Andy Strong, Divisional Director, Oakstone International.
Published: February 19, 2023 | Updated: 19th February 2023
USA success proves to be just the job for Oakstone International
A Dorset-based hi-tech executive search firm is beating the Americans at their own game.
Oakstone International is successfully placing US candidates in positions within US companies in the USA.
It is reporting 400 per cent growth in US roles placed over the last two years compared to 2018-20.
The global software and fintech executive recruitment consultancy has a specialist division working exclusively on US hires from its offices in Poole.
The UK-based team of US expert recruiters secured 82 per cent of Oakstone’s US hires in the last 12 months.
Oakstone Divisional Director Andy Strong leads the organically expanding team which works into the evening to cope with the time zone challenges.
His role is to grow the business further.
Andy said: “It is hugely rewarding how much business we are winning and delivering in North America despite the fact that we are primarily based in the UK.
“We are delivering more roles in the US than ever before.
“The vast majority of our clients are North American-headquartered.
“We work with them on Europe-based projects, but it became apparent that they would also like to use us for internal US hires as well.
“Off the back of our delivery, having built trust in our quality, speed of work and results, we made it clear that we were as capable of hiring in the US as we are in Europe.
“Consequently we end up delivering for them domestically in the US too.”
Oakstone works for hi-tech businesses such as Introhive, Korn Ferry, Coupa, Simpplr and Pagerduty in the US.
The firm, which has US satellite bases in Chicago and San Francisco and turns over $1 million in the US, maintains a 100 per cent delivery record on retained projects.
Andy said it remained unusual for UK recruiters to place US candidates in US roles.
It is estimated that less than ten per cent of recruitment companies in the UK are doing work in North America.
The vast majority of Oakstone’s business competition was US domestic firms, he added.
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Holland and Barrett becomes latest brand to join Castlepoint line-up
Holland & Barrett is to become the latest brand to join the line-up at Bournemouth’s Castlepoint.
It has signed a six-year lease for a 3,194 sq ft unit at the 684,000 sq ft shopping park – one of the UK’s largest.
The store is due to open on March 1.
Castlepoint has begun a new asset management strategy, devised by its new joint venture owners – the funds of Columbia Threadneedle Investments and Delancey.
The arrival of Holland & Barrett follows news that outdoor retailer Mountain Warehouse has committed to the park for the longer term after upsizing to a new 12,000 sq ft unit.
A further unit is under offer while significant interest has been expressed in another two stores.
Castlepoint, which turns 20 this year, now has 2.34 per cent vacancy.
Holland & Barrett will offer an extensive range of products and services at its new store.
To mark the opening, until March 29 and only in the Castlepoint store, customers can quote 20 per cent at the till to receive 20 per cent off their first purchase.
The joint agents for Castlepoint are Morgan Williams and Curson Sowerby Partners LLP.
Holland & Barrett were unrepresented.
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Successful new BCP Young Professionals event survives the axe!
A new BCP Young Professionals networking event looks set to be the first of many after being declared a big success.
Frettens Solicitors, in collaboration with Vail Williams, organised the event at Bournemouth’s Boom Battle Bar with axe throwing being the main activity of the evening!
More than 50 young professionals from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole enjoyed the food, drink and networking.
Kira Slater and Ben Cobb of Frettens and Ben Duly and Bryony Solan of Vail Williams launched the initiative and organised the event.
The new group aims to connect young professionals aged 35(ish) and under who may not otherwise get the opportunity to meet and build new relationships.
Kira, pictured left, who was hosting her own event for the first time since joining Frettens as an apprentice, said: “I am so pleased that our first BCP Young Professionals event was a success and that everyone enjoyed the opportunity to meet up.
“Get togethers for young people in business, like this one, are so important, and encourage people to share stories, discuss their experiences and gain new business relations.
“Thank you to everyone who attended for your support, and thanks to Ben and Bryony for their help in setting everything up.”
Bryony, pictured right, an Associate at Vail Williams, said: “After opening our Bournemouth office in 2021, and attending various local networking events, we identified the need for a networking group focused on the younger generation who may not get invited to networking events.
“Ultimately, we are the future generation of business leaders within the area and Vail Williams were keen to launch an initiative of this nature.
“We were delighted that Frettens Solicitors shared our views and were keen to work with us jointly in launching the networking group.
“We are excited to see this group develop alongside its members.”
