Head of Public Practice
Alex Allen
Next up in our ‘Meet the Team’ series is Head of Public Practice, Alex Allen. Joining iMultiply in 2017, Alex has over 20 years experience and has an extensive network in the Public Practice space. He is Chair of iMultiply’s Diversity & Inclusion committee and is also our current Values Champion, an internal award voted by peers to acknowledge and celebrate those that have been demonstrating the company values. Alex covers the Qualified Public Practice market in Glasgow and the West as well as leading the Public Practice teams across Scotland. Alex recently shared with us what makes him tick along with what he enjoys doing outside of work.
What area of the market do you specialise in?
I specialise in the Public Practice market working with accountancy practices of all sizes. I have over twenty years experience in recruitment all of which are in the Public Practice space. I learned my trade working for two small Glasgow based recruitment firms before branching out to run my own recruitment business for nearly ten years. Joining iMultiply in 2017 was one of the best career decisions I’ve made and I have loved being part of the iMultiply family.
What 3 things do you enjoy most about what you do?
Helping people move forward to the next stage in their career by providing good advice, market knowledge and utilising my network to their benefit. I also really enjoy knowing that I’ve supported a customer in growing their team.
Working in an innovative and professional environment. I am given the autonomy within my team and the wider business to be involved in areas like marketing, events and networking. I am also able to help formulate strategy in important areas like Diversity and Inclusion.
Creating and nurturing long term relationships with our customers on both sides of the recruitment equation. I’m lucky that I get to meet so many impressive and interesting people. Getting to know some of these individuals on a personal basis is a real pleasure.
Tell us about your proudest professional achievement.
Becoming the Head of Practice at iMultiply is my proudest professional achievement. This is mainly due to being recognised as a leader within an organisation that has so many talented (and likeable) people. It is a great source of pride to me.
What advice would you give to people looking for a new role?
The first step is to have an end career goal in mind and then you can plan the steps you need to take to get there. Speak to a trusted adviser who has an intimate knowledge of the sector you are in, who can help you prepare your CV. This person can also advise you on interview preparation and give you an honest appraisal of the vacancies and companies you are looking at. If you deal with a consultant who has spent the time building a relationship with you and the companies/organisations you are interested in, then you are more likely to get a great match. Avoid consultants who just want to deal with you on a ‘transactional’ basis.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Lots of things! I’m a CrossFit Trainer and dedicated gym bunny. I play rugby for GHA RFC and support The Gwent Dragons and Welsh national rugby teams – which has varying levels of stress, despair and enjoyment! I love music and gigs – mostly Punk Rock, Industrial, Hardcore and some Hip-Hop. I’m also a sci-fi geek and history nerd – special mentions to Dune (my favourite Book and Film), Star Trek, Bladerunner, 2000AD and ancient history books and podcasts especially Mike Duncan and Dan Carlin’s podcasts.
We are a values-led organisation with customer experience at the heart of everything we do. Which of our values resonates most with you and why?
Integrity is the value that resonates most. As an organisation, I have found that iMultiply ‘walks it as we talk it’. This is evidenced by our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion through our LGBT Youth Scotland Silver Charter status and ongoing engagement with the BAME community. Also, the importance of customer service to our business. All our colleagues are evaluated on their commitment to integrity during our recruitment process.
Testimonials – What do people say about him?
Alex is a pleasure to work with. He is always available for market information and advice, particularly for some of the tricky hires we can have at Azets. Alex has a good understanding of what we need which ensures we only receive suitable CVs and a good fit for us. He was recently able to help with a role that has historically been challenging to fill and made the process as simple as possible. Overall, it’s always easy engaging with Alex and I trust that he will be honest and consultative to help us get the right person at the right time.
Get in touch with Alex by calling him on 07719 108 230 or by emailing alexallen@imultiplyresouricng.com
