ABOUT US

Following successful careers with Michael Page International, James Allen and Ben Lane established Allen Lane in 2004. They wanted to use their experience in recruiting senior professionals into the public sector to offer a fresh, unpretentious approach to recruitment founded on relationships and exceptional customer service.

Realising some of the frustrations candidates and clients encounter, James and Ben saw an opportunity to move away from the methods adopted by large corporate recruitment brands and provide a more personal service based on honesty, integrity and long term objectives.

By recruiting and retaining some of the most established consultants in the sector, Allen Lane has developed a far reaching presence. We aim to dominate financial and HR recruitment in the public sector and have made significant strides towards this goal. James and Ben started the business in a spare bedroom but Allen Lane today employ 23 people, have a turnover of £25 million and over 300 contractors working across the public sector.

Allen Lane has been recognised for our speed of growth (Sunday Times Fast Track 100 2008/9) but we do not, like most of our competition, crave constant recognition and industry awards because we prefer to judge our success on what our clients and candidates think.

  • OUR CANDIDATES
  • OUR CLIENTS
  • WORK FOR US

We simply don't differentiate between candidates and clients. Both are very important and we provide them with an equal service.

Our candidates, temporary or permanent, come from all backgrounds and sectors. We speak frankly on first contact as to the prospects of securing work. If we feel we can't help a candidate immediately, we will advise on the best course of action for them and if appropriate recommend other organisations.

Within finance, our main area of expertise is at the CCAB* qualified level and above but we also place CCAB part qualified candidates, project managers and senior executives on a permanent and interim basis.

On the HR side, our candidates come from all levels; from HR officers to HR directors. Our main focus is at the CIPD qualified level but we also have a presence amongst CIPD licentiates and associates.

We are proud of the number of candidates that have been referred from others and this has become a trend. Also reflecting our long term approach is the fact that over 50% of our current 300+ contractors are not on their first assignment through Allen Lane.

*Qualifications recognised by the Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies. In the UK this includes ICAEW, CIPFA, ICAS, CIMA and ACCA.

Our public and not for profit clients are normally in London and the Home Counties. These organisations are often instrumental in impacting on the lives and welfare of local and national communities or giving help or support to people in need.

Click on the CAMPAIGNS tab to see some of the clients that Allen Lane has recruited for.

Our current team has made us one of the fastest growing financial recruitment consultancies in the UK. We're looking to strengthen it.

We look for a successful track record in recruitment and a strong educational background. If you've got public and not for profit or finance/HR experience, that would be great. From there, we're looking for what you have in common with us and what makes you different.

Every individual at Allen Lane brings a unique approach to recruitment and they are often contrasting. Although there are a few fundamentals to good consultancy, it's our confidence in our consultants to let them work in the way they think best that appeals to experienced recruiters particularly.

That doesn't mean a lack of management or training. As well as employing an external training company to challenge our skills, the directors take a hands-on interest in the development of staff - not just regular one-to-ones but daily on-the-desk support on everything from the management of the recruitment process to better decision-making.

That's part of the reason why Allen Lane consultants are set up to succeed. Whether you're breaking into a new client or recruiting for a trusted one, you'll have access to one of the strongest databases of candidates in London and guidance from some of the most successful recruiters in the public sector.

Success is one of the main reasons why people enjoy working here. It helps that the rewards are excellent - we know from suppliers that we offer one of the best commission structures in recruitment on top of a competitive basic salary. It also helps that we work very hard for each other - a bit of good competitive rivalry notwithstanding - and that we get on really well and have some terrific nights out (some of them planned).

There's a great deal of potential at Allen Lane. We've already realised some of it - a turnover of £25 million in year five - but there's a lot more to do. The approach that we use will be successful in each new area we enter because it's based on a respect for clients and contractors and that's something every sector needs. We need to add to the team to realise the rest.

If you're interested in knowing more about Allen Lane, please contact James on 07795 097 730 or Ben on 07956 839 272.