Simon began his professional journey at Reeds Rains Estate Agents in Manchester City Centre. Over the course of eight years, he gained extensive experience across various branches, specialising in the rental market. By 2009, he had progressed to managing the Middlewich branch, where he oversaw both sales and lettings operations.

In 2012, seeking a fresh challenge, Simon transitioned to Illingworth Ingham Timber Merchants as an Assistant Branch Manager. Demonstrating exceptional leadership and business acumen, he was soon entrusted with managing the Crompton Road branch in Macclesfield. During his tenure, Simon achieved remarkable success, increasing turnover by 2.5 times. In 2019, he returned to the Hurdsfield branch to replicate his success, driving significant growth there as well.

After a decade at Illingworth Ingham, Simon decided it was time to embark on a new chapter. Having become familiar with GCS Associates, a recruitment firm specialising in the Merchant sector, Simon recognised the opportunity to leverage his extensive industry knowledge and sales expertise. In February 2022, he joined GCS Associates as a Recruitment Consultant, focusing on the Construction Supplies sector.

Simon’s primary responsibility lies in the resourcing side of recruitment. Utilising an array of advanced tools and techniques, he identifies, attracts, and engages top-tier candidates actively seeking new roles. His approach goes beyond skillset evaluation, delving into cultural compatibility to ensure a perfect fit for both client and candidate. Simon is adept at headhunting, a proactive approach that forms the cornerstone of his recruitment strategy, ensuring access to the best talent in the market.

Michael Parry’s journey into recruitment was far from ordinary. He began his career in the import and distribution sector, a world quite different from the one in which he would eventually excel. When he moved into recruitment, he initially worked across a variety of sectors but soon found the lack of focus unfulfilling. Determined to specialise, Michael set his sights on a single industry where he could develop expertise and cultivate lasting relationships.

In 2005, almost by chance, he discovered the construction supplies and building materials sector. His first client was Wolseley, and their early success together highlighted the potential within this niche. Seeing the opportunity, Michael established a dedicated recruitment desk for the construction supply industry. Two years later, in 2007, he made a bold move by founding his own recruitment consultancy, driven by a clear vision: to provide a genuine, informed, and committed consultative service to the construction supply chain, built on trust and meaningful relationships.

The business initially concentrated on National Merchants, securing its first placement with Alex Rampton, then a Regional Director at Travis Perkins. From there, Michael expanded the company’s scope, nurturing relationships with both large FTSE organisations and smaller, independent merchants. Over time, the business also developed partnerships with specialist distributors, manufacturers, and the hire equipment sector, which has since become a key area of expertise.

Throughout his career, Michael has observed considerable changes in the construction supply industry. Yet one constant has remained: the people—a factor he considers the industry’s greatest asset. Over the years, he has built invaluable connections, witnessing many of his contacts thrive and progress in their careers.

Looking to the future, Michael is as ambitious as ever. He is excited about what lies ahead for himself, his business, and the dynamic sector he has come to love.

Outside of work, Michael is a proud father to two wonderful children and has a skittish dog who also serves as the office mascot. He enjoys travelling and spending time outdoors, whether it’s exploring remote landscapes, unwinding on beaches, or hiking in the mountains. A keen sports enthusiast, he has a particular passion for tennis and, more recently, crown green bowling!

Kimberley Hollis is a specialist Recruitment Consultant at GCS Associates, dedicated to the Building Materials sector. With a background as a Customer Service Adviser at Buildbase, she brings hands-on industry insight and a deep understanding of trade professionals’ needs to her role. After joining GCS, Kimberley completed a rigorous recruitment apprenticeship—balancing full-time work with study in finance, marketing, business development, and recruitment—graduating with a record-breaking 99% distinction.

In her day-to-day, Kimberley excels at sourcing top talent, advising candidates on career progression and interview readiness, and forging strong partnerships with clients to deliver tailored staffing solutions. Her resilience and problem-solving mindset help her navigate challenges like counter-offers and shifting industry perceptions. Passionate about promoting diversity, she champions opportunities for women and young people in a traditionally male-dominated field. Kimberley’s proudest achievement is seeing her placements flourish—proving that apprenticeships not only build skills but also launch rewarding careers.