A North East-based recruitment expert, essential to the growth of innovative SMEs, has adopted The Experience Bank methodology for their own expansion.
Venture Ten, conceived by Dan Fenwick and Kimberley Leech, is founded on the belief that recruitment can be more effective and efficient. Dan observed that existing market needs were unmet, remarking, “Companies find recruitment time-consuming and the right people hard to find, recruiters spend a lot of time that isn’t profitable and recruitees often feel like just a number and a CV that gets thrown around.”
Capitalising on Dan’s background in cultural change management, Venture Ten developed a professionally project-managed Talent Partner model. This model focuses on building relationships founded on trust and aims for long-term success. “We aren’t in it to place one candidate, but to help organisations find and keep the right talent at every point of their growth,” Dan said.
As their approach yielded positive results and business growth accelerated, Fenwick and Leech recognised their need for external guidance. They expanded their services by collaborating with a Canadian firm specialising in culture and candidate behaviour, ventured into facility management upon client request, and hired an executive assistant, Emma. Most recently, they reached out to The Experience Bank for further support.
The Experience Bank is a philanthropic initiative that provides qualifying startups and small companies with pro bono access to a curated group of over 100 regional leaders. These leaders offer their time and expertise to foster long-term growth and success.
Peter Neal of The Experience Bank commented on working with Venture Ten: “What I loved about Venture Ten was the energy and drive of Dan and Kimberley. They do not stand still and are not afraid to flex into other offerings while maintaining their core focus on recruitment. They approached me recognising their need for strategic HR and recruitment advice to challenge and support them.”
Through this collaboration, John McConnell joined Venture Ten, bringing over 20 years of expertise in people culture, and Stephen Paul came onboard to focus on Dan’s leadership development. Fenwick expressed his appreciation: “It is great to have John and Stephen helping us and sharing our vision for the future of Venture Ten. They believe, like we do, that the people ingredient is the most important. It is a breath of fresh air to meet like-minded people.”
Dan further praised The Experience Bank, highlighting the efficiency of their process and the value of having experienced confidantes to spar with, leading to increased innovation, diversity, and practicality.
Venture Ten’s strategic partnership with The Experience Bank marks a significant step in their commitment to sustainable growth. By integrating expert guidance and maintaining a focus on people and culture, they are well-positioned to continue their trajectory of success.
