About Us
Meet the Team
James Squires, Managing Director
James launched Austin Banks Ltd in February 2003. He is 32 years old and lives in Doncaster with his partner and three year old son.
James’s objective in starting the company was to set new standards in the recruitment industry by combining a small business approach to customer service with the resources and operating systems of a much larger business.
This approach has consistently delivered results that exceed client’s expectations, thereby rapidly establishing Austin Banks’ as a leading consultancy in South Yorkshire, with an enviable reputation.
With the success of Austin Banks under his belt, James also established www.yorkshirejobs.net, www.jobsitecompany.com, www.websites4agencies.com and recently entered into a joint venture to launch www.force10recruitment.co.uk.
James still plays a “hands on” role in the business and is available to speak to clients at any time.
James likes spending time with his son, reading non-fiction, eating out and travel.
Louise Selfe, Key Account Manager
Originally from Luton, Louise joined Austin Banks in March 2005 after studying and working in Sheffield for 7 years. Louise is James's business partner and better half.
Since joining Austin Banks, Louise has successfully forged relationships with some of South Yorkshire's leading companies. Her extraordinary commitment to understanding the needs of her clients and effectively matching candidates to those needs has been the key to her success.
She now heads up the Key Accounts Division for Austin Banks and regularly receives praise from clients and candidates about her tireless commitment to results.
Louise likes music festivals, spending time with her son & reading novels.
Joanne Cartwright, Senior Consultant - Purchasing & Supply Chain Division
Jo comes from Doncaster and is currently studying towards a degree in Social Studies & Economics with the Open University. She joined Austin Banks in May 2007 after spending five years in the recruitment industry.
Jo heads up the Purchasing & Supply Chain Division of Austin Banks. Her energy and enthusiasm for the job together with her uncompromising levels of professionalism are highly valued by clients and candidates.
Jo likes shopping, traveling, Yoga and riding motorbikes.
Chris Rumley, Senior Consultant - Engineering & Manufacturing Division
Chris was born and raised in Doncaster and graduated from Sheffield Hallam University in 2000. He joined Austin Banks in April 2007 after gaining four years experience with two of the UK’s national recruitment agencies.
Chris has recently taken responsibility for the Engineering & Manufacturing Division of Austin Banks. His honest and frank approach to recruitment along with a high level of personal commitment has proved to be a winning formula for our clients.
Chris is a devoted Doncaster Rovers fan and regularly works out at the gym.
Nicky was brought up in Doncaster and other than a brief spell in Hull, has enjoyed living and working here ever since.
Nicky joined Austin Banks as a Senior Consultant for our rapidly growing Engineering & Manufacturing Division in April 2008. She has 4 years specialist experience in this sector and a great many valuable contacts throughout the Yorkshire region. Nicky’s focus is on the West Yorkshire area.
Nicky’s favourite pastime is walking her American Bulldog, Bruce. She also loves to spend time with her family.
Katie Meakin, Recruitment Consultant - Office Support Division
Katie was born and raised in Doncaster and has worked in the recruitment industry for two and a half years with well known high street brands. She recentley completed her GNVQ Level 2 in Business Administration.
Katie joined Austin Banks in November 2007 to provide additional resources to our busy office support division. Katie handles a wide variety of clerical, administrative, customer service and accounts roles up to a salary level of £17,000. Katie prides herself on the level of customer service she provides to her clients, always going the extra mile to ensure a successful outcome.
Katie enjoys cooking, swimming, cycling and socialising.
Nichola Bell, Recruitment Consultant
Originally from Doncaster, Nichola joined Austin Banks in March 2008 to work in our Sales & Marketing Division. Nichola has a background in internal and field sales and so understands the sales process first hand, as well as the role of the marketing function in supporting sales activity.
Nichola approaches every assignment with determination and enthusiasm, working hard to find the very best match for our clients, whatever the level of the position.
Nichola is a fitness fanatic who loves aerobics, dancing, swimming and also enjoys socialising with friends.
Kimberley originates from Co. Durham and completed a BA (Hons) in Business Studies at Lincoln University before starting her career in the construction industry.
She joined Austin Banks in April 2008 after gaining four years experience in both the recruitment and construction industries.Kimberley now uses her specialist knowledge and recruitment experience to meet the needs of our clients in the construction industry. She is a proactive and upbeat individual with a strong focus on customer service.
In her spare time likes camping and walking her dog, a Cocker Spaniel named BJ. She also cares for Rowland, her African Grey Parrot.
Pauline Empson, Accounts & Office Manager
Originally from Cornwall, Pauline moved to Barnsley two years ago and quickly fell in love with the Yorkshire countryside, as well as the people. In February 2008, she joined Austin Banks to oversee our internal accounting and office management functions.
Pauline has over 20 years accounts and HR experience and likes to be kept busy! With our business growing at a rate of 200% per year, we make sure she isn’t disappointed.
Pauline enjoys travelling – at home and abroad. Her favourite holiday destination is Slovenia where she has tried white water rafting, hot air ballooning and skiing! In her spare time she enjoys shopping with her daughter who shares her love of retail therapy.
Karen Enwright, Assistant Accountant
Karen was born in London and raised in Doncaster. She is currently studying towards her AAT qualification after completing her NVQ in Business Administration. Karen joined Austin Banks in August 2006.
Since joining the company, Karen has played an integral role in the day to day running of Austin Banks’ back office. She is a highly valued member of the team who cares about the quality of her work and the smooth running of the business.
Karen likes going to the pub, downloading and listening to a variety of music, reading novels and art.
Caroline Burn, Branch Administrator
Caroline was born in Doncaster and is currently studying towards an NVQ in Business Administration. She joined Austin Banks in July 2007.
Caroline has the crucial job of supporting our consultants with CV preparation, identity checking, database maintenance, skills testing and a variety of other administrative tasks. She is an enthusiastic member of the team who would like to be a recruitment consultant in the future.
Caroline likes watching movies, swimming & interior design.
History
Austin Banks was incorporated in February 2003. In the same year, we were awarded a grant by the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies for entrepreneurial excellence.
In 2004 we became members of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and adopted Bluebell Wood Childrens Hospice as our sponsorship beneficiary.
In 2005 we became members of Doncaster Chamber of Commerce and participated in the intermediate growth scheme to help small businesses expand and manage growth. In the same year, our website was nominated for "Best Small Recruitment Agency Website" in the National Online Recruitment Awards (NORA).
In 2006, we launched a dedicated job board for the Yorkshire region, www.yorkshirejobs.net which was short-listed for “Best Regional Job Site” in the National Online Recruitment Awards in July of the same year.
In 2007, we moved to newly refurbished offices to accommodate up to 16 consultants as part of our continued expansion.
Mission & Values
We are re-writing our mission & values. This section will be coming soon!