Brightsparks Recruitment is, above all, a people business. As such, we thought you
might like to know a little more about the management team at Brightsparks:
James Herbert – Managing Director
James founded Brightsparks Recruitment whilst finishing his studies at Durham University.
His passion and ambition has seen it become a leader in the student focused event
staffing market and now expand to the Graduate and Young Professionals recruitment
markets.
James’ journey included graduate employment experience as a Sales Trader at a leading
City investment bank and as an analyst within Lloyds of London. He also sits on
the board of Find Invest Grow (www.findinvestgrow.com) which works with young entrepreneurs
to support then through the planning and investment process.
Outside of work, James is a keen sportsman with a particular love for sailing, skiing,
golf and rugby and struggles to sit still for long!
Graham Palfery-Smith – Chairman
We are proud to have Graham Palfery-Smith as our Chairman, a graduate from a long
time ago; before many of us were born!
Graham has been involved in the recruitment industry for 30 years. He is an accomplished
and highly experienced strategic senior manager who has run a wide range of specialist
recruitment businesses internationally, including Badenoch & Clark, HW Group, TMP
Worldwide (Hudson), Robert Walters, Faro and FiveTen Group. He brings an energetic,
enthusiastic and passionate approach to the sector, has an excellent market intelligence
network and strong Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) experience.
He is also an Ambassador for, and Executive Committee member of, the Association
of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo - www.apsco.org) the leading trade body
and a Fellow of the Institute of Recruitment Professionals (www.rec.uk.com which
makes him a FIRP!)
His principal role is to protect the shareholders’ interests and assist the rest
of us to increase the value of the business.....basically he is the serious one
who makes sure we do all the right stuff!
Nick Griffin – Head of Graduate Recruitment
Nick met James at school (and yet still chose to come and work with him!) before
heading off to Oxford University, doing some travelling and starting a career in
recruitment. After nearly 7 years with one of UK’s most recognised recruitment companies
and having progressed to Head of Graduate Services, Nick joined Brightsparks to
develop, launch, and deliver the graduate recruitment side of business.
Outside of work, Nick’s a big fan of live music (and yes, he does use the events
business to try and swindle free tickets) and for some reason seems to enjoy running.
Ryan Ashton – Head of Events & Hospitality
Ryan joined Brightsparks in September 2010 and brought with him a wealth of recruitment
experience within the event and hospitality sector.
A passionate foodie, Ryan has also worked on the “front line” managing venues and
events with 10 – 15,000 people and has worked at some of the country’s most prestigious
events, from the Open Golf to private dinning for celebrities. Catering and Hospitality
are in his blood and Ryan is well known for his work ethic and service delivery.
Everything he does is with care and attention; he is innovative, dedicated, professional
and fun.
Outside of work Ryan is a keen golfer (often struggling at the 19th hole!) and whenever
possible follows his second love in life Everton (someone has to!).