This summer marks a massive milestone for us. We’re proud to celebrate two decades of graft, growth, and getting people into work. From our very first placement back in June 2005 to where we are today, it’s been quite a journey. We’ve had our fair share of challenges, proud moments, and a whole lot of teamwork. We’re still doing what we set out to do, too, helping people find solid, fulfilling jobs, and backing businesses with the support they need to grow.
Where It All Began
Premier Recruitment Solutions Ltd was officially founded in June 2005 by Ryan McKinlay and Chris Bell, two driven professionals who shared a simple belief: recruitment should be built on trust, fairness, and long-term relationships. Their combined energy and experience created the foundation for everything Premier would go on to become.
Chris had a background in recruitment and persuaded Ryan to team up after Ryan sold his mobile phone business. Chris left a couple of years later, but Ryan stayed at the heart of Premier until his sudden passing in 2015. Losing him was a huge blow both personally and professionally, but it gave all of us a real drive to keep growing the business in a way he’d be proud of.
At the outset, our focus was mainly on construction, centred around temporary placements. Since then, the business has grown to provide candidates and places across many different sectors.
How We’ve Grown
Since 2005, we’ve expanded a lot, and now work with clients across the UK. We became a preferred supplier for trades and labour to some big names in the construction industry. But like a lot of businesses, 2008 brought a sharp reality check. The financial crash meant it was time to adapt, and that’s exactly what we did.
We looked for new ways to keep people at work and opened up new divisions in the industrial sector and tech sales. Then, unexpectedly, one of our industrial consultants secured a contract with a national fast-fit tyre company.
That was the start of our automotive division.
Today, we help to fill roles in everything from bodyshops and workshops to dealerships and technical support. It’s grown into a strong sector for us, and one that we’re delighted to be a part of.
Healthcare is our newest venture.
This division was launched in 2023, driven by rising demand in the care sector. We stepped in to help care homes find reliable, compassionate staff. Like everything we do, it’s built on trust, consistency, and good people.
What We’re Most Proud Of
Talking about sectors and contracts is easy, but what really matters to us is the people behind them. We’ve placed tens of thousands of candidates over the years. Some of our clients have been with us for over a decade, too. That kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by accident, and it’s something we’re so proud of.
We’ve also built a strong team internally.
At our busiest, we had 25 people working out of our Southampton office. Some of them have been with us for years, and that’s the kind of stability that makes a real difference to how we work. We celebrate success together, too. Every month, our team votes for a Star of the Month, and we give out awards to the highest billers and best-performing teams. It’s a great way for us to recognise effort, progress, and the way our team supports each other.
Shaped by Challenges
Like any business, we’ve had our fair share of tough times. The loss of Ryan in 2015 was one of the hardest, but in the years that followed, we made a conscious decision to carry on by staying true to what he believed in.
That same year, we were also proud to be recognised as a key supplier by several national contractors, marking a major step forward for the business. It was a real show of trust in the way we work and the teams we build.
Then there was the pandemic. Like everyone else, we had to adapt fast. Remote working, video interviews, and online meetings all became part of our day-to-day. But out of all that disruption, we learned to work smarter and became more flexible with a better work-life balance for the whole team.
How We Work Today
Recruitment’s changed a lot over the last two decades. These days, it’s about understanding the business, supporting candidates, and staying one step ahead of what’s happening in the industry.
In 2023, we also invested in new recruitment technology to help us work smarter for both clients and candidates. Better job-matching systems and slicker online registration have helped us speed things up without losing that personal touch we’re known for.
We’ve developed a custom, 18-stage recruitment process for permanent hires which helps us stay consistent, thorough, and fair.
Training and development for the people we place is another cornerstone of how we operate. Through NVQs and external training partners, we help candidates gain skills that will serve them long after their first shift. We do this because we like being a part of their journey.
Looking Ahead
Twenty years in, we’re proud of where we’ve come from, but we’re just as excited for what’s next. The job market keeps shifting, and new sectors are always emerging. The construction sector, especially, has been undergoing huge changes with new infrastructure and housebuilding projects in the pipeline, and a crucial need for skilled, dedicated professionals to work on them. Whatever happens, though, we’re in this for the people.
We want to say a massive thank you to everyone who’s been part of our story, past and present. To our team, our clients, our candidates, and most of all, to Ryan and Chris, whose belief in doing things the right way still shapes every decision we make. Their values live on in how we work and who we work with.
Looking for a Recruitment Specialist that Puts You First?
If you’re looking for a new role or need reliable people for your business, we’re here to help. Call us on 023 8020 2666, or take a closer look at the sectors we work in. We’re still based in Southampton, we’re still picking up the phone for long-term clients, and we’re still committed to getting the right person for the right job. Contact us today, and let’s build something together.
FAQs
What industries does Premier Recruitment Solutions cover?
We specialise in construction, automotive, tech sales, and healthcare, and we are still able to support industrial roles when clients need them.
Do you handle permanent as well as temporary placements?
Yes! Our 18-stage process is tailored for permanent hires, and our temp team fills hundreds of site and shop-floor shifts every week.
Are your services nationwide?
Absolutely. We’re headquartered in Southampton, but we’ve placed candidates and supplied contractors to projects all over the UK.
How do you ensure candidate quality?
In-depth interviews, skills testing, reference checks and for permanent roles, our full 18-stage methodology. We’re also happy to offer ongoing training and NVQ pathways.
I’m a candidate. Will it cost me to register?
Never. Candidates pay nothing for our help. We arrange fees through employers once you’re successfully placed.
