The Interview – Munir Mamujee on why size shouldn’t matter
MUNIR Mamujee is managing director of Wakefield-based global recruitment specialist m2r. In this week’s The Interview we find out why size shouldn’t matter.
What aspects of your job/profession do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy being an entrepreneur. Thinking of new concepts and ideas to improve our service or the way we position ourselves. We try to be ‘that bit different’, this way we will stick in people’s minds. Obviously for positive reasons! The overseas travel is a bonus also.
What key challenges do you anticipate will affect your sector/profession over the next six months?
The global economic crisis has hit us hard. Luckily we do not work in just one geographical area, so we can work where the economy is most buoyant. The online recruitment market is affecting us, but only because people are concerned about cost. Once service becomes the fore, this obstacle will diminish.
Other recruiters cutting their rates are hindering also, I am not prepared to dramatically slash our fees as what does this say about our service?
What key skills do you think every entrepreneur should have?
Drive, determination and vision. Never give up and be prepared to take risks.
Why do you think Yorkshire is a good place to start up/operate a business?
For one, the honest attitude of the people. You always know where you stand! Yorkshire is a booming economy, Leeds is a major financial and commercial centre and with all the out of town office parks we are seeing an major influx of new businesses into the area. With the relaxed attitude doing business is slightly easier as people have more time for you.
If you could improve anything in the region what would it be?
I would improve the negativity of some people. I know times are tough, but come on!
Your views on the recession……
An excuse for lazy people to be even lazier OR the best kick up the bum you need to streamline and develop your business. Why wait and bury your head in the sand like everyone else?
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
If you cannot take a holiday without your mobile and laptop, you are not running a business, you are merely self employed. Leave them at home!!
And the worst?
Go on, give me a job, I can do it….. (He couldn’t).
What barriers have you had to overcome in growing your business/developing your career, and if any, can you explain how you overcame them.
When you are dealing with national organisations with a Southern head office, persuading them to use a small company in West Yorkshire can be interesting. You have to be extremely confident and have the courage of your convictions. My company has proved that size does not matter, we could be seen to be punching way above our weight but I believe that our service and passion for getting the job done supersedes and ‘size issues’ companies may have. Regarding my career, I suppose I could lean on the stereotypical barrier but I refuse to. To date I am self-made, working hard and having self-belief in all that I do.
What was your first job and what did you spend your first wage packet on?
My first ‘proper job’ was working for Gola Sportswear in Stanley, Wakefield. I had to write the shoe size on the mould, 40 hrs per day, 5 days per week. My wage packet was just over £40, I spent the lot on clothes!!
If you could choose to start your career over again would you do anything different and if so what?
I would walk into roles with my eyes open. Never believe everything you see or hear. I learnt this the hard way!
Name one item/hobby/gadget you couldn’t give up
Supporting Liverpool FC.
