⭐TBE VIP: Jayla Wilcox | Simple Recruitment
Jayla Wilcox is the MD of Simple Recruitment – a group of friendly South West-based recruiters dedicated to finding jobs for people and people for jobs.
The business was founded in 2009 to deliver simple, trusted and inexpensive recruitment solutions to local businesses. Throughout the years it has not only grown from a business perspective but has ingrained itself within the community, supporting a myriad of local events, causes and charities.
Can you tell us about your first full-time job?
My first full-time job directly after university was as a Loss Adjuster for a company based in Manchester called McLarens Toplis.
What did you learn early on in your career that has stayed with you?
Great customer service doesn’t cost a thing – do what you say you’ll do, and never make promises you can’t keep.
Who inspires you (a) professionally and (b) personally?
I’m professionally inspired by individuals who are willing to take bold risks in pursuit of their dreams, consistently put in the hard work, stretch beyond their comfort zones and uplift others along the way. Richard Branson is a great example.
Personally my children inspire me every day!
What three pieces of advice would you give to someone starting out on a similar career path?
- Know your audience
- Breathe your USPs
- Value what YOU do
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years I hope to look back with a genuine sense of fulfilment about the journey I’ve taken in business, proud of the opportunities we created for people, the meaningful partnerships we built, and the tangible impact our services had on the organisations we supported. I’d like to know that our work didn’t just meet expectations, but helped businesses grow, evolve, and achieve more.
And perhaps, alongside that professional satisfaction, I’ll be preparing for my next full-time role, one centred around slower mornings, coffee dates, manicures and regular trips to the gym!
What do you do to keep yourself and Simple Recruitment at the top of your game?
I set yearly goals – both business and personal – and I tick them off as the year goes by. This could be anything from redecorating the office space to completing a Hyrox!
What are you most proud of in your career to date?
I founded Simple Recruitment (South West) Ltd while three months pregnant with my first child, right in the midst of the 2008/09 recession. Since then, we’ve expanded the business to serve three counties, building a diverse and loyal client and candidate base. We navigated the unprecedented challenges of Covid-19 and emerged stronger.
This year, I’m proudly celebrating 17 years in business, 20 years of marriage, and the joy of raising two wonderful children.
What’s next on your professional bucket list?
To see what I can achieve next. Watch this space!
