Print

Kirstie Whitehead
Sales Director
Sales: Direct Mail, Web & Print Management
DDI – 0161 443 0044
E-Mail - kirstiew@keyrecruitment.co.uk

Kirstie joined Key Recruitment in 1995 as a trainee consultant within the print industry. Due to her hard work she soon progressed up the career ladder to Divisional Manager and in 2002 was promoted to Sales Director.

Building the company up from 4 to running a successful team of over 35, and with over 15 years experience Kirstie is a well known character in the print industry. Some say she has gravitas and her passion for the industry is unquestionable, many love her honesty & frankness, others may believe she’s bold, opinionated and most recently she has been accused of being ostentatious - That may be down to the Audi R8 she impulsively purchased!

Her industry knowledge & contacts are second to none, many call upon her for a chat & to pick her brains, it's not just about a quick fix or fee with Kirstie, she forges long term relationships and is happy to help anyone if she can.

If you've never had the pleasure of meeting or speaking with Kirstie give her a call and make the judgement on her yourself!

Wayne Tyson
Manager – Print Division
Sales & Technical: Direct Mail (Midlands & North), Web & Print Management
DDI – 0161 443 0041
E-Mail - waynet@keyrecruitment.co.uk

Having graduated with a Degree in Psychology with Philosophy, Wayne joined Key in 1998 as a trainee consultant. Since then he has developed a comprehensive knowledge of the Print Industry and now manages a team of industry specialists. Outside of work Wayne spends much of his time and money following his beloved Manchester United while helping keep the profits of Guinness high.

Anna Gale
Senior Print Consultant
Sales & Technical: Screen Print & Digital
DDI - 0161 443 0006
E-Mail - annag@keyrecruitment.co.uk

Anna Gale has been specialising in recruiting for the Screen & Digital sectors of the print industry with Key Recruitment since 2000, within both sales and technical positions. Since March 2009 Anna has also been specialising in Direct Mail technical roles in the South of England. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with and supporting her daughter who plays football and enjoys fishing.

Alison Rigby
Senior Print Consultant
Sales & Technical: Sheet-Fed - West Midlands, South East & South West
DDI - 0161 443 0050
E-Mail - alisond@keyrecruitment.co.uk

Alison graduated from Brunel University with a Degree in Textile Design & Surface Decoration. After spending three years as a Textile Designer in the home furnishings industry she took a change of direction joining Key Recruitment as a temp in October 2000. Since then Alison has progressed from temp to Senior Consultant in the Sheetfed sector covering Sales & Technical positions.

Sue Kirkman
Senior Print Consultant
Sales: Sheet Fed, Digital & Print Management
DDI - 0121 384 7164
E-Mail - suek@keyrecruitment.co.uk

Sue has worked in recruitment within the printing industry since 2004 and has built up many fantastic, long term relationships over the years. She has been very successful in placing print sales people up to and including board level, and is a well respected and established name in the industry. Sue is comfortable dealing with people at all levels, and with her excellent knowledge of the industry is a well-informed, trustworthy consultant. Happily settled in Birmingham she believes it's good to have a happy home life as well as work, and has a work hard, play hard attitude. It is her belief that having a boss who is hands-on and who can give unconditional support, on a work and personal level, is key to keeping a good team on board and making a company successful. Outside of work Sue makes the most of life by having a good laugh with her twin sister, friends, family, partner, and two step children, (one of which plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club).

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Packaging

Lee Greaves
Divisional Manager – Packaging
Sales: Flexible Packaging & Films
DDI - 0161 443 0020
E-Mail - leeg@keyrecruitment.co.uk

Being one of the oldest consultants at Key (but still convinced he looks the youngest!), Lee graduated from Edge Hill University with a degree in Design Technology. He joined Key Recruitment in 2000 as a Trainee Consultant in the Packaging Industry. Since then with his proven successful track record he has progressed to become a key member of the management team, responsible for the Packaging division and a dedicated team of specialist consultants. Due to continued success he has successfully launched a temporary contracts division (XL Contracts, specialising in logistics and distribution) spear headed by one of the UK's industry specialists, Mark Benton. He has a real love of music, being a regular 'gig goer' of both old and new music. So when he is not down the gym trying to improve his pot belly he can be seen 'dad dancing' in one of Manchester's many live music establishments.

Rachel O'Connell
Packaging Consultant
Sales & Technical: Plastics, Metal & Glass
DDI - 0161 443 0049
E-Mail - rachelo@keyrecruitment.co.uk

Rachel O'Connell is a senior consultant for the Rigid Plastic's and Packaging industry specialising in the recruitment of Sales and Technical personnel. She joined Key Recruitment in August 2005 after being in the automotive industry for a number of years. Having successfully recruited for a number of client with in the Rigid Plastic Packaging sector she diversified into different market sectors, which now encompasses Medical Device/Drug Delivery and Diagnostics, in the UK, Europe and more recently Worldwide. Through her many years at Key she has established herself as the only consultant in the UK that specifically concentrates in the sector mentioned above both in regards to Sales and Technical recruitment. She can often be spotted at all the industry award ceremonies and exhibitions.

Kerry Armstead
Packaging Consultant
Sales & Technical: Flexible Packaging & Corrugated
DDI – 0161 443 0057
E-Mail - kerrya@keyrecruitment.co.uk

Kerry Armstead joined key Recruitment in October 2007 after working in High Street Recruitment for 2 years. With a proven track record in sales Kerry is now a successful consultant within the Corrugated Packaging sector recruiting throughout the corrugated industry for both blue chip and smaller independent companies in the capacity of sales and technical personnel. She enjoys regular trips abroad which in the past two years have included Jamaica, Las Vegas, Mexico, New York and Kenya. In her spare time Kerry enjoys socialising with friends spending time with her partner and planning her next holiday!!

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Ingredients & Raw Materials and FMCG Team

Helen Dykes
Divisional Manager - Ingredients & Raw Materials and FMCG
Sales & Technical: Food Ingredients
DDI + 44 (0) 161 443 0070
E-Mail - helend@keyrecruitment.co.uk

Helen studied Sociology at Liverpool University, and is Divisional Manager for the Ingredients & Raw Materials and FMCG division. Recruited in 2003 to set up and develop this new business area for Key, she has grown business in the UK, Europe and Worldwide. Having recruited a number of specialist consultants to grow and develop the Ingredients and Food & Beverage Manufacturing area for Key, Helen now continues to recruit and network extensively within the scent and taste area of the ingredients industry focusing on Flavours & Fragrances. Having spent time living and working for Key in Italy, Helen can truly appreciate first hand the global nature of this fast moving industry and the necessity to not only create but to be part of a dynamic and successful team who forges close and trustworthy relationships with candidates and clients alike.

Louise Kirk
Consultant – FMCG – Food
DDI – 0161 443 4982
E-Mail - louisek@keyrecruitment.co.uk

Louise started her career in recruitment in 1997, successfully building teams in the commercial sector before moving into Food and Beverage Manufacturing in 2006. Since then she has established herself as a specialist in Technical, Development, Engineering and Operations and has joined Key to further expand the expertise in the Food team. Louise has a real appreciation of the industry and is a self-confessed "foodie" who loves nothing more than entertaining friends and family with good food and wine.

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Capital Equipment & Consumables Team

Dave Hume
Divisional Manager - Capital Equipment & Consumables
Sales & Technical: Capital Equipment & Consumables
DDI - 0161 443 0030
E-Mail - daveh@keyrecruitment.co.uk

After studying Accountancy and working in the chemicals sector for 9 years Dave Hume joined Key Recruitment in 2001 to develop the newly targeted packaging machinery sector. The rapid growth saw Dave promoted to Senior Consultant and in 2004 promoted to Divisional Manager overseeing the packaging and print capital equipment industries. The need for specialised recruitment within the engineering field has seen the division change dramatically and now covers all high speed machinery within packaging, print, materials handling and encompassing the associated sectors including drives, controls, pumps, instrumentation and measurement industries. With over 6 years in the industry Dave realises the high demands of clients and candidates alike, identifying changes in growth industries, market trends and recruitment needs, through which he continues to develop relationships and expertise through the personal training, guidance and encouragement of the key members of the company. Dave looks forward to being part of an even more successful future.

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Drives, Controls & Instrumentation

James Russell
Consultant – Controls & Instrumentation
Sales & Technical: Instrumentation, Process Control & Automation
DDI – 0161 443 0059
E-Mail - jamesr@keyrecruitment.co.uk

James started his sales career in the secured loan and insurance market. After 10 years working up the finance ladder to become a team leader he was looking for a new challenging sales career and joined Keys Drives & Controls team in June 2008. When he's not at work he enjoys spending time with his daughter’s Ella and Jessica and beating anyone who comes his way around the pool table.

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Machine Tools & Tooling, BMS & Building Services

Libby Marshall
Senior Consultant –
Machine Tools & Tooling, BMS & Building Services
DDI - 0161 443 0036
E-Mail - libbym@keyrecruitment.co.uk

After spending time working abroad, travelling throughout the world and leaving university with a degree in Management and PR, Libby has specialised within the Machine Tools & Tooling Industry since 2004 and has developed excellent relationships with the industry's market leaders. Recruiting exclusively for the majority of her clients, she works on a wide range of assignments including senior roles plus Sales, Service and Applications Engineers. Due to continued success and with the support of the dedicated resourcer’s, more recently she has also taken over the supply of both sales and technical personnel to the BMS & Building Services divisions. This division is rapidly expanding and developing in all areas as well as continuing to build on already existing relationships with long established clients. Outside work, Libby enjoys travelling, going to the gym and a few glasses of white wine whenever possible

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XL HR

Ian Swarbrick
Director – XL HR
DDI – 0161 443 4985
E-Mail - ian@xlhr.co.uk

Ian started his career as a Print Buyer for a PLC, before selling Media for a Publishing Company. He started out in Recruitment in the late 80's with HMS and celebrates / commiserates 20 years in the industry in March 2009!! He joined Key Recruitment in 1992 before leaving to establish XL in 1995. In 2004, XL launched a Training Company and established themselves as the market leader in Recruitment and Training to the Digital and Workflow sectors. Ian is also responsible for looking after the Xerox account, and has successfully developed relationships in the UK, Europe and Middle East, resulting in XL and the Key Group establishing an office in Dubai. Having retired from playing competitive rugby for 15 years, Ian has moved into the more social elements of sports science!! He is a season ticket holder at Manchester United, and supports Sale Sharks Rugby Club. He enjoys playing Golf and actively goes to the gym once a month.

Bruce Dransfield
Workflow Training Manager
DDI – 0161 443 4984
E-Mail - bruce@xlhr.co.uk

Bruce Dransfield joined XL in March 2008 as workflow training manger in order to deliver customer training on Xerox's workflow, web to print, and XMPie product ranges. Prior to XL Bruce spent 6 years as managing director of SiliconCrag a company specialising in colour management and CTP workflow, and RIP technologies. Bruce has had 17 years working at the cutting edge of pre press and print technologies.

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Key Contracting

Mark Benton
UK Divisional Manager
Logistics/Distribution, Packing/Warehousing, Non-Food Production
Mobile - 07973 348558
DDI - 0161 443 4990
E-Mail - markb@keycontracting.co.uk

Mark Benton Joined the Key Group in March 2009 to set up a contracts division of the Business. He started his Recruitment career in 1994 as a Trainee consultant in Walsall, West Midlands (hence his brummy accent even though he insists it is a South Staffordshire accent).His career developed very quickly as he opened 10 successful branches throughout the UK from start up. After 12 years in the Recruitment Industry he decided he wanted his own venture and teamed up with The Key Group and XL Contracts was born. XL Contracts supplies Distribution Staff to many Clients throughout the UK and Mark is focussed on developing a new team to supply his Clients. Mark has many pastimes such as golf, football, music and food however; he will admit his main passion in life is his wife Claire.

Sarah Duignan
Recruitment Consultant
Key Contracting Ltd
DDI - 0161 443 4992
OFFICE - 0161 443 4990
E-Mail - sarahd@keycontracting.co.uk

Sarah joined the Key Group in July 2006 to work for one of the sister companies within the group as a Substance Abuse consultant and worked with them until May 2009 where she took time out to look after her two children. In 2010 she then ventured back to the Key Group to join Mark Benton at Key Contracting to generate new business and growing Key Contracting. Sarah has many pastimes such as Newcastle where this is her 2nd home with her fiancé, two children and Siberian husky "Mocha" , She has also been known to do a bit of Morris dancing in her past...?

Martin Spencer
DDI - 0161 443 0031
MOBILE - 07710 719 449
E-Mail - martins@keycontracting.co.uk

After graduating from Lancaster University, Martin began his successful career in recruitment and joined Key in 2009. Having specialised within the civil engineering and construction industries for 12 years, Martin has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience, thus making him a specialist within these markets. After being involved in the successful launch of Key Contracting Ltd, Martin is looking forward to continued success and considerable growth within this business. In his spare time, Martin enjoys socialising with family and friends, along with playing both rugby and football.

Anthony Jackson
DDI - 0161 443 0004
MOBILE - 07891 583 543
E-Mail - anthonyj@keycontracting.co.uk

Anthony has spent his career in Recruitment, initially developing the Process Control & Instrumentation Engineering sector into an essential part of the business while helping to develop new consultants to work alongside him.

Anthony then took on the responsibility of developing new markets and identified an opportunity to move into Civil Engineering and Construction, looking at both the permanent and freelance market. He was soon able to position himself as best performing supplier to some of the industry’s leading organisations through his simplistic, no nonsense approach to recruitment and his ability to understand a client’s needs. Using only recommendations Anthony is able to source and identify the best candidates within the market using his extensive network of contacts and his up to date knowledge of the industry.

A key ingredient to the continued success of Key Contracting is that Anthony believes in developing long standing relationships with his clients and candidates by acting above and beyond the expectations of your typical consultant. Anthony believes that it is quality of the relationships and not quantity that is key to building a successful business and a reputation within the marketplace as being someone who is able to service the specific needs of clients and candidates alike.

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Admin/HR

Debbie Sheridan
Business Development Manager
DDI - 0161 443 0056
E-Mail -debbies@keyrecruitment.co.uk

Debbie Joined Key Recruitment in August 2003 as a Packaging Consultant specialising in Printed Folded Cartons and quickly expanding into the Food Disposables, Adhesives, Lubricants and Labeling Industries where she recruited Technical and Sales personnel. In September 2009 a new division for Key Recruitment was established and Debbie was asked to head this up as Key Recruitments Business Development Manager. She now covers all of Key's specialist areas identifying new business opportunities for candidates and clients alike. Debbie’s background is in Sales Management, having worked within the Travel Industry for 13 years. When she is not working Debbie can be found socialising or in the local swimming pool where she enjoys winding down.

Christina Vezza
IT Manager
DDI - 0161 443 0012
E-Mail -christinav@keyrecruitment.co.uk

Chrissy joined The Key Group of Companies in 1999, originally working in telesales for Keys sister company Grendonstar before being promoted to Resourcer within Key Recruitment. Due to her natural ability with computers Chrissy was promoted to IT Manager overseeing IT for all companies within the group. Responsible for assisting with all IT problems and liaising with external resources she enjoys a varied role providing support for all members of staff.

Ramona Brooks
Resource / Operations Co-ordinator
DDI - 0161 443 0035
E-Mail - ramonab@keyrecruitment.co.uk

Ramona joined Key Recruitment in 2006 as a Resourcer dedicated to the Packaging team. Having successfully gained GNVQ's & NVQ's in Art, Design & Graphics Ramona went on to work in the clothing industry. After working abroad in Tenerife it is fair to say that Ramona most certainly has the gift of the gab. On her return she went on to work at a temping recruitment agency in Manchester where she was promoted to Office Manager. Ramona is currently developing her experience in specialised recruitment especially within the Packaging sector. Alongside her resource role Ramona helps co-ordinate the resource team and is responsible for advertising and supporting senior management. In her spare time Ramona likes going to the gym, socialising and mainly singing the weekend away on stage with an ice cold G&T.

Kay Donegan
Resource / Operations Co-ordinator
DDI – 0161 443 4983
E-Mail - kayd@keyrecruitment.co.uk

After graduating from York University with a degree in History, Kay joined Key Recruitment in August 2008 as a Dedicated Resourcer for the Capital Equipment, Drives & Control teams. With Key expanding last year into the Civil Engineering and construction market, forming Key Contracting Ltd, Kay became the resourcer for this division. Alongside her resourcer role, Kay helps to manage personnel data records thus providing support to senior management. In addition to the above, Kay helps coordinate the resource team and is particularly involved in the training of new resourcer's. In her spare time Kay attends weekly aerobic classes and enjoys socialising with her friends and family.

Emma Ingham
Dedicated Resourcer – Print/Ingredients & Raw Materials and FMCG
DDI - 0161 443 0016
E-Mail - emmai@keyrecruitment.co.uk

Emma started working for Key Recruitment in August 2001, she worked as the company's Receptionist & dedicated Resourcer for the Drives & Controls, BMS & Machine Tools & Tooling Industry for the majority of the time. Most recently Emma has been working as a Resourcer for the Print Division, she supports the team in anyway she can. In recent months Emma has been working alongside the Accounts Team helping with the weekly invoices & payroll for the Construction Division, she also does all of the invoices for Key Recruitment. Emma enjoys spending time with her family especially with her daughter, she has a love for animals especially her 3 cats & dog. She enjoys socialising with friends & family and going out for meals when ever she can. Emma also enjoys going on holiday at least once a year to Turkey.

Nathan Warburton
Dedicated Resourcer – Print/Ingredients & Raw Materials and FMCG
DDI - 0161 443 0051
E-Mail - nathanw@keyrecruitment.co.uk

Nathan started working for Key Recruitment in August 2005 straight from school as a Resourcer/Administrator. He has relished the opportunity to enter a new industry and learn about the trade. He assists the Print and Ingredients & Raw Materials teams, providing help and support when needed. In his spare time Nathan enjoys socialising with friends and supporting his beloved Manchester United.

Rachel Kelsall
Dedicated Resourcer – BMS, Energy Management & Building Services
DDI – 0161 443 0025
E-Mail - rachelk@keyrecruitment.co.uk

One of the youngest members of the team, Rachel first began her career in retail, however after deciding she wanted a career in recruitment she joined Key in February 2009. Since starting at Key she has become a dedicated resourcer for the BMS, Energy Management, Building Services, and Contracts divisions. Rachel hopes to gain a great understanding of these industries and eventually work her way up to become a specialist consultant within the company. She likes to spend her spare time with family and friends, and enjoys playing netball for the local pub team.

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