Spotlight On – Kelly Cartwright, Owner of Core Recruiter

Kelly Cartwright

Kelly Cartwright, the dynamic Owner and Director of Core Recruiter Ltd, a trailblazing construction recruitment agency that’s rewriting the rules of the game. With Kelly at the helm, Core Recruiter Ltd isn’t just about filling positions — it’s about building real connections and making meaningful impacts in the construction industry.

Kelly’s approach to recruitment is refreshingly simple: no fuss, no frills, just honest, quality service that clients can rely on day in and day out. With a passion for authenticity and a knack for building genuine relationships, Kelly brings a breath of fresh air to an industry often plagued by pretence.

1. Tell us a little bit about your business…

Construction. CORE to us. CORE to you.

Revolutionizing construction staffing, we are not just your average recruitment agency – we are “The Construction Recruiter”. Smash through career barriers or build your dream team with us. No suits, no fluff, just passion, just results.

2. How did you get into the industry?

I stumbled into the industry by chance, initially planning to pursue a career in advertising and marketing. However, as I was wrapping up my exams and needed to earn some money, I found myself drawn into the world of construction recruitment. What started as a temporary gig quickly evolved into a passion. I found myself captivated by the dynamic nature of the industry, the challenges it presented, and the opportunity to connect talented individuals with exciting career opportunities. With each successful placement and every new project, my love for construction recruitment blossomed. I nurtured this newfound passion, diving deeper into the intricacies of the industry, honing my skills, and building relationships. Before I knew it, I was fully immersed in the world of construction recruitment, and I haven’t looked back since.

3. What are the biggest opportunities and challenges in your industry?

Opportunities:

1. Growing Demand: There’s always a need for skilled workers in construction due to ongoing projects and city developments.
2. Tech Integration: Using technology can make hiring easier and improve how candidates are found and managed.
3. Diverse Teams: Having people from different backgrounds can bring fresh ideas and perspectives to projects.
4. Training Programs: Offering training can help workers become more skilled and adaptable.
5. Collaboration: Working with schools and groups in the industry can help find and develop talent.

Challenges:

1. Skills Shortage: It’s hard to find people with the right skills for certain construction jobs.
2. Not Enough Workers: In some places, there just aren’t enough people to do all the construction work needed.
3. Safety: Construction can be dangerous, so it’s crucial to find workers who take safety seriously.
4. Keeping Workers: People might leave for better-paying jobs or if they don’t feel valued.
5. Image Problem: Some people don’t see construction as a good career choice, so it’s tough to attract new talent.

4. How would you describe your leadership style?

My leadership style is best described as collaborative and empowering. I believe in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every team member feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their unique skills and perspectives. Rather than micromanaging, I prefer to provide guidance, direction, and resources, allowing individuals the freedom to take ownership of their work and make decisions autonomously. I encourage open communication, transparency, and constructive feedback, creating a culture of trust and accountability. By leading by example and serving as a mentor and coach, I aim to inspire and motivate my team to reach their full potential and achieve our collective goals.

5. How do you get the most out of the people who work for you? 

To bring out the best in our team, we make sure they feel seen, heard, and appreciated. We’re all about open communication here – no idea is too small, and everyone’s voice matters.

Recognizing their hard work isn’t just a pat on the back; it’s a heartfelt “thank you” for going above and beyond. We give them the reins, trusting them to own their work and make it shine, while offering our support every step of the way. Investing in their growth isn’t just about business; it’s about helping them reach their full potential. And most importantly, we treat each other like family, fostering an environment of trust, respect, and belonging. Because when our team feels valued and empowered, they bring their best selves to work every day, driving our success forward together.

6. What are the most crucial elements to your business running smoothly and being successful?

The most crucial elements to our business running smoothly and successfully are the people who make up our team, the relationships we build with our clients and partners, our commitment to continuous improvement, and our dedication to providing 24/7 service. Our team members are the heart and soul of our business, so we prioritize their well-being, growth, and development. Building strong relationships with our clients and partners is essential for understanding their needs and delivering exceptional service. We focus on communication, trust, and collaboration to foster long-lasting connections. Additionally, we’re always striving to improve and innovate in everything we do. Whether it’s refining our processes, embracing new technologies, or adapting to market changes, we’re dedicated to staying ahead of the curve and delivering the best possible outcomes. Our commitment to providing 24/7 service ensures that we can respond promptly to our clients’ needs, even in the face of unexpected challenges such as staff sickness or emergencies.

In addition to the crucial elements mentioned, another key aspect of our success lies in our refusal to conform to the typical recruiter stereotype. We pride ourselves on breaking the mould and offering a unique approach to recruitment. Instead of rigid formalities and transactional relationships, we prioritize authenticity, empathy, and personalized service. We aim to build genuine connections with both our clients and candidates, taking the time to understand their individual needs, goals, and aspirations. By focusing on building trust and fostering meaningful relationships, we set ourselves apart from the crowd and create a more human-centred recruitment experience that yields better results for everyone involved.

7. How has the past 12 months been for you?

The past 12 months in construction recruitment have indeed been a rollercoaster ride, filled with challenges we never anticipated, particularly in navigating the impact of the pandemic on construction projects. From supply chain disruptions to workforce shortages, we’ve had to confront a perfect storm of obstacles. The persistent skill shortage across various trades and professions has intensified project pressures, while fluctuating material prices have added another layer of complexity, straining project budgets and feasibility. Economic uncertainties, including mortgage and interest rate fluctuations, have further influenced investment decisions and project financing. Amidst these challenges, the emerging concept of nutrient neutrality has emerged as a significant hurdle, affecting new developments in nutrient-sensitive areas like the Broads. Despite the difficulties, we’ve witnessed remarkable resilience and innovation within the industry. As we forge ahead, we remain hopeful about the opportunities for growth and positive change, fuelled by our collective strength and determination to overcome obstacles and emerge stronger than ever.

8. What will the next 12 months look like for your business?

Who knows, do you have a crystal ball?!

9. What are the highlights of your career so far?

In my journey through construction recruitment, the highlights have been about more than just achieving success—they’ve been moments of personal triumph, proving every doubter wrong along the way. Picture this: placing a candidate in a role that’s not just a job but a dream come true, despite the sceptics who questioned my abilities as a young 23-year-old businesswoman. Or sealing a deal with a client that’s not just about business—it’s a testament to my resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in myself. These moments aren’t just about winning; they’re about overcoming obstacles, embracing challenges, and finding strength in adversity. With every victory, I’m reminded that hard work, passion, and perseverance can shatter even the tallest barriers.

10. What’s the biggest business mistake that you’ve learnt from?

One of the biggest business mistakes I’ve learned from is trying to conform to a stereotypical image of a recruiter, rather than staying true to our authentic identity.

In the past, we made the error of trying to fit into the mould of what we thought a typical recruiter should be like – overly formal, transactional, and solely focused on filling positions. This approach led to a lack of genuine connection with candidates and clients, and ultimately hindered our ability to build long-lasting relationships and differentiate ourselves in the market.

By reflecting on this mistake, we realized the importance of embracing our unique strengths, personality, and values as a recruitment firm. We shifted our focus towards authenticity, transparency, and building meaningful connections with people. This change allowed us to attract like-minded clients and candidates who appreciated our genuine approach, leading to stronger partnerships, better placements, and ultimately, greater success in our business endeavours. 

11. What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve been given? 

 The best advice I’ve been given as a young woman in business? Own your brilliance. Don’t downplay your smarts or wait for permission to shine. Be bold, take risks, and don’t let anyone underestimate what you bring to the table. And when you face obstacles (because you will), use them as fuel to propel yourself forward. Confidence is your secret weapon – wield it fearlessly, and the world will have no choice but to take notice.