Rebecca Jones
Rebecca Jones is the proud Owner of Zeal Recruitment based in the Midlands, which is a supplier of both blue and white collar personnel into the Construction sector.
Rebecca is extremely passionate about construction and is so proud to contribute to the dynamic world of construction.
- Tell us a little bit about your business… / or the organisation you work for.
Zeal Recruitment is a buzzing and growing recruitment agency supplying all site trades & labour up to Site Management personnel into the construction sector within the East & West Midlands.
- How did you get into the industry?
I’m from Wales originally and already having a successful career at the age of 20, I decided to see what the world could offer by moving to a big city back in 2005. With no experience in recruitment, I walked the length of New Street into all the recruitment agencies; suited and booted and landed my first job with Office Angels. Not looked back since..
- What are the biggest opportunities and challenges in your industry?
Some of the prominent opportunities in construction include the rise of infrastructure development and a growing demand for skilled labour in various specialities like brand new high rise developments. The challenges can range from the shortage of skilled labour and facing economic fluctuations and project delays, requiring adaptability and strategic planning.
- How would you describe your leadership style? (if not in a leadership role talk about your working style)
The key areas of leadership at the Zeal office are:
Effective communication
Fostering a positive and collaborative work culture
Always being adaptable to change
Having fun and smiling – life can be quite trying so this is an important ingredient.
- How do you get the most out of the people who work for you? (or work with you)
I always aim to make my team feel accountable and encourage autonomy and empower them to take initiative. We work together and foster a supportive work culture to include a healthy work life balance. Buying food also helps.
- What are the most crucial elements to your business running smoothly and being successful?
I am a firm believer that preparation is key in this industry as each day presents itself differently. It is absolute vital that all our workers are prepped for their new jobs ready for payroll on Mondays. Also, having the right team is necessary to a successful business, get the correct mix of mind set, attitude and resilience.
- How has the past 12 months been for you?
The last 12 months has been phenomenal, we have been honoured with the “Newcomer of the Year 2023” in the City of Birmingham Business Awards hosted by Downtown in Business. This was an incredible achievement and one that is a testament to the hard work and determination.
- What will the next 12 months look like for you or your business?
The next 12 months are incredibly important, as the work in 2023 has set the tone for 2024. We are in a position where we have increased our sales by 48% year on year.
- What are the highlights of your career so far?
Highlights I would certainly say that creating Zeal Recruitment is right at the top, having our own office and employing a fantastic consultant that carries the vision of Zeal, is amazing.
- What’s the biggest professional / business mistake that you’ve learnt from?
I’ve learnt that when selecting businesses to trade with, it can be easy as you would always think of profit gains, but first you must think if that business aligns with your company values. Each day is do dramatically different to the next. Always make sure that who you trade with, is aligned to your values also.
- What’s the best piece of professional / business advice you’ve been given or would like to give?
The best advice to give, is never be afraid to make mistakes, those mistakes are what you learn from and how you grow – and if you aren’t making mistakes then you aren’t doing enough.
