When opportunity knocks – why Louise Aston loves recruitment
EVER since she was 14, Louise Aston has had an eye for a business opportunity. But when she was appointed as head of the family firm following her mother’s sudden illness it was a little more than unexpected. But the joint head of York-based recruitment firm Royle Recruitment has risen to the challenge.
What aspects of your job/profession do you enjoy the most?
It has to be the amount of contact with people I get within my profession. From interviewing candidates to negotiating contracts, no two days are the same. I would be no good in a quiet environment!
What key challenges do you anticipate will affect your sector/profession over the next six months?
Undoubtedly the credit crunch factor will affect us. Uncertainty throughout the business world will make for an interesting time ahead. Short term there are less candidates out there as people sit tight in their current roles, although longer term I think candidates will need to look at how they market themselves as there will be more of them out there. Clients will be more discerning about how and when they recruit – perhaps we’ll see an increase in temporary positions as it’s easier for budgets to be allocated.
What key skills do you think every entrepreneur should have?
Self belief above all but also energy, optimism and motivation (both personal and the ability to motivate others). I also believe that you should treat everyone as you expect to be treated yourself and that this helps to develop business in the long term.
Why do you think Yorkshire is a good place to start up/operate a business?
It’s a great place and the people are friendly and hardworking. I’ve lived in Liverpool, London and Germany and I would always say that it’s where I come from.
If you could improve anything in the region what would it be?
Probably the transport links. They have improved but still have a way to go!
Do you think that red tape is hindering business growth in the UK?
Fuel taxation is a real problem at the moment but actually it’s the large oil producers who are pulling the punches.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Aim high and then if you don’t quite achieve you will still be a success!
And the worst?
Sit back and let things happen. Terrible!!
What barriers have you had to overcome in growing your business/developing your career, and if any, can you explain how you overcame them.
Shortly after I joined Royle our MD (my Mum) had a heart attack. I was very much thrown in at the deep end! Something like that is a real shock to the system for everybody especially her as she was only 46! It really makes you appreciate what is important in life and requires resilience to pick yourself up and carry on. The business needed to survive without her driving it forward and her hard work needed to be carried on for the future. She is now very fit and well and enjoying being a very active Gran to my one and four year olds!
What was your first job and what did you spend your first wage packet on?
As soon as I was 14 I made business cards advertising my babysitting services and delivered them through the doors of local people who I knew had children. I charged £1 per hour. I’m not sure what I spent it on- maybe it was my white and electric blue striped ra-ra skirt (it was the 80’s!).
If you could choose to start your career over again would you do anything different and if so what?
Do you know, I don’t think I would! Lots of things sound exciting but in fact every job is what you make of it. We have a great team of people at Royle and I enjoy spending time with them. Also, being a family business, hard work is rewarded directly.
