Karen Laker

I joined Beaumont Select in June 2008 having previously spent 10 years working in the property industry managing a number of branches in Sussex for a national Estate Agency. I was head hunted by a new homes builder in 2007 and spent a year working as a Land Buyer until the property market crashed in 2008 and I was made redundant. Looking back, possibly the best thing that could have happened!

I’m a bit of a “generalist” and work with clients across a wide variety of sectors from Financial Services, Education and Media to Technology and the Public Sector. I find the work I do within the Charity sector particularly rewarding. It’s great to work with people who are so passionate about what they do and a good Procurement function can make such a difference to a charity. I pride myself on being customer focused and strive to make sure that everyone I work with goes away having had a positive experience. Repeat business from a client, or having a candidate I placed previously come to me to recruit a team is the biggest reward I could ask for. 

So what do I like about my job …The Beaumont culture isn’t about targets or quick wins, it’s about customer satisfaction and providing a service (whether to clients or candidates), which is a great way to work and inspires me to come to work each morning with a smile on my face. 

And what I’m not so keen on...I can honestly say that there really isn’t much I don’t like about working for Beaumont Select. It can be frustrating when you can’t find that “perfect” candidate or a role gets cancelled, but in general each day is different and you never know what’s round the corner.

And outside Work … I live on the South Coast and being Sussex born and bred, I enjoy the countryside and spending time in my garden. I am a keen horse rider, although I never seem to have enough time now days. I’m a big music fan and enjoy going to live gigs, and am a season ticket holder at Brighton and Hove Albion. I enjoy going to the theatre, watching films, experiencing different cultures, spending time with family and friends, and the odd glass of wine or a gin and tonic...