candidates and we have successfully hired 2 strong candidates within the past 6 months. Justin has been on hand to provide market information on candidates and positions in a timely and efficient manor.”

“Aspire have supported our business in a time of significant global recruitment and restructuring. Our aim was to identify, select and engage highly credible leaders in operational excellence, across 8 global regions, all to very tight timescales working with varying market requirements. Aspire’s ability to attract the right candidates, and to pre-screen to ensure maximum use of hiring manager time, was excellent. Sound planning, regular and appropriate communication, honest feedback and a genuine desire to match candidate aspirations with business needs provided for a true business partnering relationship. Aspire have continued to source and select candidates for a variety of roles henceforth.”

“Having worked on a number of recruitment assignments for Lean Six Sigma professionals. Understanding client requirements and sourcing an excellent standard of candidates from his wide network ensured positions were filled quickly and the programmes were a success. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with Aspire again to support my recruitment needs.”

“Aspire provided an excellent professional search and selection service coupled with a highly efficient communication approach between applicant and client, leaving both parties fully informed of the hiring status at any time. Aspire’s consultants executed their role in a highly professional manner, applied honesty and integrity throughout the hiring process, were very well organized and generated a trusted relationship straight from the beginning. I have no hesitation in recommending Aspire as a trusted advisor for senior level recruitment in the Management Consultancy industry.”

“The team at Aspire Resourcing truly are leaders in their field with extensive experience to quickly grasp a business need, understand maturity requirements and skills needed to translate into very strong candidates who will fit not only the brief but also the culture of an organisation. I have used Aspire several times and would have no hesitation to use them again in the future or recommend their services to add value to any organisation requiring this specialist support.”

“Choosing a “consultancy” to work with is a very important step in securing the right placement. ASPIRE has proven through deliverables that they can offer suitable placement due their strong market knowledge and connections within many industries. Many companies suggest that they can find you a suitable placement ASPIRE deliver.

Working with you specifically has been a pleasure. Your detailed understanding of my requirements has made placements easier and more fruitful for all involved. On my recent place with BAA I knew from start to finish that you had my interests at heart. You were both capable and professional and your guidance on client engagement, company background, interview techniques was outstanding. I was delighted when I stepped on the train in London and you met me for coffee on route to my interview. Your personal ongoing commitment to me, your company and ensuring things run smooth is unrivalled in your business. I would have no hesitation to recommend you to any of my colleagues, friends or anyone reading this. My exact words are “there is only one Agency in the whole market I would recommend and that’s Aspire.”

“10 out of 10. My experience with Aspire has been extremely positive. I ultimately measure their success by helping place me in exactly the role I was seeking. From the outset, I was presented with high quality opportunities in the Lean Sigma space, all relevant to my background and skills. This tells me that companies trust Aspire to put forward only suitable candidates, as well as really understanding a candidate’s background and goals. Aspire have worked pro-actively and tirelessly every step of the way, and always in a friendly and approachable manner.”

“My experience with Aspire in my last international job placement in Switzerland was superb. The Aspire team have excellent knowledge and understanding of the market, both domestic and international, and he was able to quickly identify opportunities that matched my profile and preferences to the requirements of the contractor. I was never left in the dark, Justin always kept me informed of the status and progress. Justin always conducts himself with high standards of professionalism, and during the process, I always felt I was in capable hands, knowing Justin was not just trying to find me a job to get the business, but he was truly looking for the right opportunity for me, and the right match to the Employer’s requirements, focusing in developing long term relationships.

I am pleased to recommend Aspire to anyone who reads this, and to any individual who wants to find the right opportunity in the next job search.”

“The cooperation between Aspire Resourcing and Credit Suisse has been very professional. There has been a genuine understanding of the business needs especially of the lean sigma methodology and the specific qualification requirements at CS. We have successfully interviewed and recently hired one of their excellent candidates and hope to continue the cooperation between Aspire and Credit Suisse CH.”

“Having worked with Aspire over the last few years, I have found them to be one of the most honest down to earth recruitment agencies in the country.

Aspire treat each of their candidates as a person – something I value extremely highly. But most importantly they deliver – not just in words but in great roles, and Great people. I would have no hesitation in recommending Aspire for all Lean, operational leadership and Change professionals.”

“I have found Aspire to be a very professional firm, quick to understand my needs and translate these into good candidates for interview. I have employed a couple of people from this process and I am pleased to say they have been quick to settle into my business and add value.”

“There are 4 key capabilities a candidate needs from a search consultant, and they are: 1. Rapid access to possible job opportunities 2. Knowledge and awareness of the skills and capabilities required in the market you operate in 3. Willingness keep you updated as to application progress etc 4. An appreciation that short term profits are not as important as a longer term working relationship I am pleased to recommend Aspire to any candidate who reads this as Aspire delivers these capabilities continually.”