Q3 Wrap Up
Life at Atkins Search
Atkins Search proudly marks its 9th Year in Business
With decades of experience in recruitment between us, we have come a long way, working with some of the UK’s top companies to provide outstanding talent and success.
Antony Rowe, Managing Director comments –
As I reflect on the incredible journey of the past 9 years in business, I’m filled with a real sense of change and accomplishment.
These years have been transformative, filled with successes, challenges and, above all, invaluable lessons that have shaped both our business and my own personal growth.
Historically when I have written these reviews, I have focused on the team and business, but I can categorically say, that in the first time for as long time, I have taken my own personal development very seriously, and the outcomes will have shaped the past and will be instrumental in how we will go forward. I have said this openly to the team, but I feel that the past 12 months has been a real ride, both good and bad, and it has allowed us to focus on what we want the team to be.
So, what I have I learnt:
- Business – Enjoy the journey
If you don’t enjoy the journey, you sure as hell won’t appreciate the destination.
In the fast-paced world of recruitment and business, it’s easy to forget the journey you are on as the destination can become all consuming.
I’ve learned that building something meaningful takes time, patience, and persistence. Growth isn’t linear, and it’s not about rushing to the finish line—it’s about taking deliberate steps, learning from setbacks, and staying focused on long-term goals.
Step back, take a breath, look at the people around you and enjoy the journey together, but be sure to make it fun. We always wanted to be a “legacy business”, so let’s stay true to that journey to achieve the destination.
- Team – Age is No Barrier to Success
The only thing that will hold you back at Atkins Search is you, your resistance to change and lack of commitment to your own personal development.
One of the most empowering lessons has been that personal success in a team isn’t defined by age or experience, its defined by your character and attitude. Whether you’re a seasoned recruiter with a number of miles in the bank or just starting out, everyone brings unique skills, perspectives, and ideas. I’ve witnessed first-hand how a diverse team, spanning different ages and experiences can come together to create something powerful, which is what I believe we have. Success comes from developing a culture of learning, collaboration, and mutual respect, but you also need to submerge yourself in the business culture and values to get on the “bus”.
- Me – Don’t forget you in all this
I have run businesses for over 25 years, from manufacturing, property and most recently recruitment. This does give you a unique perspective on how to build something to get the best from your people and business, as you aren’t a one trick “Recruitment” pony.
This experience has led me down a path where my own personal development has stalled as I believe “I have all the answers” how wrong could I be.
Regarding my personal development, I have put myself at the back of the que for the past 8 years and wanted to chase this in 2024. Upon recommendation, I joined the Stuart Ross Scale up Course at the University of Nottingham which involved working and spending time with a number of other business owners. Through shared experiences it became very clear that we all had the same challenges, but different ways of dealing with them. This was a real eye opener for me which I thoroughly enjoyed and clearly benefited from.
It’s clear that in business, the landscape is constantly evolving, and so must we. I’ve realised that even at my age, the more I learn, the more I grow, not just as a business leader, but as a person. Whether it’s through formal education, mentorship, or simply staying curious, personal development is a lifelong journey and I feel energised to re-engage with it again. To talk about your daily affirmations, meditation and reading personal development books feels like a foreign language to me, but as a previous – nonbeliever – I can categorically say, these actions have added a real depth and clarity to my thinking. I’m excited to continue this journey, embracing each new challenge as an opportunity to grow and evolve.
So, what does our 10th year in business hold:
- Smile – Remember to laugh and enjoy the journey, we only get one go at this, and I’m surrounded by some great people
- People – I have met and employed some fantastic individuals for this business who I now see as personal friends. Keep these standards high
- Standards – We have a high bar and not everyone can achieve it, but we will keep it – its who we are and will drive our growth
- Growth – Don’t accept and tolerate less than you should, it makes you frown a lot and it’s not a good look; it also hurts after a bit. Your growth is also the businesses growth, keep pushing to be better for everyone around you.
Here’s to the next chapter—thank you to everyone who’s been part of this incredible ride so far.
