GK Recruitment
Growing tech teams in Lancashire who value quality over speed
You don't need more CVs. You need the right person
Client Testimonials
”I wanted to find a local recruitment company with whom I could work on a permanent basis, rather than constantly being bombarded by others. I wanted someone with local contacts, of local people, as they are much more settled and more permanent in their adopted roles. We have found that by sticking with Gary, we trust each other, and he knows our needs, and can convey our values to prospective candidates. Gary, has been able to offer good reliable software programming applicants that are fed up with the drive into Manchester, a happy working environment that he can honestly and truthfully recommend. So it has worked very well for us both parties."
Roger BracewellChairman. GA Petfoodpartners
”We have relied on Gary for many years for all our recruitment needs, and he has consistently been a fantastic support for us. Gary takes the time to thoroughly understand our business requirements, ensuring that the candidates he provides are always top-class and perfectly suited to our needs.
Jake JacksonCustomer Success and Commercial Leader | Retention | Expansion | Revenue Growth | SaaS and Technology
”GK Recruitment has been instrumental in our hiring process for the past couple of years. They've consistently delivered top-tier candidates, not just in terms of technical skillset but also as great fits for our company culture. Their dedication, including meeting with our current staff to understand our core values, has made them an invaluable partner in our success. Gary has been a pleasure to work with and we are looking forward to continuing working together in the future!
Richard JefferysCustomer Success Director - Traverse Automation
”I've never recommended a recruitment consultant before for reasons I'll keep to myself! With Gary though, I'm delighted to recommend him to all in the IT 'peaople search' market because he's a one-off. Gary gets to grips with your requirements instantly, he researches tirelessly and he delivers, efficiently and succesfully. Furthermore, he has a knack for keeping everyone happy whilst maintaining confidetiality - something I've never seen before! I'm particularly happy to recommend Gary most highly, as far as to say, I wouldn't use (unless the word suddenly had a dire shortage) anyone else, simply because no one else has come close to Gary in satisfying our requirements. Use him and I guarantee you won't be disappointented and doubt whether you'll use anyone else after your first experience!
Colin MeakinDirector
”Greystone Consulting Limited is small company with a big heart. We have some large customers mainly based in the North West of England. We cultivate long term partnerships. When we add to our small team finding the right candidate is vital. We considered several recruitment firms before settling on GK Recruitment. We quickly discovered that they have a similar ethos to us in terms of delivering a personal service. Rather than simply match key words from a CV they really go that extra mile to find the right person, and that’s like gold dust to a company like ours.
Ray LockeDirector, Greystone Consulting
”Gary is a very credible and knowledgeable recruitment consultant. He has that rare capability of balancing his customer's and the potential candidate's needs and marrying the right individuals to his customer's job roles. He keeps everybody updated on a regular basis through the recruitment process and works towards a positive outcome with vigour and expertise. I would not hesitate in recommending Gary to companies looking for candidates, as well the candidates themselves. Gary is a recruitment professional of the highest order who delivers results of a high standard, regularly.
Derek ChristieSAP Solution Director at Inetum Digital Services
”Gary has worked with us to place a number of our open positions. The candidates that he sends are consistently screened, qualified, and capable. I would use him again without hesitation.
Randall VesceliusTechnical Sales Team Leadership and Development
”Gary always delivers on his promises and always with a smile on his face. Very personable and will always go way and above the call of duty. Always up for the challenge that being in business will create and spending time with him will leave you with a great sense of well being. A true gent and a man you can trust.
Malcolm HingleyEx- Sales Director at Travel Counsellors
”As a hiring manager getting quality IT candidates, with the right experience and skills is essential, and GK Recruitment make sure they totally understand the role requirement from the very start. I’ve worked with GK Recruitment for over 10 years and find their commitment to filling a vacancy outstanding, they continue to deliver for me. In any recruitment campaign, I know that a CV received from GK Recruitment means it has been through the right level of pre-validation, in line with the person and role criteria being sought, and the more personal service they provide is one of the reasons I continue to enjoy a successful relationship with them
Steve McGrathIT Service Delivery manager. TVS.
”Gary helped me to recruit for a technical role and it couldn't have gone any smoother. He took the time to find out the type of person that would be a good fit in the team and put forward several suitable candidates. The role was filled quickly and I couldn't be happier with the new team member. I'd highly recommend Gary & GK Recruitment to anyone wanting to fill an IT role.
Kathryn DitchfieldHead of Operations Support at Hallis Hudson
”We hadn’t recruited for an IT role for a few years so were keen to find a partner that could give us a ‘no-nonsense’ overview of the candidate market in the North West and quickly identify the most appropriate methods and timeframe for our search. Earlan provided all of this in a very engaging and affable way and we had a way forward agreed in no time, including a candidate brief that ticked all of our boxes but would also be sure to attract the top talent we were looking for. Earlan was brilliant at keeping us updated at every stage of the process and provided a short list of appropriate candidates within two weeks. Having conducted the first stage interviews, we both talked with a candour that enabled us to be even clearer on what was most important for us (we were asking for a lot!) and, having prioritized those elements, we have found a really strong candidate that will undoubtedly be an asset to our business. This was a challenging search for Earlan but his professional approach mixed with his ‘down-to-earth’ style meant we got the success we all craved, even in a candidate-lead market!
Robin AstonGlobal HR Manager – Turtle Wax Ltd
”I have had the pleasure of partnering with GK Recruitment for the past 15 years, and I can confidently say that this professional relationship has been instrumental in helping us achieve our staffing goals. GK Recruitment has consistently provided us with top-tier talent across a range of roles, and their exceptional service has made a significant impact on our organization. Over the years, GK Recruitment has successfully filled a diverse range of roles within our company, including positions in executive management, project management, and specialized technical roles. Their ability to find candidates with the right skills, experience, and cultural fit has been invaluable in shaping our team and driving our success. The impact of GK Recruitment's services on our organization cannot be understated. With their support, we've been able to build a highly skilled and motivated workforce that has propelled our company's growth and innovation. Filling these vacancies with the right individuals has contributed to increased productivity, enhanced efficiency, and ultimately, improved profitability. One of the standout features of GK Recruitment's service is their responsiveness. They consistently show a remarkable ability to screen and react swiftly to our staffing needs. When we have urgent positions to fill, we can rely on GK Recruitment to provide us with a shortlist of well-qualified candidates promptly. This quick turnaround has saved us valuable time and ensured that we don't miss out on top talent. In addition to their responsiveness, GK Recruitment's thorough screening process has been a key factor in our satisfaction. They take the time to understand our unique requirements and company culture, ensuring that the candidates they present not only have the right qualifications but also align with our values and vision. This level of attention to detail sets them apart in the recruitment industry. In summary, the 15-year partnership with GK Recruitment has been marked by exceptional service delivery, consistent results, and a genuine commitment to our success. They have proven to be an invaluable asset in helping us build our team and drive our organization forward. I wholeheartedly recommend GK Recruitment to any company in need of top-notch recruitment services.
Graham SwarbrickService Desk Manager - Positive Solutions Ltd
”Gary isn't your typical recruitment guy. He's straight talking and really focuses on making sure that his clients get the best candidate for the role. He's proactive, communicative, does what he says he'll do and most importantly he's a thoroughly decent chap. His sense of humour is infectious and he's a joy to work with. If you're looking to recruit the top sales or IT talent for your business then I'd encourage you to have a chat with Gary. I'd have no hesitation in recommending him and the team at GK Recruitment.
Del Parsons (MCIM)Business Coach & Fractional Marketing Director for female founders who want to grow, scale and sell their business. | Coaching, Mentoring & Done For You Marketing
”Working with Gary was a pleasure. He is a true professional, and does the basics on time too! If you are looking for a new sales role, or seeking for an agency to work with, then I would strongly reccommend Gary.
Gerry TomsExperience SaaS IT vendor Sales Director
”The reason I would recommend Gary is for the simple fact that he listens and understands you as an individual and doesn't make you feel like another placement fee. The initial conversation with Gary clearly seperated him from the majority of Recruitment Consultants. He had clearly read my CV and wanted to know the type of role I was looking for; as oppposed to the "CV Slinger" type attempting to shoe horn you into a role that is of no interest. Gary always kept me informed at each stage of the recruitment process. A consumate professional with a great personality makes him an easy recommendation.
Mosi BrownSpecialist Tech Recruiter | Headhunter | Executive Search
”Gary proved to be as tenacious as he was personable, I would recommend him unreservedly to anyone who is either looking for a new role or a new recruit.
Alastair MacphailEngagement Leader
Case Studies
Positive Solutions Limited
Positive Solutions Limited
Smart IT
Smart IT
Kirkham, Lancashire
Teledata
Teledata
Manchester, Lancashire
Candidate Testimonials
”I worked with Earlan for a short time before starting my new job as a senior support analyst. Earlan was very honest and could tell that he only wanted the best for all of his clients. Earlan ensured that the job role I was applying for was fitted to my skill set and maintained open communication throughout the whole transition process. Highly recommended recruiter!
Thomas HSenior IT Support Analyst
”I came to Gary at GK Recruitment in a bid to secure my first contract as a software developer contractor. Prior to this, I was actively looking for the right opportunity for around a year, and had no luck in sealing the deal. Working with Gary, I was able to secure my first contract within two weeks - from getting in touch with him, to being offered the role by the client. The contract I was offered was more than ideal; great team, great rate, and the project I was assigned to helped me develop myself and my career even further. I'm no longer working with this client as I've moved away now, however, I truly had the best working environment a contractor could ask for, and to be told by the client that I'd be welcome back anytime really shows the kind of clients GK Recruitment get you in touch with. If things work out differently for me and I return back to my home town, I'd go back to this client in a heartbeat, and for that I'll always keep in touch with Gary. Thank-you GK Recruitment - the only way is up when working with you.
Thomas RSoftware Developer
”Earlan's understanding of your requirements and his tireless approach ensures the recruitment process is effortless and ultimately lead to a successfully offer being made. I’m particularly happy to recommend Earlan. No one else has come close to Earlan in terms of professionalism. He is always available to help. He will be my first point of contact for any recruitment needs in the future when I’m looking for my next role. I couldn't recommend him any more highly.
John SSenior Network Administrator
”Having just relocated from South Africa to the North West and I was having difficulty cracking the job market until I met Gary. As a recruiter he maintained a highly professional demeanour and was always very friendly, and found me the perfect job instantly! Gary was quick to understand the kind of role I was looking for, recognising my strengths and putting me forward for exactly the right job. He was always there to help throughout the process and followed up with me throughout the year. Thank You!
Jason DC# Software Developer
”I have had the pleasure of knowing Gary Keay of GK recruitment for over 10 years now, I first came across Gary and the recruitment services he could offer when managing an IT service desk for a large IT healthcare solutions organisation, I used to find working with recruitment firms difficult due to often receiving CV’s on mass that weren’t often relevant and certainly didn’t meet my expectations for suitable candidates, working with GK recruitment changed this very quickly. Gary seems to have a natural ability to understand my requirements of a role and transform this into a number of suitable candidates that are both job and interview ready. I have lost count of how many suitable candidates Gary has now placed for me and he will always be my default recruitment provider as and when my recruitment needs arise. Gary has also recently placed myself within a role, I required a change of position a few months ago and after reviewing the usual recruitment websites I felt uninspired and decided to call Gary, after listening to my hopes and aims he immediately made a suggestion of a role he was aware of and within a short space of time I was successfully recruited by a very successful worldwide organisation, the whole process was flawless to say the least. As I am sure you can tell by the commentary above, I would have no hesitation in recommending GK recruitment to anyone with recruitment needs as they are by far the most efficient and trustworthy recruitment firm I have had the pleasure of working with.
Russ Mplaced as a Service Desk Team Leader
”I was contacted by Earlan when I was looking for jobs. He was so friendly and helpful, and outlined all the options that were suited to me. Earlan was instrumental in getting me the best Job by being very honest and open with me, which I really appreciated. Throughout the process; he kept me in the loop, and always kept me informed of what’s going on; which was really important! Earlan called me before and after my interview to check on how I felt about the company and the interview process as a whole. He was very genuine and down to earth, and you could tell he was motivated by delivering the best outcome for me rather than treating me like another stat. Even after I managed to secure the Job, he called me from time to time to make sure I was comfortable in the choice I’ve made and always offered his time whenever I needed. This is what you call going the extra mile for your customers. A great experience and I can’t recommend him enough for the work and effort he has done for me.
Adil HIT Systems Administrator
”As I was recommended to Earlan for a new role, he definitely puts you forward to the right position and right match with your experience. Without Earlan, i don't think i can could have been in the position I am in right now.
Bhavesh PIT Account Manager
”Earlan has been extremely helpful throughout every step of the process towards me finding a new role. He was very polite, well-mannered and always kept me up to date with progress and tips. Furthermore it was obvious that Earlan comes from a tech background as he knew what my skills are and where they would apply best. He was able to secure me an interview in no time and with his advice and support I secured the position. He helped make the whole process very simple and straight forward. Would highly recommend Earlan to anyone looking for a new position.
Joe M1st/2nd Line Support Engineer
”I recommend Earlan if anyone wants a career change or just looking for a new job, he took on board all my experience and got me the best job I could ask for. I could not be happier with my new job. Thanks Earlan. If anyone is looking then please get in touch with Earlan.
Vasileios MIT Sales Executive
”Gary spotted my profile on Indeed and introduced me to a role that perfectly matches both my technical skills and my career inclinations—a position I wouldn’t have even thought to look for because I didn't know it existed! Throughout the entire process, Gary supported me every step of the way. He kept me completely in the loop, giving me regular updates at every stage of the decision-making process. He provided invaluable, practical tips on interview preparation, including how to project the right overall vibe and answer tough questions. He is highly professional, realistic, and honest, making what is usually a stressful time a pleasant journey. I would 100% recommend him to anyone looking to make their next career move!
Helen P
”Unfortunately I didn't get the position I applied for, but I received useful feedback and was always treated with the professionalism and respect that is often lacking in the recruitment industry. When I'll next in a position to build a team, GK will be the first recruiter on my list.
Graham C
”Gary got in contact offering his services regarding IT Sales Recruitment in Lancashire.
The opportunity he found for me was a perfect fit and I couldn’t thank him enough for helping me find the perfect job!Anyone would be lucky to work with him.
Positive
Responsiveness, Quality, Professionalism
Lee G
”Gary was incredibly efficient, professional, and results-driven throughout the entire recruitment process. From our very first message to a formal job offer, he managed the entire cycle in under a week. Gary excelled at keeping the lines of communication open, frequently checking in and ensuring both sides were perfectly aligned. It was a fantastic experience from start to finish, and I highly recommend him to any professional looking for their next career move.
Shannon MDevOps Engineer
”In this difficult time there is definitely hope. I had been looking for a new position throughout the lock down period with very little traction until I spoke to Gary Keay. He looked at my skills and history and proactively worked to find a suitable position based on my experience and skills. All of a sudden I had interviews remotely and was offered a fantastic position. I owe so much to Gary and would recommend this unique approach to anyone looking for a suitable position.
Claire GBusiness Development Executive
”I would certainly recommend Gary and the team for anyone looking to find that perfect position that you're after. Gary was very professional, personable, proactive and most of all , accurate in his searches against what my criteria was. He found several roles and the only problem I had was deciding! I'm really happy with my appointment and feel really relieved that the stress of finding the right job is over!
Chris SSenior Account Manager
”Gary called me out of the blue as he had seen my CV online and even though it was an old CV he recognised I had the correct skill set for a position he had been asked to fill. I informed him that I was happy where I was and that I wasn't looking. Gary was very persistent and eventually I agreed to listen to him re the position, mainly thinking to shut him up. Once he told me the details, I reluctantly agreed to meet my new employers for an informal chat. Again I wasn't sure I would go. Gary checked on me, enroute to ensure I was comfortable with everything. Once I had the chat I realised this was a fabulous career move and here I am now in my 2nd week, loving it. Gary contacted after the formal interview and was in touch also during my notice period. Garys persistence paid off and I would definitely recommend him for your recruitment needs.
Tracy HService Delivery Specialist
”Gary was fantastic throughout the whole process. From identifying the perfect opportunity for me were I wanted my career to go to giving me the call to say I was successful, he didn’t fail to keep me updated. Gary often went as far as just checking in every know and again to have a chat, which was lovely! Overall a genuine and hilarious guy who knows exactly what he is doing. Wouldn’t hesitate in contacting him again when it comes to progressing in my career. Thanks, Gary!
Antony SKey Account Manager
”Gary assisted me in finding my first role as a Presales Consultant in 2012 which really launched my career through into more senior Presales and Solution Architect roles. Having dealt with many other recruitment agents in the past, Gary was a breath of fresh air, he has a no-nonsense approach ensuring quality matches resulting in real opportunities. Gary's communication throughout our engagement was professional, courteous and most importantly demonstrated that he was genuinely interested. Gary was also more accessible than other agents I had previously dealt with and always returned my calls promptly. With Gary's assistance I landed the first role that he sent me to interview for. Based on my personal experience, I would highly recommend Gary to anyone seeking a Professional and Highly Proactive Recruitment Specialist.
Nadeem VArchitecture Design Team Lead
”I used Gary’s services recently when I was looking for a change in career path and would have no hesitation in recommending him as a professional recruitment consultant. Gary really took the time to listen to the type of role I was looking for and then introduced me to relevant opportunities. Gary was very responsive and offered great advice – even when it might not necessarily have been in his personal interest to do so! Highly recommended!
Stephen HAccount Manager
”Gary is a very committed and focussed professional who facilitates the recruitment process through excellent communication. He made a real effort to ensure I was thoroughly prepared for interview and gave some good pointers and advice. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Gary and will certainly give him a call should I need to in the future.
Natalie WSenior communications professional
