People’s Champion finalist 2017: Forsyth Barnes

Start-up name: Forsyth Barnes
Founders: Scott Parsons and Roheel Ahmad
Started in: January 2015
Based in: London and Nottingham
Business description: Executive appointments consultancy

Shortlisted categories:

Service Business of the Year, Young Entrepreneur of the Year

The Forsyth Barnes story:

The recruitment industry hasn’t always had the best reputation but entrepreneurs Scott Parsons and Roheel Ahmad are taking steps to change the status quo with their executive appointments consultancy Forsyth Barnes.

So, what makes its approach different to the rest? Parsons and Ahmad say they are bringing back the relationship aspect to the recruitment process while putting employee engagement at the centre of everything it does.

The business provides two services; placing permanent candidates on both a retained and contingent model, while also providing senior contractors on a consultancy model.

Targeting executives commanding salaries of up to £250,000, the start-up has worked with over 100 clients so far ranging from large financial services companies to tech start-ups and big-name retailers.

It has continued to expand across markets too and currently operates across software, insurance, banking, financial technology and telecoms.

Initially London-based, 2017 has seen the business expand and open a second office in Parsons’ native city of Nottingham.

Now boosted by its team of 22 – a number expected to rise to 30 by the end of December – Parsons and Ahmed have witnessed 100% year-on-year growth for their Nottingham venture.

The start-up enjoyed turnover of £2m in 2016 and this figure is expected to rise to £4m by year-end.

Why Forsyth Barnes made our shortlist:

It’s no secret that the recruitment industry is highly competitive yet Forsyth Barnes has cemented its position in the space within less than three years.

With over 118 clients from a cross-sector of industries, a burgeoning team, and revenues to boot, young entrepreneurs Parsons and Ahmad should be commended for their early success in starting and scaling Forsyth Barnes.

Where to find out more about Forsyth Barnes:

Website: www.forsythbarnes.com
Twitter: @Forsyth_Barnes