Celebrating 25 years of delivering the perfect match

For the last quarter of a century, Frontline Recruitment has been matching top talent with leading organisations across a variety of sectors. Operations director David Essam has been at Frontline for 18 of those 25 years. Here, in a Q&A, David explains the secret behind the company’s success – and its longevity.

Hello, David. Firstly, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your company?

After spending eight amazing years in the travel industry, visiting brilliant destinations such as America, Australia and Europe, I went to work at DFS as a sales manager.

Then, in 2007, I was offered the opportunity to join Frontline Recruitment.

Over the past 18 years, I have progressed from business development executive to branch manager, regional operations manager, general manager, and now into my current role as operations director.

During that time, I purchased my first house, welcomed our first child (who is now 14 and an aspiring footballer) and continued to enjoy family holidays.

I also support various community initiatives and manage a grassroots football team.

Frontline Recruitment, a trusted name in staffing and workforce solutions, continues to set the standard in matching top talent with leading organisations across a variety of sectors.

With a strong focus on ‘people first’ recruitment, Frontline has built its reputation on providing reliable, efficient and tailored hiring solutions for both employers and job seekers.

Could you describe what your company does and who your clients are?

Frontline Recruitment Group acts as a bridge between great candidates and great employers, offering comprehensive recruitment solutions across a variety of roles and sectors

They deliver two core services:

Temporary & Contract Recruitment – supplying both blue and white-collar staff, ranging from holiday cover to high-volume labour needs and even onsite managed services.

Permanent & Professional Recruitment – filling junior to senior level openings in niche areas such as engineering, technical, commercial, public sector, logistics, facilities management and more.

We also provide full consultancy services, including recruitment strategy, advertising, contractual advice and benefits structuring.

Frontline is this year celebrating its 25th anniversary. What do you think is the secret to that longevity and how has the company grown in that time?

For any company, reaching 25 years is an extremely proud moment for all staff, both current and past.

Having spent 18 of those 25 years here, I feel immense pride in the clients we partner with and in our commitment to offering the best service possible.

The dedication and loyalty of our management team has been a key factor in ensuring we continue to play an important role in the recruitment market today.

From one branch in Mansfield to now covering the whole of the UK, clients have the peace of mind that Frontline can support all sectors across all areas

What are the major changes you’ve seen in the industry during that time?

We have successfully navigated numerous challenges, including economic recessions and the Covid-19 pandemic.

I am proud to report that our strong reputation and client loyalty have enabled us to maintain a profitable business, while sustaining a robust internal team

The UK recruitment industry has evolved to become more technology-driven, flexible and inclusive, responding to both candidate expectations and economic realities.

While challenges persist, these changes present opportunities for innovation and growth in the sector.

Main areas of change have covered areas such as technological integration and automation, the shift towards flexible and remote working, the rise of skills-based hiring, economic challenges and market fluctuations, focus on diversity and inclusion, and adapting to changing candidate expectations.

You yourself have spent the last 18 years with Frontline. What motivates you and gets you out of bed in the morning?

I know this may sound corny, but I genuinely love my job. I have put everything into my role at Frontline and, on many occasions, have prioritised my job above everything else.

The people I work with have massive trust in me and know I would never ask them to do something I wouldn’t do myself.

It’s been a tough couple of years for me, both at work and on a personal level, but when my team relies on me, it gives me that extra push when needed.

The commitment I personally have to my team is incredibly important to me. If I believe in someone, I will do everything I can to support them through thick and thin.

Having had numerous opportunities to work with other recruitment companies, as well as setting up on my own, I truly believe that my loyalty will always be to the people who have committed to me.

It is also important that I lead by example and be the best role model possible, not only for my son, but also for the grassroots team I manage who sometimes need someone to talk to.

What do you think of Derby’s talent proposition? Are we producing the right skilled youngsters for the roles that are out there?

Derby is undergoing a significant transformation, with a range of regeneration projects and investments shaping its future.

The city is focusing on sustainable growth, innovation and community development to enhance its appeal as a place to live, work and invest.

The investment in Becketwell, Infinity Park Derby and the University of Derby’s Cavendish Building is huge.

For a couple of years now, Derby has probably been one of the most exciting locations we work in.

It’s been a real pleasure working with companies in and around the city.

We are eager to expand these relationships and are always happy to offer local businesses cost-saving solutions.

The experience and knowledge we bring is extensive, and we are confident it can provide significant benefits to many more companies in the region.

What challenges/opportunities do you see going forward?

Whichever industry or sector, we will always have challenges, such as economic headwinds, cooling hiring activity, financial strain, talent shortages in key sectors, regulatory and compliance challenges and remote working dynamics. But opportunities will always arise.

It’s obvious to me and our team that the UK recruitment industry is navigating a period of transformation.

While economic pressures and skill shortages pose significant challenges, the sector’s adaptability and focus on innovation present opportunities for growth.

Embracing technology, fostering inclusive practices and aligning with evolving workforce expectations will be key to thriving in this dynamic environment.

We review, act and change!

In terms of the future, what are Frontline’s plans?

To continue to offer the best possible service we can to our partners, as well as developing into new sectors and new locations within the UK and Ireland.

For me personally, to keep learning, continue to develop and support the business with the overall aim to become the managing director of the business.

Finally, is there anything else you’d like to add?

It’s important to help Derby grow and continue to partner with local companies to attract the highest calibre of staff.

Our Derby branch is located on the first floor of the historic Strand Arcade in the city centre, and we would love to work with more businesses in and around Derby. We are also in a position to offer exclusive discounts to Marketing Derby members.

Please contact me at davidessam@frontlinerecruitment.co.uk for further information.