Taking the biggest step - the story of my international experience and why you should do it too!

Desde Edimburgo hasta Madrid - my journey to the land of sangria, paella and Salsa!

Making the decision to spend an extended period of time away from home is never easy - there's a lot to consider! Things such as, 'What if I can't adapt to the culture?', 'What if I don't like living there but I can't go home?' and 'What if I don't make any friends?' were some of my main worries when I was moving abroad. 

I was born and raised in a small village in Fife called Auchtermuchty, home to the Proclaimers (the twins that brought you that infamous chant about walking 500 miles and then 500 more just to be the man who... you know the one!) and a place where nothing exciting ever happens! I spent the majority of my childhood running muddy-wellied across fields and through forests, and if you'd told me then what I'd have done by the time I was 22, I'd probably have laughed you right out of town!

I moved to The Big City when I was 18 to come to study at Heriot Watt University. Even though it was only an hours' drive across the Firth of Forth, it was still a big deal. I'd never lived away from home before and I was so used to being a country bumpkin that the thought of living in such a bustling and busy city liked Edinburgh really scared me!

I had chosen to study Spanish Translation, which meant that during my third year I was going to be living abroad as part of the ERASMUS programme - which, if you haven't heard of it, is an EU exchange programme which allows thousands of students from across the EU to study abroad for an academic year! 

When the time came for me to choose where I wanted to go, I decided to choose Madrid. I'd done my research, spoken to other students who'd previously gone there and realised that it was the best choice for me. The city offered me everything I needed - culture, restaurants & bars, entertainment and a buzzing nightlife, as well as quick transport routes to the university and an airport with direct flights across Europe for travelling at weekends and during holidays!

I decided that before I moved there, I should probably go across for a weekend mini-break and scope it out beforehand. So in April 2014, I went to Madrid for the first time. My emotions were flying - would I like it? Could I see myself living there? Was it going to be everything I was hoping for?

The answer to those questions? YES! The moment I stepped out of the metro station in Puerta del Sol, I knew I was right where I was supposed to be. The architecture was beautiful, the sun was shining and there was even a Mariachi band playing nearby (which I later learned are there almost every night!). During my first trip to Madrid I did all the tourist routes from the Royal Palace, along Gran Vía and down to Retiro park, as well as looking at a couple of apartments. I even visited my future university to check it out and see if I'd like it!

When September 2014 rolled around and the time had come for me to make my permanent move to Madrid, I was so excited even though I was terrified at the same time! I didn't have a place to stay, I hadn't worked out my university timetable and even worse - I was flying solo! Saying goodbye to my family and friends was really difficult, but they were so supportive and reminded me that it was only for a year! 

I remember when I walked off the plane and the 30 degree heat hit me like a brick wall. I had 2 suitcases weighing what felt like 50 tons between them, as well as a backpack with dodgy straps... and only my 2 wee hands to carry it all! I got a taxi to my hotel, and then flopped down on my bed.

For the next few days I met up with the other girls that were doing ERASMUS in Madrid with me, and we found a flat very close to the city centre and 10 minutes walk from our metro stop to uni. Our landlady was lovely and she helped us with every question we had - big or small! I sorted out my SIM card and figured out how to pay my bills. It all seemed very surreal, and I was still figuring out how I felt about it! But all I needed to do when I was worried or scared was pick up the phone and call home - and all my worries melted away!

Uni was great - I met lots of lovely people, and made lifelong friends. I learned a lot and my Spanish improved tenfold. I began to realise that I was loving living abroad, and Madrid began to become a second home to me. A few months after I'd moved there, I was speaking to my Mum on Skype, and she told me that she'd never seen me looking so healthy and happy. Since moving to Madrid I'd forgotten all about my initial worries, and I'd settled into my life there. 

I've been back from Madrid for over a year now, and I really miss the life I had there and everything about it! Thinking about my experience in Madrid just makes me want to travel more, and it's opened up my eyes to what living abroad can be like! There's really nothing like it! Madrid became a second home to me, and leaving there in June 2015 was far more difficult than it was to move there in the first place.

The experience of living in Madrid gave me so much. I learned how to adapt to a completely new culture; I made lifelong friends and improved my language skills; I became more independent and achieved something I never thought I could... And most importantly, I learned that even though it might seem like the most daunting thing ever to up-sticks and move to another country where they don't speak your language and don't have the same culture as you, it's really not the end of the world! You learn to live with the things you miss, and you learn to adapt and change to deal with your new surroundings. Your family and friends are always just a phone call away, and sometimes they'll even visit you! After a while, you forget why you were scared in the first place, and you start to wonder why you didn't do it sooner!

If you asked me if I'd ever do it again, the answer would be YES! And if you asked me if I'd recommend living abroad, I'd ask you why you've never done it before! 

So, if you've ever thought about making an international move but are worried about the implications, or if you just want to find out more about what opportunities are waiting for you, please get in touch and let me know! I specialise in working with professionals who want to gain more experience and improve their lives by making an international move, and you'd be amazed to find out just how many fantastic opportunities are available to you! The hardest part is making the first step, but with the right support behind you and the right opportunity, then you too could be heading off to start your new life abroad

Worry is only temporary, but the experiences you have and the memories you make will last forever.

 

What do international employers look for in Millennial Accountants?

Our Managing Director, Abigail Stevens, has just returned from a business trip spanning across the globe, finding out what some of the biggest international employers are looking for in Millennial accountants.  

With so many studies carried out on Millennials in the workplace it becomes easy to get lost in the information and miss out on a crucial point- what their bosses want! KPMG’s recent survey of business students in 23 countries revealed that 80% anticipated working  in 3-6 countries during their career. As Managing Director of an international recruitment agency, I thought I’d assist this generation of expectant travelers by sharing my knowledge of the key issues that stand out for international employers.

 

I have just got back from a 7 week business trip that has spanned across three continents with meetings in London, Dubai, Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong. In each of these destinations I’ve been able to discuss the international job market with some of the biggest global accountancy, financial services and industry and commerce organisations. A number of those I met were accountants that we have assisted over the years who have now become Partners, Senior Management and Directors in their organisations, their stories feature regularly on this blog. 

So what were the key features that stood out for international employers looking at the millennial job market?

 

They don’t just want number crunchers

They want applicants that look for solutions and that are able to see beyond numbers to work out how to address the potential risks and increase the commercial opportunities.

 

Desirable experience

 

 In addition to external audit, data analytics and cyber security experience are becoming quite valuable. Experience in forensic accounting, risk, IT audit and internal audit are also popular with employers.

 

The ability to build rapport

The accounting industry is becoming more and more service driven, the ability to build rapport with clients is now seen as an essential skill. This is also reflected in internal accounting roles where interaction with other areas of the business is important.

 

Chartered Accountant Qualifications

Qualifications from one of the reciprocal Chartered Accountancy bodies in Scotland, Ireland, South Africa, Canada, England & Wales or Australia & New Zealand remain the most highly sought after.

             Current state of the Global Market

London

The market has become quite saturated with accountants with fiercely increased competition.

Australia & New Zealand

Markets in Australia and New Zealand are starting to open up again after being hit late on by the global recession. Firms are still unsurprisingly cautious, but there was a lot of positive signs and there are big improvements expected this year.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is seeking more accountants with a technical background or Mandarin speakers due to its close ties with China. 

Dubai

Dubai currently has a real push on hiring European accountants to diversify their workforce. 

So what to do with this information?

It would be wise to find out what your options are and explore the current international opportunities available to you. It’s only then that you can make an informed choice on your future. Our services are free for accountants to use and enable you to get ahead of the curve by kick-starting your international career.

Abigail Stevens has been in the recruitment industry for twenty years. She founded Think Global Recruitment sixteen years ago which has since become one of the longest running international accountancy recruitment companies.

To find out more information phone: +44 (0) 131 260 5850 or email mail@thinkgr.com

 

 

The Top 15 Places You MUST Visit in Europe

Thinking about a move to Europe?  There is so much to see and do. You’ll find everything here, from fabulous culture, history and architecture, to outstanding nightlife and delicious food, and wine. The wonderful thing about living in Europe is that, as the second smallest of the seven continents, accessible transport options are plentiful throughout Europe’s tight geography. Flights between European destinations are increasingly cheap, while the European rail system extends from dense cities into the quiet countryside. Once based in Europe, you become the envy of the world, with literally countless countries and opportunities at your fingertips. Here we’ve listed 15 European locations that you can’t afford to miss during your time off.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is one of Europe's most visited cities -- and rightly so. Much of the city's activity revolves around Las Ramblas, a series of narrow streets and alleys filled with restaurants, bars and a lively pedestrian market. From these tree-lined streets to the city's the beachside nightclubs, from its dozens of spectacular churches and cathedrals to its unique modernist architecture, this city by the sea has something to offer everyone.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is increasingly popular as a ‘must-see’ European destination. Wander around the medieval city walls to enjoy stunning views overlooking the calm blue waters of the Adriatic, while inside these walls lies the city’s beautiful, pedestrian-only Old Town. Its marble streets are filled with elegant Baroque buildings and aristocratic palazzi, while a grid of narrow alleys harbour countless cafes and restaurants where you can sit and watch the world go by. Add to this pristine beaches, chic hotels and adventure sports facilities, and Dubrovnik becomes a destination you just can’t pass by.

Vienna, Austria

As one of the most elegant cities in Europe, it would be hard not to include Vienna in one of our     go-to destinations. Few cities can boast the imperial grandeur of Vienna, once the centre of the powerful Habsburg monarchy. Furthermore, the city’s world famous coffee scene can be enjoyed amidst its palatial, yet welcoming cafés. Austria’s capital is also one the most musical cities in the world, which is partly due to the great number of great composers and musicians who were born or lived and worked here. Visiting Vienna therefore means experiencing the works of Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, Beethoven and many others.

Prague, Czech Republic

A grand city with extraordinary historic and cultural sights, Prague is definitely somewhere not to be missed. The city’s views are breathtaking: although the Czech capital is nicknamed ‘the City of a Hundred Spires’, in fact it is filled with nearly a thousand towers and spires, with a huge diversity of architectural styles. Nightlife in Prague is diverse and plentiful, from trendy clubs, to sophisticated wine bars, to late-night cellar bars. On top of all this, Prague wins hands down over most other European destinations in its affordability.

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

From the history-drenched medieval tenements and narrow lanes of the Old Town, to the sweeping elegance of the Georgian New Town, Edinburgh deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful and captivating cities in the world. You can spend hours wandering the city’s cobbled streets, marvelling at its character and charm. Not least among Edinburgh’s magnificent buildings is the 900-year-old Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the city’s iconic skyline. The whole city comes together in August each year for the largest arts festival in the world — often described as one big party — which is not to be missed.

Monaco

The tiny yet glitzy principality of Monaco sits along the French Riviera, and is perfect for a luxurious getaway. One of the many great aspects of Monaco is Monte Carlo, which has arguably one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. Perhaps what makes it so spectacular are the dramatic cliffs and sky-blue waters, not to mention the multi-million dollar mega-yachts. While Monaco is full of glitz and glamour, visitors are often surprised by the laid-back vibe found in the Old City (or Monaco Ville), on a high promontory called the Rock. This is where you'll find the Prince's Palace and St. Nicholas Cathedral (where Princess Grace is buried), as well as sweeping vistas of the Mediterranean.

Florence, Italy

For a small, riverside city, Florence looms large on the world's 'must-sees' list as a historic and beautiful destination. The city is considered the cradle of the Renaissance, and its urban fabric has hardly changed since that time. Even for the least arts-savvy visitor, it’s possible to feast on the city’s breathtaking architecture and magnificent, world-class art galleries for hours. The Uffizi Gallery is home to some of the most famous paintings in the world including Botticelli’s masterpiece,The Birth of Venus. Tuscany is no doubt one of Italy’s most revered wine regions, so when in Florence, you are well placed to sample such delights. In fact, the city’s food and wine are so wonderful that the tag 'Fiorentina' has become an international label of quality assurance.

London, United Kingdom

London is an iconic, diverse and exciting city. Rich in history, culture, fine cuisine and shopping, the city has something to offer everyone. Having been the capital of the world’s greatest empire, history really comes to life when you’re walking through the streets of London. Westminster is a town unto itself within the heart of London, and it is home to some of the city's most famous images and architectural structures, including one of the most beautiful government buildings in the world, the Palace of Westminster.  London is also a multicultural paradise, and this is especially so when it comes to food. Check out some of London’s many markets to experience this — and many other delights — first hand.

Sorrento, Italy

Overlooking the Bay of Naples in Southern Italy, Sorrento is a peaceful and pretty town, with colourful buildings, refined restaurants, and every excuse to relax. When the sun shines, both the city and the azure waters are said to genuinely sparkle. Come to Sorrento for some great sea fishing, diving and boat cruises, as well as excellent hiking trails cross the peninsula. Sorrento is also an ideal base for exploring Europe's most compelling archaeological site: the ruins of Pompeii, as well as the famous volcano responsible for the town’s destruction in 79AD, Mt. Vesuvius.

Athens, Greece

Athens is a must-do for culture buffs. Having long been referred to as the cradle of Western civilisation, Athens is home to many pillars of Western history, from the Acropolis to the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Wandering about these ancient landmarks may just cause you to pinch yourself. Amazingly, the city’s cultural and social life takes place amid this historic centre, merging past and present. Since its pre-Olympics revamp, contemporary Athens boasts one of the most happening nightlife scenes in Europe, which now centres on the urban-chic bars and cafés between Syntagma and grungy Monastiraki (at the foot of the Acropolis).

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is a city steeped in history, culture and natural beauty. Having been the location of several significant historical events - including the Hungarian Revolution - it’s the kind of place where you are really breathing in history as you wander its streets. Notable sites here include Heroes Square, St Stephen’s Basilica and the Hungarian Parliament Building. Budapest is often referred to as the city of spas, as it offers the opportunity to bathe in an astounding array of thermal Turkish baths. It’s the perfect way to unwind, whilst enjoying centuries old architecture. Round off your time in Budapest in one of the city’s edgy, alternative bars.

Lisbon, Portugal

Full of bleached white limestone buildings and intimate alleyways, Lisbon has a wonderful mix of contemporary culture and traditional architecture. Eating out in Lisbon is a delight - from the revered Portuguese custard tarts, to fresh, locally caught sardines - the diverse dining scene is one of the many great things about Lisbon. Another great thing is that you are not far from the sea: the coastal town of Estoril is in close proximity to the city, so when you want to get away from it all, you can hop on the train and enjoy a calming coastal walk with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.

St Petersberg, Russia

Russia’s imperial capital is today a dazzling metropolis whose sheer grandeur never fails to amaze. St Petersburg is replete with long boulevards, narrow canals, and grand public squares, and is an almost unrivalled treasure trove of art and culture. You can spend days in the Hermitage, seeing everything from Egyptian mummies to Picassos, while the Russian Museum, spread over four sumptuous palaces, is perhaps the best collection of Russian art in the world. On top of that, the city offers an exciting nightlife and restaurant scene — certainly enough for several repeat visits.

Berlin, Germany

The capital of Germany is an unmissable destination for those who appreciate history, culture and vibrancy. It really has an exceptional variety of attractions, including top historic sights like the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz, not to mention the famous Berlin Zoo. The city has a relaxed vibe and lots of open spaces, from forests, to lakes, to sprawling parks. In summer, Berlin moves outdoors to the beach bars along the banks of the Spree, pavement cafés and open-air cinemas – perfect for capitalising on the warm summer nights.

Paris, France

The City of Lights; the City of Love; the Capital of Fashion — this elegant city has a plethora of alluring names. Paris draws millions of visitors ever year with its unforgettable ambiance and unparalleled reputation as a mecca of culture, art, fashion, gastronomy, history and architecture. The city’s world-famous museums and monuments are worth a visit in themselves — these include the Arc de Triomphe, the Sacré-Coeur and Notre Dame, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower, to name but a few.

Europe is a fantastic location to live and work - there is always a country nearby to explore!  If you're a Chartered Accountant thinking about an international move, get in touch with Think Global Recruitment and hear more about the opportunities that we have on offer!

This article was contributed by Kirsten McKinlay

Abigail's Top 10 Tips for Recruiting Internaitonally

Thinking of Recruiting Someone from Overseas?
Expert Tips for Ensuring your
International Recruitment Goes Smoothly

By Abigail Stevens, international recruiter for 20 years

Recruiting internationally is essential for so many roles now.  With the economy picking up, post the longest and deepest worldwide recession we have seen, many new jobs are coming onto a market that is exceedingly candidate short.  For those that have not recruited internationally before, and those that have, but not always successfully, it can cause concerns.  However, these concerns are easy to overcome and should not put you off.

In the 20 years that I have been moving professionals around the globe I have, as you would imagine, picked up many tips on best practice to ensure everything goes smoothly.  Here are my top 10:

1. Market Testing - Do your research, make sure you will be able to get a visa for the ideal candidate to make the move from overseas for the role you have in mind.  As a rule of thumb, if the person you need has to have a professional qualification and you can't find someone suitable within the country of the recruiting firm, it is probable that you will have an immigration case to sponsor someone to take the role.  This is likely to involve "Market Testing", which means advertising the vacancy for a certain number of days, prior to offering someone who will need sponsorship.  Don't leave this until after you have found the person because you could lose that person again during the testing time.

2. Keep Momentum Going - When someone applies for a job they are generally most excited about the prospect during the early stages of the application.  It is a big move for them to relocate overseas and they need to feel comfortable with the process and their choice.  As time goes on, they may start to have concerns about the efficiency of an organisation, doubts about making a move, a change in personal circumstances and a whole range of other issues that make them pull out of the process.  Statistics show that you are 53% more likely to get a positive answer to an offer made in writing within 21 days of the recruitment process starting, than one made 30 days plus.  Even higher odds if made within 2 weeks.

3. Help the Individual Visualise the Opportunity - Often, it is not practical to meet someone face to face or show them around your offices when recruiting from overseas.  However, individuals need to feel comfortable that they are making the right move when it is such a big one.  Providing information such as number and backgrounds of people they will be working with, what the office looks like, what people do socially, values and culture of the organisation, what it is like living and working and cost of living in the location, will go a long way towards helping the person visualise themselves working there.

4. Disclose Likely Salary Package Early - Whilst the best recruits will put career ahead of money motivations, there is no point on holding back on this information until an offer is made, it is a waste of everyone's time. 

5. Do Not Think You Can Pay Staff From Overseas Less - If you are hiring them to do the same job as others they are likely to do as good and in many cases a better job than your local staff.  They will find out if you are paying them less than others and they will become unhappy, unproductive employees, or even leave.  Or if a competitor offers them more money you will lose them.

6. Offering a Relocation Package Will Save You Money! - Research shows, if you provide an allowance for moving, initial flights and other assistance such as immigration agents, information of the area they are moving to etc., the individual is more likely to 'hit the ground running' and be far more productive from the start.  They are also more likely to be loyal to the company and stay longer.

7. Include a Clawback Clause - It is more the norm now for international employers to include a clause in contracts that allows them to reclaim back a proportion of relocation costs, in line with how long they have stayed with the company, for the first 2 years.  I.e. if someone hands their notice in after 1 year and hasn't really met expectations, then the company is able to claim back 50% of the relocation costs.  This helps towards replacing the individual.  It can be used at discretion if say someone has to leave to return home due to close family illness.

8. Keep in Touch Post-Acceptance, Pre-Start -  If someone has a long notice period, or a visa is being applied for, a lot of time can elapse between the person accepting the role and actually starting.  It is normal for that individual to be really excited when they first secure the role.  However, as time goes on, the individual can sometimes start to lose that initial enthusiasm.  After all, they are going to be surrounded by their colleagues, friends and family who will start to say things such as 'we are really going to miss you'.  Keeping in touch with the individual will really help with this.  Maybe through sharing internal communications, announcements, exciting news in the media, giving them a buddy pre-start date or introducing them to others who are about to join the company and moving from the same area.  Whichever way, it is nice for them to receive written and verbal communication from their new employer during this period.  

9. Help Them Settle In - Provide them with information on areas to live, how to set up a bank account, how to get a mobile phone, interesting places to explore in their new location and anything else that they may not be culturally aware of.

10. Catch Up Regularly Post-Start - You have spent a long time building a relationship with this person and helping them make one of the biggest moves of their life.  It's great to meet informally and sometimes formally to ensure they are settling well and help with any hiccups there may be.  It is also rewarding to hear, first hand, how you have improved someones life!

This is a topic that I have grown to know a lot about over the last 20 years.  I will be covering all areas of international recruitment on Periscope moving forward.  Please follow me on Twitter @AbigailStevens & @ThinkGlobalRec to find out more about dates and times!

Abigail

From Dublin to Bermuda- making a dream come true!

Last year, Amy attended one of Think Global Recruitment's Worldwide Presentation & Drinks Evenings in Dublin.  Nearly a year later she is living the dream in the tropical paradise - Bermuda!

We spoke to Amy last week to find out how she is getting on...


Why did you originally decide to move overseas?

I wanted a change, I wanted to get out of Dublin and leave home - I don't think it would have happened otherwise!

Did you have any concerns with moving overseas?

Yeah, going alone and being by myself, Bermuda is so far away from home.  I originally wanted to move to London so that I could fly home easily but Bermuda is really great.  My first day was a bank holiday which I spent on a boat.  There are so many ex-pats and everyone is so welcoming and friendly!

When you arrived in your location, how long did it take you to settle in?

It was really quick.  I was lucky enough to find my house within two weeks and I think once you have found your house, you are settled.  I managed to get my driving test done in the first month too.

Did you have any expectations and do you think the move has met them?

Well not really.  I didn't plan to go to Bermuda!  I was open to anything but yeah, it has absolutely exceeded them!

What has been the biggest benefit of moving? 

There's no commute - I live a five minute walk from my work.  The island is completely different to any city.  It's so small and laid back.  The weather too, the weather is amazing!

What are the highlights of your location?

Definitely spending a lot of time on boats!  Spending the weekends drinking and floating on boats!

Are there any cultural differences?   

There's nothing really that different...  There are so many ex-pats here that everything is kind of geared towards them.  No, I don't think there really is anything that stands out as different.

What advice would you offer to accountants who are thinking about working overseas?

Just do it!  Don't think about it, just be brave and everything will fall into place.

How did Think Global Recruitment assist you in securing your job overseas?

You have the best contacts and jobs, I had no intentions of moving to Bermuda before my consultant told me about the opportunities there. You were really helpful all the way through the recruitment process.


There are still spaces left for Wednesday so if you fancy spending your weekends floating in the Atlantic Ocean and relaxing on the beach then register by emailing emaloy@thinkgr.com 

 

Abigail’s Journey

It's our 15th birthday and in celebration we're looking at the journey of the lady who started it all – Abigail Stevens. Here we talk to her about the journey she's been on since Think Global Recruitment started in July, 2000.

How did you get into recruitment and how did you get to the point of setting up Think Global Recruitment?

I lived and worked in Australia for 3 years and when I came back, I visited Edinburgh for a few weeks. I fell in love with the city and haven’t left. After a while the agency I was temping with, while looking for a job in marketing, offered me a job in recruitment, when I asked what was involved they described it as ‘like running your own business’. I was sold.

Celebrating Think Global Recruitment's First Placement, 2000

After a year with that agency, I was headhunted into an international accountancy consultant role where I was quickly promoted upwards. At an assessment for management buy-out, I was identified as a good candidate to work my way up to Director and be involved. However, this highlighted my entrepreneurial strengths and after weighing up my options, I decided to set up by myself instead.

I had the passion for international accountancy, myself and my team were smashing targets and I realised I didn’t have the passion or much input into other business areas in the company. That’s how Think Global Recruitment started.

Have your offices always been on George Street? From the very start we’ve been in this building. We started on the second floor at the back then knocked through and doubled it, then moved upstairs where we had a view of Edinburgh Castle. Now we take up most of the top floor with views of the Castle on one side and down to the Fourth on the other side of the building.

How has the technology used in recruitment changed since you started? Right from the start we have tried to innovate and stay ahead of our competitors. When we set up we bought three computers (many of our competitors were still using card indexes) and created our own database of accountants and prospective employers.

TGR Stars Softball Team 2004

We used to fax CVs out, couldn’t send mail-shots with attachments. Sifting through manual directories was a big part of our job. Now we have video interviewing, Skype and social media making the world smaller for us and the accountants we place.

Which technological advancement has helped you the most? It probably isn’t what most people think! LinkedIn is great but that helps our competitors as much as it does us. We like to be innovative and use sources and methods others do not use.

Email with attachments, the death of faxes and affordable and improved mobile phones and flights have probably helped us most.

Chartered Accountant Ireland Wine Tasting 2007

Picnic on Think Global Recruitment's Balcony 2009

It’s an international business – where do you most enjoy visiting? Australia, New Zealand and the Far East… However, I really do love travelling almost anywhere.  Every location has something special going for it that will improve the accountants we work with lives.

Bollywood Charity Fund Raiser 2008

What’s been your favourite hotel over the years, has that changed? If I’m away for more than three nights I always prefer self-catering. When I was visiting London, Sydney, Wellington and Edinburgh regularly we used to book Ascot Apartments. The apartments were decorated in the same style throughout the world and they let me keep a suitcase of bulky or liquid essentials, in every one, that was good. It felt like home.

Christmas Market Carboot Sale Charity Fund Raiser 2008

Favourite cuisine and most unusual food tried? My favourite food would be Thai. I’ve tried the Aussie meats such as crocodile and kangaroo and emu but I have to admit, I am not keen to eat anything that looks like what it was before it died!

Think Global Recruitment Taxi 2001

How many miles do you cover in a year? I get on a plane more often that I do a car. It varies but by the end of the year it will be over 40 journeys.

What’s your favourite airline? Emirates at the moment. Their staff have been known to frequently approach as I take my seat and say “Hello Miss Stevens you are our most frequent flyer on board today”. Even on an A380.

Worst moments? The attack on 9/11 the human impact of it all and then the impact upon the business that came after that. The recent Worldwide Recession, having opened offices in Sydney, Glasgow and London and the requirement to restructure was very sad at the time, but the one thing that kept the business going and to emerge again and become the largest, longest running specialist international accountancy recruitment consultancy.

'Abigail' Herald Newspaper 2001

Think Global Recruitment famous for its parties over the years!

And best moments? There are many. Our first placement – Edgar went into the Channel Islands. Getting pictures from people in their new destinations; that's when you can really see that you’ve improved their life. Sell out conferences, my number two, Ali returning to the business six months after he left. When clients say that we're the best supplier for both quality and quantity and that they really appreciate your service. This happens very often, but still makes me feel great, it’s all worthwhile!

Recently uncovering people who we helped find jobs as juniors who are now at the most senior level in the same company we placed them in more than ten years ago is really nice.

Over the years there have been so many highs; year ends, watching people develop in their careers, everyone’s first placement, when they’ve improved their first life.

And our staff day in August will probably be one of them too! We are taking the entire company away to a surprise location to celebrate our 15th Birthday. All they know right now is to have their passport up to date!

15th Birthday Cake! 2015