Seven years ago, Grant Kaveney made the decision to embark on a recruitment journey setting up his business from his kitchen table to specialise in estate agency property recruitment across London. Seven years later and a little greyer, working from an open plan office in Chelsea, Grant heads a team of 16 which has recently been recognised as one of The Best Property Recruiters in the area in 2016.
Grant worked in property recruitment for six years before going it alone; building a winning reputation which ensured when he left, clients and candidates wanted to know where on earth had he got to?
First Placement – The beginning of the future
“Starting your own business is tough and scary so when people trust in you and understand your vision, it’s extremely comforting. My first placement working for myself was in 2010. It was emotional, I knew the candidate well and it was extremely rewarding. It gave me the confidence to believe in myself and the momentum to focus on the next. It was the start of many more to come; within one week I had made my second placement with an international provider.” – Grant Kaveney, CEO of GKR London.
First Key Account – It’s not what you know, it’s who you know
Keeping momentum in full swing, Grant was approached by one of the industry’s longest standing and successful estate agencies who instructed him solely to recruit for a 20 + office operation across London. Now we are placing 50+ candidates per year with this ever-growing organisation whilst working with many others of similar size.
First Investment – Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together
In 2012, Grant was introduced to Recruitment Entrepreneur – ‘The Ultimate Investor in Recruitment Professionals’ owned by James Caan CBE. In 2013, he started discussing opportunities and in 2014, he received investment from James to grow the business. He had a 90-day plan and a first year goal and smashed it 12 months later, the team had grown to eight consultants and GKR began servicing roles in Office & Business Support, Property Management & Commercial Project Management & Surveying - we also began servicing temporary and contract placements.
First Office Space – No more paperwork in the kitchen sink!
Moving away from the kitchen was a welcome relief for Grant; in 2012 he began working from a serviced office in Pall Mall, only two doors down from James Caan’s first office. Since April 2015 GKR has been based in Sloane Avenue, Chelsea, sharing a fantastic space with six other businesses within the Recruitment Entrepreneur portfolio.
First Key Hire – Team work makes the dream work
The first key hire in the business joined as a consultant in late 2014, bringing 10 years of property experience. Now GKR’s ‘Head of Residential’, overseeing a highly effective and knowledgeable team; his loyalty and professionalism has allowed him to become a pivotal part of the growth strategy and success. Thank you, Michael Woda.
First Million… We did it!
Following investment, GKR reached £1million revenue within 18 months. This was a huge achievement and has continued to snowball as we are now on the PSL for 90% of the UK’s most successful property firms.
First Award Recognition – Property Recruitment Agency of the Year, 2016
A big thank you to News on the Block who, year after year, deliver an incredible awards ceremony for property. 2016 saw the introduction of the award for ‘Best Property Recruitment Agency of the Year’ and GKR London was shortlisted as a finalist!
-
GKR London has a vision and wants you to be a part of it. We are developing our contract and temp desks and have made significant hires allowing us to target the executive search and senior appointments market place. We hope to grow our team to 25 people and launch our first out of London office. If you want to be a part of it, get in touch with us today.
Written by Molly Shoesmith, Trainer and Content Manager at GKR London. For career opportunities please contact Molly at - 0207 048 3304 / molly@gkrlondon.com
