John Ashcroft Celebrates 15 Years with Nicholas Associates
Today, we celebrate the fifteen-year work anniversary of John Ashcroft, Managing Consultant in our Construction division. We sat down with John this week to discuss his journey within Nicholas Associates over the years and explore his ambitions for the future.
15 years and counting with Nicholas Associates! Share your journey with us and how your career has progressed over the years.
I joined Nicholas Associates in 2009, where Matt Wainwright assigned me the responsibility of broadening our construction services through the establishment of a civil engineering department. Now, after 15 years, we have become a respected recruitment partner for major contractors in this industry.
What are some of the most memorable moments or achievements that stand out to you?
Every year, our Group of companies comes together to celebrate achievements, recognise contributions, and honour excellence through varying awards at our annual conferences. I’m honoured to have received some of these awards over the years, including ‘Top Permanent Biller’ and ‘Highest Permanent Fee’.
How do you stay updated with industry changes and ensure Nicholas Associates remains competitive?
As an experienced professional, I understand the importance of staying up-to-date on industry trends and changes in my field. So, I’ve made it a priority to invest time and effort into actively engaging in the industry. I aim to read as many relevant publications as possible and I constantly seek to engage with my industry peers. I also use a variety of online resources to stay on top of industry trends. These include industry-specific websites, blogs, and podcasts.
What advice would you give to someone just starting in recruitment in the construction sector?
I would say select a niche. Once you’ve selected your niche, commit to becoming an expert. This will require continuous learning and staying in the loop with industry trends, advancements, and challenges. Make an effort to establish relationships within your specialist sector. Connect with key figures, join industry-specific networking groups, and attend as many events as possible! These relationships will not only provide a source of insight into the industry but also help you develop a robust talent pool and client base.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future, both personally and professionally?
Following a string of exciting changes within the company and the appointment of a new Chief Operating Officer, I am eager to see the growth and improvement of Nicholas Associates into a larger and more successful business. As part of our journey to become Bigger, Better, and Stronger, I am committed to supporting the growth of the construction business as we expand into different sectors and regions throughout the UK.
We want to thank John for sharing his career journey with us and congratulate him once again on reaching fifteen years with Nicholas Associates! John is a valued member of our business and we appreciate all his contributions and dedication to our business. Here’s to many more years with us!