Primarily we provide a shortlist of qualified, interested candidates for every assignment, for an agreed fee.

On a conventional research long list many names prove irrelevant when approached by the recruiter, as only conversations with candidates can establish their suitability as well as their interest in exploring an opportunity.

As the executive research industry has developed, it has become much more the norm for executives to be approached initially by researchers, to establish both their profile and their level of interest, after which the consultant, HR professional or corporate line manager follows up with a more detailed conversation, usually in a face-to-face meeting. Even so, many recruiters continue to conduct searches on the basis of a long list.

We believe that when the researcher takes a more commercial responsibility for the end result the value of his contribution is much greater. While a junior researcher may not be the best person to have an initial conversation with an executive, the experienced researcher with industry-specific knowledge is well suited to doing so and makes the overall process of candidate sourcing more effective.

This said, clients have different needs, hence we are flexible. Not all assignments require extensive research or allow the time needed to reach a shortlist. Sometimes the market will be very small, or the recruiter requires only a smaller list of targeted names to help him or her get going. Or budget may be restricted. Many small projects require 2 to 4 day's research, and we will happily take these on. Alternatively clients may need only extensive candidate identification and prefer to do the candidate approaches themselves. The service is customizable.

Regardless of the service provided, the traditional research process is always followed.

Briefing Every assignment is undertaken after a full briefing with the client. This includes defining the clients needs clearly, agreeing to the most realistic timescales, and being aware of other factors relevant to the research (e.g., off-limits, candidates already considered or spoken with, background information about client institution where appropriate, etc.)

After the briefing, a short proposal is put to the client to ensure that there is understanding on both sides as to the required results, the method of undertaking the research, and the timescale for completion.

Target list of companies A list of companies is drawn up where qualified candidates are most likely to be found. Any off-limits companies are excluded.

Candidate identification A list of potential candidates, but also of market sources likely to be useful for identifying candidates, is established from a combination of online and telephone research, and is continually expanded as telephone research progresses.

Candidate approaches Potential candidates are approached with a view to establishing their suitability as well as their interest in exploring the opportunity.

Client meetings Interested and qualified candidates are scheduled to meet the client for an exploratory conversation.