Debbie entered the recruitment industry in 1994 becoming a senior consultant in her first year. Four years later, backed by the millionaire entrepreneur Julian Richer, Debbie set up her own agency Just Recruitment, growing the business to two locations, employing 12 consultants. Subsequently Debbie developed a second niche business trading as Bluemonday, winning business for high profile clients.
Debbie’s expertise in search and selection is underpinned by her early commercial career in retail as an entrepreneur in her own right. Having joined Sainsbury’s as a management trainee, she went on to become the youngest ever owner of a Tie Rack franchise at the age of 21. On moving back into mainstream retail with specialist menswear retailer Thomas Pink, she grew the chain from 3 to 26 stores and was promoted to become General Manager of the overall business.
Debbie took two years out of the commercial sector in 1996 to launch a pioneering project with the charity Centrepoint. She was instrumental in establishing Streets Ahead as the unique not-for-profit recruitment agency of the charity to help young people become job ready and enter the world of employment. This was the vital missing link that enabled Centrepoint’s young clients to leave the hostel environment and move into their own accommodation.
Debbie continues to advise charities on their strategic, fundraising and HR options. As a mother to two young daughters, Debbie is passionate about the opportunities for our youth and volunteers her time with the Scout movement and as Chair of her children’s school PTA.
A lover of the outdoors, Debbie can often be found sky diving, cycling and running marathons “three legged” to raise money for the charities she supports.
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