Value Added Partner Stories

This month we chat to James Naylor of Placr Recruitment.

Tell us your story

I was born in Halifax, Yorkshire (not in the bank!). I used to have big curly hair and people would call me Shirley Temple. My mum also told me she used to have naturally pink hair—not sure if there’s something she’s trying to tell me there!

I was actually born with chickenpox, due to my mum having a serious car accident when she was nine months pregnant. She was hospitalised and developed shingles while I was still in her tummy. My mum later met my dad, who adopted me, and together with my gran and granddad, they raised me into the handsome, funny, and unique person I am today.

We moved down south when I was ten, to Storrington, as my dad became a director at Sainsbury’s and my mum sold her jewellery shops. I then attended private school at Broadwater Manor. Let’s just say it didn’t end very well, but that’s where my football journey began, and I’ll always be grateful for that. I was even scouted for Brighton & Hove Albion while at Broadwater Manor but didn’t quite make the cut. I went on to captain Horsham Reps and played county football for various teams.

My working life began at Tesco, before moving into an office role. I started doing debt collection at a company based in Worthing, which sparked my sales career. I always had a natural talent for sales and eventually gave recruitment a go. I can categorically say recruitment is a “champagne and razor blades” industry, but I love it.

My career was put on hold for a while when I developed shingles and viral meningitis in the brain. This had a massive impact on my life, I was nearly at death’s door and bedbound for six months. I overcame it thanks to the incredible NHS staff, my family, and my friends. I’m especially grateful to my former recruitment company, First Recruitment Services, who were absolutely amazing and supportive during that time.

After recovering, I had the opportunity to run my own business, which unfortunately didn’t work out. However, my client at the time, Upfix and the amazing Lorraine Ali, wanted to form a recruitment partnership. If you know Lorraine, you’ll know that’s an opportunity you just can’t pass up! I jumped at the chance and am really excited about the journey ahead.

What’s been your biggest business challenge to date?

I think the biggest challenge is just grinding through the hard times. If you do, you’ll eventually reap the rewards. We’re slowly getting our name out there and will continue to grow our portfolio.

What’s your proudest achievement to date?

Personally, my greatest achievement is having my little boy, Archie. He’s my mini-me, my best friend, and he’s changed my life completely. I also have his mum to thank for helping raise such an angel—he couldn’t have asked for a better mum.

From a business perspective, my proudest achievement is owning Placr Recruitment, my other baby.

What kind of clients do you work with, and who are you looking to meet?

When we started Placr, I didn’t want to specialise in just one sector, as I’ve worked across pretty much every industry out there. So, we decided to be generalists. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, if you take the time to truly understand the client and their needs, you can recruit for almost anything (within reason, of course!).

Tell us a story or fact that people might not know

My little brother was in a BBC film called Daphne Du Maurier.

How do you define success?

Success is about hard work and graft, doing whatever it takes to push through and achieve your goals. Overcoming tough times and reaping the rewards. Success is already happening for Placr, and I know we’ll continue to succeed as we grow.