Michelle Pollard talks five years of success for Spider

Five years, 350 happy clients, several new territories, and a smattering of award accolades later, it’s hard to argue that Spider the regions Online Job Advertiser and Fixed-fee Web Recruiters aren’t onto something. And it all started when Michelle Pollard went to the Anglia Business Exhibition in 2013 armed only with her new idea. Thankfully, it was a great one.

“I didn’t even have a business card,” she says. “But as I talked to the exhibiting businesses, they were really interested in the new way of online recruiting I was talking about. Fixed fees, cost-effective marketing, access to all the big job boards rather than just one, all at a very reasonable price… all these things are music to the ears of the SMEs. With those first few clients, I worked from home for 18 months, with a virtual assistant and some part time support. As my client base grew, I realised this idea was taking off, and found a small office at a managed office in Ipswich. As the team expanded, we moved to larger premises. That’s how this thing started, and it’s grown steadily ever since.”

Reaching further than ever

Last year was one of the biggest yet for Spider Fixed-fee Web Recruitment, and this year looks set to top it. “We had a growth spurt of 64% in 2017, and expanded our reach into Norfolk, Cambridgeshire,Essex and even nationally. We’ve gained a lot of traction in Norfolk very quickly, as our reputation has preceded us. Our team’s expanding in the county.”

Not to mention Michelle being a finalist last years in the Anglia Business awards, being selected to a Future 50 – Class of 2018 and there’s rumour that she’s been shortlisted for another prestigious award very soon; so watch this space!

Evolving to meet SMEs changing needs

“Our new client branded adverts are working really well, and add value for clients,” says Michelle. “Meanwhile, we’re out there listening closely to what local SMEs need from us to support their growth through recruitment. I aim to build a multi-faceted approach that gives plenty of choice and flexibility.”

Michelle, is a recruitment veteran with 30 years in the industry this year. She’s also heavily involved in the region’s business scene, and sits, as the Vice-Chair of the Suffolk Skills Show, Board Member of Suffolk Business Women, Inward Ambassador for Suffolk, AND Vice Chair of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce in Greater Ipswich, all of which allows her the opportunity to present the ideas and views of the regions SME’s.

Michelle is also keen to promote recruitment companies in a more positive way, in an industry that sometimes gets a bad reputation. “I’ve made it my mission to improve the reputation of recruitment companies , particularly for SMEs, through finding a successful model that works for everyone. I’m looking forward to the next few years, as we expand and grow what we can offer even further. We’ll find even more new ways to enable SMEs to find the quality of staff they need to thrive. That way we can all grow together.”

Michelle and the team offer a simple, transparent and collaborative recruitment solution that delivers value and results. To find out more, visit https://www.spiderrecruit.co.uk/