Meet The Team: Simon Cain, Recruitment Consultant
Tell us about your career journey so far?
My early career was spent working at Reeds Rains Estate Agents in Manchester City Centre. For 8 years, I worked across various offices with a focus on the rental market, and by 2009 I ran the Middlewich Branch over-seeing both sales and rentals.
In 2012 it was time for a new challenge, and I moved to Illingworth Ingham Timber Merchants into the position of Assistant Branch Manager. I then had the opportunity to run the Crompton Road branch in Macclesfield where I increased turnover 2.5 times until moving back to the Hurdsfield branch in 2019 to run the branch.
Why did you join GCS Associates?
After being at Illingworth’s for 10 years it was time for a new challenge. I knew of GCS Associates as they recruit into the Merchant sector and I knew I would have a lot of sector knowledge to bring into the team, as well as sales experience. I started at GCS Associates in Feb 2022 as a Recruitment Consultant covering the Construction Supplies sector.
It’s a refreshing change and a great team to work with every day!
What’s your role at GCS?
Currently my main role is the ‘resourcing’ side of the job which is basically learning the best ways to attract and engage with potential candidates. We use in-depth online searches and relevant advertising to attract the right kind of person for our clients, taking into consideration not just skillset but also culture fit.
The main thing I’ve learnt about recruitment is that job isn’t just waiting for people to reply to adverts – the vast majority of our time is spent actively headhunting for the best candidates.
What kind of roles are you working on at the moment?
Variety is the spice of life and as GCS Associates recruit for every type of position within the Construction Supplies sector, I’ve already recruited for lots of different roles – from Branch Management positions to internal sales and trade counter roles.
What’s the best thing about working at GCS or what gives you job satisfaction?
It’s very satisfying when you know you’re putting the right person into a role that will suit them and the employer.

I am also pleasantly surprised how people are happy to speak to us about their career goals and what might be a good next move for them. This job has changed my perception of the value a good recruitment consultant can bring to both employers and people looking for new jobs.
Tell me about how you help clients and candidates?
Regarding clients, it’s important we build up a picture of exactly what kind of person the client requires. This is crucial and saves a lot of time in the long run as we can then only put forward candidates which are the best fit for their organisation.
This really works – as if we find someone who fits in well to their new job then they will be happier in the role, if they are happier then they will be more productive and if they are more productive then that’s exactly what the employer wants.
It’s just about being helpful, informative, and really listening to our clients and candidates.
What do you do outside of work?
Spending time with my family and I am particularly passionate about most outdoor pursuits like hillwalking and cycling.
My house also needs a lot of work which also keeps me very busy in my spare time!
For more information on how GCS Associates can help your business recruit the best talent in the market, please get in touch.
e: enquiries@gcsassociates.com
t: 0161 660 2548
Meet The Team: Bradley Hannah, Senior Recruitment Consultant
Tell us about your career so far?
I originally started my career as an amateur golfer. At the age of 21 after spending 3 years in the USA, I turned professional and traveled to Europe & the Middle East to compete professionally.
I then spent 5 years in the UAE working within Real Estate progressing through the ranks, learning my trade in sales before moving back to the UK. After returning to the UK, I wanted a role that represented the harder I worked the more potential there is, and Recruitment was just that.
I instilled the work ethic I had developed in Dubai into the UK recruitment industry and quickly came to grips with the market. After joining an agency and really enjoying working in the Recruitment sector, I made the decision to work for myself. I focused on Construction and Engineering and really immersed myself in those sectors, gaining a wealth of knowledge which I now gladly bring to the GCS Associates team.
Why did you join GCS?
I joined GCS because I believe in what they’re doing. Their focus on Engineering and my background within Engineering is a great match. I look forward to finding jobs for as many people as possible and bringing onboard my existing clients plus introducing new ones.
What’s your role at GCS?
My job as GCS is a Recruitment Consultant, specialising in Construction and Engineering. My role is to really get to know my clients & their teams then match the best candidates to their business, ensuring not only a skills fit but a cultural fit as well.
This approach really helps with our client’s retention rates and means their new recruits stay with them for a long time!
The absolute best part of my job though, is making the phone call to the successful candidate and telling them they have secured a new position.

It gives me job satisfaction to know I’m helping someone with their career goals! My hope is to be making those calls more than ever this year and at GCS I have no doubt this will happen.
How do you help Clients & Candidates?
I believe in honesty when it comes to my clients. A lot of recruiters tell clients what they want to hear which in turn leads to failure in the partnership. Transparency is key and it’s important to provide accurate information on the current market.
I also help clients by securing the perfect candidates for their business. This, in turn, means I build long term partnerships and take on the role as trusted recruitment advisor for my clients. It’s important to me that I build long term relationships.
What do you do outside of work?
I continue to play golf. I regained my amateur status upon returning from Dubai and look forward to arranging a GCS Golf Competition for our clients and candidates soon (when COVID allows, of course!).
For more information on how GCS Associates can help your business recruit the best engineering talent in the market, please contact Bradley.
e: bradley.hannah@gcsassociates.com
t: 07515 553 468
Meet The Team: Andy Chambers, Business Development Director
Tell us about your career so far?
I began my career as a Yard Assistant at Jewson, straight from school when I was 16. I worked there for 12 years in total, progressing into roles such as Yard and Transport Supervisor, Counter Sales, Internal Sales, External Sales Executive for several branches.
I moved into a Branch Manager role for Build Centre, who Jewson then acquired, then moved to Wienerberger driving sales of brick into Builders Merchants. Then I went to EH Smith in a national specification sales role for their Porotherm division.
I returned to Jewson as a Business Unit Sales Manager looking after the external sales team then most recently, I was a Group Sales Manager for a local independent family business where I implemented and ran the external sales team whilst looking after key accounts. After many years working in the Merchant sector I’ve now taken on a new challenge as Business Development Director at GCS – the leading recruitment company within the Merchant and Building Supplies sector.
Why did you join GCS?
I’ve known Mike Parry & GCS in general for many years. GCS are the recruitment specialist in the sector I worked in, and we had discussed potential career moves in the past.
What really drew me to GCS was the fact it’s a smaller, fast-growing, and ambitious business where I can really make a difference. My new job as Business Development Director at GCS is an exciting opportunity plus means I can change careers yet retain and utilise the knowledge I’ve acquired within the Merchant & Building Supplies sectors.
What’s your role at GCS?
My role as Business Development Director is to speak to new and existing customers about their long- and short-term recruitment plans. Whether it be one-off Executive level hires or a retained recruitment solution to make sure businesses always have access to the best talent in the market. We also offer services like Employers Branding and Video services to help our clients retain and attract new people.

I am not only working in the Merchant and Building Supplies sectors but also Manufacturing and Engineering, as those are the key areas GCS specialise in.
How do you help Clients & Candidates?
I help clients by getting know and understanding their business. By visiting their sites, meeting them and their staff and drawing from my experience so truly understand the exact person required for a certain role in terms of skillset and culture it – this approach saves time and money for all! Also help to help highlight and offer the other recruitment options we can offer – there is massive benefit to businesses by partnering with a specialist recruitment business such as GCS
I help candidates by being able to talk from experience and helping them to understand the next steps in their career – helping with interview and presentation prep etc.
What do you do outside of work?
I’m passionate about fitness, particularly strength training. I’ve trained since I was 11 and have coaching qualifications in boxing, self-defence & calisthenics. I am also a football coach and have football and goalkeeping FA badges plus coach my two young boys football teams.
After that I enjoy spending time with the family, good films, and great holidays!
For more information on how GCS Associates can help your business recruit the best talent in the market, please contact Andy.
e: andy.chambers@gcsassociates.com
t: 07826 653 724
Leadership Interview: John Newcomb, CEO, Builders Merchant Federation
Could you give us an overview of your career?
I have led the Builders Merchants Federation since 2012, initially as Managing Director and since 2017 as Chief Executive Officer. Prior to that I held senior marketing, commercial and MD roles within the DIY and housewares industry, notably with H&R Johnson, Sandvik Saws and Tools UK, Addis Group Ltd and Imperial International Limited. I also maintained a 15-year involvement with BHETA, the British Home Enhancement Trade Association, the last two years as President.
At heart I am still a marketer and hold a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Bradford Management Centre. In total I have spent over 40 years in Sales and Marketing and Senior Management positions after starting my career as a Marketing Graduate with JCB.
What has changed most in the industry over your career?
I have seen a tremendous amount of change during my 9 years in the building materials sector. For example, there is a definite move towards larger merchant groups now, with funding for mergers and acquisitions coming from venture capital and we are also seeing a huge increase in digitisation and the use of online and mobile platforms.
But the biggest changes have been brought about in response to the Covid crisis. For the first time the whole construction industry came together through the Construction Leadership Council to work with government and coordinate the industry’s response. I sit on the CLC and quite honestly the profile of the building materials sector has never been higher both with government and within the wider construction industry. Our sector is also at the forefront of the CLC’s ConstructZero initiative, to meet the government’s net zero carbon targets by 2050, which we cannot achieve without the innovative products and systems BMF members are developing.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Without doubt, the last 18 months and being able to support the industry during the biggest crisis it has faced in decades. When the prime minister announced the first lockdown there was total confusion. We were being told to stay at home, so what on earth did that mean for our members’ businesses? The actions we were able to take, particularly within the CLC taskforce, and the information from government that we could then relay to members helped get them up and running in the shortest possible time. The BMF has continued to support them as we have gone through every subsequent stage of lockdown and now recovery which is bringing its own problems in terms of product availability. I am extremely proud to be nominated for this year’s Outstanding Leadership Award in the Trade Association Industry’s first ever Covid Response Awards.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry?
Be focused, be flexible and get the best possible training throughout your career. Also strive to the very best in your chosen position and career. I never started out with the ambition of becoming a CEO but always wanted to be the very best that I could in each of my roles and by doing this I found myself promoted to the next level.
The BMF recently merged with the Institute of Builders Merchants, which now operates as a separately managed brand of the BMF and has ambitious plans to professionalise the industry. The IoBM is an independent accreditation body with a structured framework for Continuing Professional Development from apprenticeship to the boardroom, we are working to grow membership and, eventually, achieve Chartered status. This would be a great way for anyone in our Industry to strive to be the best.
John Newcomb, CEO, BMF

What advice can you give leaders when managing businesses and teams through times of uncertainty?
People are your greatest asset, so make sure you have clear and frequent communication across the business. Good communication breeds confidence and prevents unnecessary speculation and rumour. It’s important to be visible and available, to listen to concerns and provide answers. This goes a long way to restore confidence and calm the business.
What do you see happening in the future for the Builders Merchants sector?
These are exciting times for construction with a government pledged to build back better, and to make the UK a leader in zero carbon technology. The building materials sector has a central role to play here, and I am very optimistic for the future. Merchants have always played an important role in the Supply Chain, but I don’t think they have ever been in a stronger position than they are now in being seen by both the Construction Industry and Government as a vital part of the Construction ecosystem.
For more information on how GCS Associates can help your business recruit the best talent in the market, contact us.
e: enquiries@gcsassociates.com
t: 0161 660 2548
Meet The Team: Rebecca Hildage, Office Manager, GCS Associates
Tell us about your career so far?
I worked for a Financial Services company in Altrincham for 8 years within the finance dept, gaining my AAT accounting qualification there. I then went on to an Assistant Accountant role for a Technology company then moved into a Executive PA role as I wanted to gain experience in other business areas and widen my skill set.
Around 6 years ago I become Cash Manager withing the inflight entertainment industry with a Global multinational dealing with cross currency bank accounts. I finished with the company in September 2020 and gave birth to my daughter in October 2020 – I had a lovely maternity leave with her and here I am today.
Why did you join GCS?
I was impressed with the wording in the job advert, it wasn’t run of the mill, it was interesting and quirky. When I googled the company, I was impressed with the passion that came across when perusing. I initially spoke with Tony on the phone and then came in to meet with Mike who gave me an overview of the company along with what the role would entail.
I got a great feel for the place. The role is flexible; it fitted in with my childcare and travel needs so I was happy when Mike called and offered me the job. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and improving processes to save the company time and money.
What’s your role at GCS?
My role is primarily admin and accounting work. I will be responsible for liaising with debtors/creditors, managing the financial accounts and many other office management duties. I will also be reviewing all processes and making improvements/automating where needed.
How you help clients/ candidates?
I wouldn’t say my role directly helps clients/candidates, however, by taking work and admin off the sales team this then feeds through to allow more time to help clients and candidates more efficiently.
Rebecca Hildage

What kind of projects are you working on at the moment?
I have begun working on an accounting system and have also started streamlining our internal processes. I have many more projects in the pipeline which will improve efficiencies internally.
What do you do outside of work?
I love running – it clears my head and allows me to gather my thoughts and refocus. Socialising with family and friends, I’m very close to my family so I’m happy the lock-down’s have ended and we can socialise properly once again!
For more information on how GCS Associates can help your business recruit the best talent in the market, contact us.
e: enquiries@gcsassociates.com
t: 0161 660 2548
GCS Associates Open Second Office in Loughborough, East Midlands
We are excited to announce GCS has opened our second office based in Loughborough, East Midlands – the team is focusing on Executive Recruitment within our current sectors but also Food and FMCG, utilising the extensive networks of the new team.
We’re pleased to welcome Tony Llewellyn and Steve Schaap who, between them, have over 40 years’ experience in recruitment across Food, FMCG, Manufacturing and Construction Supply sectors. They bring a wealth of experience to the business, with a particular focus on Executive Search & permanent and interim recruitment services across all disciplines; Operations, Sales, Logistics/Procurement, Technical and Finance.
Tony Llewellyn, Commercial Director, GCS Associates comments,
“We have nearly 40 years of recruiting experience between us, we know what good looks like and strive to constantly achieve the very best service to all our candidates and clients. Most of our work is based around exclusive partnerships with our clients and this inevitably results in a higher quality and more transparent experience and result for the candidates, the clients and ourselves as recruiters. Both Steve and I are very pleased to join GCS Associates at this exciting time of growth and look forward to contributing to its continued success.”
Michael Parry, Managing Director, GCS Associates comments,
“The recruitment market, across our current sectors of Builder Merchants, Construction, Hire and Building Supplies, has been extremely buoyant, and we’re pleased to report that these sectors are flourishing post-pandemic after a very uncertain 2020!

This increased level of activity and demand for talent has resulted in GCS needing to increase its headcount and, most significantly, opening a second office location in the East Midlands. Our new Loughborough office, where we are welcoming Tony Llewellyn and Steve Schaap, is focusing on Executive Recruitment within our current sectors, and branching out into FMCG and Food Manufacturing. Both Tony and Steve bring great experience and contacts along with fantastic professionalism & reputations within their sectors. With their addition and the opening of the new office we are really ramping up our service offering to candidates and clients alike now and in the future.”
For more information on how GCS Associates can help your business recruit the best talent in the market, contact Tony Llewellyn.
e: tony.llewellyn@gcsassociates.com
t: 07809 433 882