APSCo Bradley Placks
With over 25 years of experience within the Recruitment/Recruitment Technology industry, I have founded and led a variety of businesses, including being a Co-Founder of Broadbean.
I have successfully exited four businesses as well as experiencing a merger. Having invested in a Corporate Finance business specialising in M&A within the recruitment sector, I understand how to create value within your business.
I have also advised on a number of MBO’s within the sector. As such, I closely associate with the challenges and potential pitfalls facing founders and leaders as they grow their business from start-ups to scale up.
I've seen first hand how owners that successfully transverse these phases face a fresh series of challenges -many they have not had experience dealing with in the past. Consequently, they often seek outside help in order to make the transition.
I like to help my clients build a business that is reflective of modern culture. I work with owners and their senior leadership teams to help them be the best version of themselves in order to create the very best version of their business. Ultimately the work I do is to create more choice, for you and your business whilst always focusing on increasing shareholder value.
My clients find me honest, supportive and willing to go above and beyond to help them achieve their goals. I believe it is possible to develop business with kindness and compassion and still make money and these qualities are fundamental in my opinion to building successful businesses in the current world we live in.
I have implemented strategic plans with the clients I work with and seeing the results of growth year on year. In tougher market conditions I have also helped my clients navigate the challenges they face by enabling pragmatic decisions to be made across all aspects of their business.
Typical conversations I have with business owners are around scale, purpose, vision, exit, M&A and personal and business resilience. Please do get in touch if you think my experience may be able to help you in the development of your business.
Specialism
- Start Up - Having set my first business up 25 years ago I have experience of taking business from start to exit, developing both sales and back office structure.
- Growth Management & Business Planning - Helping leaders focus on high impact tasks. Setting key objectives and structured plans to achieve goals. Clearly define desired outcomes and plan accordingly.
- Merger, Acquisition & Exit - I have exited 4 businesses, one through an MBO. I have advised clients on MBO and scaling businesses to create successful exit strategies.
- Mentoring & Leadership Support - I pride myself on helping founders and their leadership team be the best versions of themselves to create the best business possible. Developing growth through compassion and empathy for individuals and their team.
Reference 1
"Advised on MBO. Ongoing development of exec board and other senior leaders. Worked with board on the development of long term strategy, both uk and internationally. Help guiding board in order to make decisions and hold them accountable. In particular around achieving sales objectives. Have regular sessions with 2nd tier leadership to help mentor them.Keep on top of financial requirements of business to facilitate growth and investment into the business.Strong emphasis on developing leadership skills and contribute to developing the right culture" - Sachin Ruparelia, Camino Partners
Reference 2
"Help with alignment of board to create common language and goals. Developing sales culture and increasing standards and expectations and holding board accountable for their actions. Monthly board meetings looking at performance and finances and setting key objectives for future. Development of leadership team and mentoring of founders." Guy Pridham, Scienta Search.com
Reference 3
"I have been working with Bradley Placks since April 2021 and engaged his services as a Strategic Advisor to my company Global Veterinary Careers. Brad has been an instrumental figure in the strategic growth and development of Global Veterinary Careers. His expertise in overall strategy, infrastructure, and people management has not only provided valuable insights but has actively driven our company to new heights in every measurable metric. Bradley's exceptional ability to understand the nuances of our business and with his extensive years of experience in the Staffing sector, has given us the platform to secure our foundations and realise growth areas. Personally, his coaching has been pivotal for me, imparting wisdom, direction, motivation and a fresh perspective when needed. As we chart our path towards accelerated growth in the next few years, Brad’s role will continue to a real asset for the company. I wholeheartedly recommend Bradley Placks for any endeavour he chooses to undertake." - Adam Turner, Global Veterinary Careers
Reference 4
I have known Brad for 2 years and have been working with him for a year. Brad is an accomplished advisor with a wealth of experience within the recruitment sector. Having been in the industry for over 25 years, there is not much that he hasn't seen or done. He has helped and guided me over the past year through numerous challenges and ensures that I step out of my comfort zone.
It's great to have someone like Brad on your side, that can look at the business from a different lens and give you insights that you sometimes miss because you are caught up in the day to day. He has numerous contacts within the sector that he shares freely, and this has benefited us significantly.
Brad is fun to work with and is a genuine people person and you see this in his approach. At the forefront to everything he does is the wellbeing and success of the team. Shehzad Tabassum, CEO, NP Group