Mike Young founded Glasgow-based MBN Recruitment Solutions in 2007. It focuses on recruitment services to the technology, digital and analytics sectors, including a number of FTSE 100 companies.

What Makes Your Business Unique?

Our reputation is based on our ability to deliver, i.e. to identify, attract and provide the right candidate, first time. To do this I have found that we must invest heavily in the selection and training of our staff. The most rewarding aspect is helping a recruiter learn about their clients’ needs and how best to service these.

Please Tell Us About Your Background

After I gained a degree in Business and Technology, I began by recruiting commercial staff for various high-street brands. I then moved into a more technology-focused recruitment role, where I started to gain exposure to the niche sectors of digital and analytics. Having gained some valuable experience working for other companies in the field, I decided to establish my own business. It felt like a natural progression.

I enjoy the competitive nature of recruitment, the challenge, the rewards and the opportunity to develop true, lasting relationships.

What Has Been Your Proudest Moment In Business So Far

Last year was tough for most companies in the recruitment sector. At MBN we worked hard throughout the year and were rewarded in September at the Recruitment Business Awards. These awards were voted for by a panel of industry experts based on case studies validated by our clients and candidates.

To see my team walk up on the podium to collect our awards in front of an audience or our competitors, clients and candidates was my proudest moment in business so far.

And The Hardest Moment?

In 2010 I made the decision to change the business model from a lifestyle-focused concern to a professionally aligned market leader. I invested significantly in experienced staff, new offices, technology and infrastructure – without any financial backing. The first few months of that year were extremely hard. I had to do a lot of thinking and had to make some very tough choices. I am very glad to say they have since paid off.

Have You Adapted Your Business Model To Cope With The Economic Downturn?

Our success is based on repeat business. Many of our original clients from 2007 are still clients to this day. We have a thorough selection process. We’re looking for some key core aptitudes and characteristics when we hire.

Once we have made the decision to hire someone, we invest in a significant training and development programme to equip them with the personal skills that will lead to long-term relationship building. We believe this approach is essential in order to maintain our competitive advantage.

What Advice Would You Give To A Budding Entrepreneur?

The first thing I would advise is to keep going – no matter what. It will be tough, very tough, and you must have the resilience to survive, whatever happens. I’d say you must have a passion about what you do.

There is no resilience without passion. Believe in yourself and surround yourself in people who believe in you. This doesn’t mean sycophants. It means people who share your vision but aren’t scared to tell you when they think you are doing something wrong.