Chamber News
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY | Recruitment Bee
7 December 2024 • Sarah Medcraf
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY!
We caught up with Lorraine Westley of Recruitment Bee
What is the core motivation or purpose behind Recruitment Bee?
After many years working in high-volume contingency staffing solutions and feeling like me, and my clients were just small cogs in a big wheel, I wanted to offer a more personal, long-term approach to hiring. I help businesses reduce the need to outsource roles to temporary staffing agencies and invest in building sustainable, internal recruitment strategies and aligned teams. With my training in career advice and guidance, I also focus on not just skills matching but also understanding candidates' motivations and values, ensuring a true fit between the business and its people for long-term success.
What do you enjoy most about running Recruitment Bee?
I’m definitely a people person, and love to chat! So I enjoy connecting with candidates and businesses and learning about their unique stories. The most fulfilling part of running Recruitment Bee is the sense of achievement I get when I know I’ve made a positive impact on someone’s life, whether it’s helping a candidate land their dream job or assisting a business in building a stronger, more aligned team.
What’s been the most rewarding moment in your journey as a small business owner?
One of the most rewarding moments was helping a local family-run business urgently fill a payroll assistant role after they struggled to find the right person. The previous employee was leaving, and with no one to take over, it could have led to a lot of unpaid employees. I was able to quickly reprioritise my workload, focus all my efforts on sourcing and interviewing candidates, and found the perfect fit for the role within days. It’s especially rewarding knowing that the individual I placed was also promoted after only 10 months in the role.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?
The ongoing skills shortage, has been a major challenge, especially post-pandemic. However, my extensive network built over 15 years of recruiting in Moray and the Highlands has allowed me to connect with people directly, bypassing the limitations of traditional job adverts. This personal touch helps me reach the right candidates, even when others struggle to fill roles.
How has being a small business shaped the way you approach customer relationships?
Being a small business allows me to dedicate the time needed to truly listen to and understand my clients. This personal attention enables me to provide tailored solutions that meet their specific needs, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about building trust and offering genuine support that’s customised to each business.
What lessons have you learned about entrepreneurship that you wish you knew when you started?
Entrepreneurship isn’t easy—it’s a constant emotional rollercoaster. But for every low, the highs always outweigh them and provide the momentum to keep going. Before you know it, you’re five years in, like I am today, with a business that’s grown stronger through the challenges and triumphs.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about the products or services you offer?
I’m not a temp agency! Recruitment Bee takes a consultancy approach to recruitment. I work closely with businesses to understand their unique needs and culture, and I focus on long-term, strategic placements rather than quick, temporary fixes. My services are tailored to ensure the right fit for both the business and the candidate, helping organisations build strong, sustainable teams while supporting individuals in finding fulfilling, values-driven roles.
Are there any interesting trends you’re seeing in your industry?
Flexibility is now key to filling roles, with remote and hybrid working becoming the norm. Gen Z, are set to make up a quarter of the global workforce by 2025, they prioritise career advancements and skills development—and will seek new opportunities if they feel unfulfilled. AI is an exciting development in recruitment, but it requires significant investment to truly unlock its potential.
The world of work rapidly changing and the need to keep ahead of the curve is ever more important - are you ready?
What’s a typical day like for you as a small business owner?
A typical day is all about plate spinning—balancing recruitment, training delivery, business development, marketing, admin, and all those other tasks which crop up. I’m a slave to my diary—if it’s not in the diary, it’s not happening! Each day brings new challenges, but it’s all part of the rewarding journey of running my own business.
What do you do to stay motivated and inspired?
I remind myself that I can only control what’s within my power—there’s no point in stressing about things outside of my control. After all, my business is service-driven, and people often change their minds. Staying focused on what I can impact helps keep me motivated and inspired, even when things don’t go as planned.
Who has been your biggest influence or source of support in your business journey?
There are definitely too many individuals to mention, in addition to my own family support. But without question, you guys are amazing at the Moray Chamber of Commerce and Moray Business Women have also been an incredible source of support and influence throughout my journey. These networks have provided invaluable guidance, inspiration, and connections that have helped me grow both personally and professionally.
How can customers best support your business, both during the festive period and year-round?
January can be an overwhelming month in recruitment as many individuals decide to change careers or jobs, which is exciting! However, why wait until January? If you’re considering a career move, start planning now to be ahead of the curve.
For businesses, the festive period is a great time to start planning your staffing needs for the year ahead. Getting your recruitment strategy in place early will help ensure you’re ready for any growth or changes in the coming months.
And, of course, referrals are key in my business! If you know someone—either an individual looking for their next opportunity or a business planning ahead—don’t wait for the new year. Pass along my number today!
What does being part of the small business community mean to you?
Being part of the small business community provides me with valuable knowledge, reassurance, and inspiration. The connections I’ve made through networks like the Moray Chamber of Commerce and Moray Business Women have been invaluable in helping me grow my business and navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship together.