TH Consultant Recruitment Specialists’, founded by Rowena Barclay, is a permanent recruitment agency specialising in the automotive, construction, and engineering sectors. With over 15 years in recruitment, Rowena is passionate about ensuring her clients have a diverse and inclusive workforce.

A friend, who was part of the 2023, cohort recommended I join the MSDUK Accelerator, speaking highly of the programme. Although I have extensive experience in recruitment, I lacked experience in running a business. I joined the programme because I wanted to learn new skills, increase my entrepreneurial knowledge, and enhance my existing skills. The programme was intensive, but I learned so much during my time there. I’ve managed to grow my business, develop a better mindset for where I want my business to be, and streamline many of my systems and processes.

From Theory to Implementation: Navigating the Learning Experience

Module 4: Sales and Communication was excellent because I implemented many of the learnings almost immediately. The facilitator helped me craft my clear sales message, which I now use in everything I do. The framework for creating a clear sales message was challenging yet useful, forcing me to think deeply about my business offering. It has improved my email marketing strategy, website content, and even my cold outreach conversations with clients. Module 3: Growth Marketing helped me hone my marketing strategy. The masterclasses improved my email marketing and website content writing. The benefits were almost immediate, making my email marketing strategy more effective and attracting interest from companies like Toyota and BMW. I had never written a capability statement before, but the Capability Statement Workshop delivered by MSDUK made me realise its importance for corporate opportunities.

Also, Investment Workshops were insightful, debunking myths about needing a certain turnover to approach investors. It was a real eye-opener. But I think my favourite sessions had to be the Peer Mastermind Sessions because these sessions were relaxed, more like check-ins. The facilitator encouraged reflection on our progress and helped prepare for the next month, holding us accountable.

The programme has helped me become more ambitious and focused on scaling and growing my business. One of my goals is to hire full-time employees to enhance growth and effectiveness. Module 2: Scaling Services reinforced this, and as a result I’ve implemented a referral scheme for my candidates and clients.

Demo Day: Showcasing TH Consultants Recruitment Specialists

Being one the ten-business pitching on Demo Day, part of the Business Opportunity Day, was a great experience. I enjoyed the Corporate Roundtables and panel discussions. I also had amazing follow-up conversations with corporate buyers after my pitch, and the feedback I received was invaluable. Seeing everyone pitch on stage was inspiring, and we even have a Whatsapp group for the ladies in the cohort! We want to keep in touch beyond the programme and are planning to meet up soon.

Rowena’s Biggest Takeaway

My biggest takeaway was the opportunity to work towards the final pitch on Demo Day. I don’t pitch my services often, so standing in front of corporate buyers was a great opportunity. Working on my pitch deck, which encapsulates my services, was also fantastic because now I have something I can keep and adapt.