With over five years experience working for leading corporate recruitment agencies, Nathan Ferris gained a solid understanding of how their platforms worked. Nathan identified issues with the platforms, which were built solely around generating large profits in short time scales. He knew that there must be a better way of doing things. Nathan had a vision of building an agency with a focus on long term relationships with clients and began researching how he could make his business idea a reality.
Nathan soon found Business West and registered for the Start & Grow programme. Working closely with his business adviser, Nathan created an in-depth, investment ready business plan and financial forecasts. He also began making the most of his free Chamber of Commerce membership, attending networking events and making valuable contacts. Using the Business West network, Nathan was also able to connect with local business owners, easily finding both suppliers and clients.
Darcy Associates are specialists in supplying temporary tradesmen to the construction sector. They have moved away from the common, generic recruitment agency that supplies simply any staff for any industry and focused on a particular niche. Since launching, the business has developed strong relationships based on this philosophy which compliments the integrity that the business was founded on.
The nature of the business required recruitment of staff straight away and Nathan didn’t know the first place to start. His Business West business advisor talked him through the process and everything he needed to know, working with him every step of the way to successfully start building his team.
‘Access to the Business West network and our Chamber of Commerce membership has been invaluable to the launch and success of our business.’
– Nathan Ferris, Darcy Associates.
In the future, Nathan plans to increase his team to 10 people and grow his second business which focuses on payroll umbrella services for the construction sector. He also has plans to investment in his team’s training and development in the region of 100K for the 10 employees during the next 12 months. Nathan is also looking to expand their Chester office to larger premises with a solid office location for the growing team.
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