Equitas Partners

Equitas Partners’ expert guidance to Premier Education Group Ltd in its recruitment of a Chair was invaluable. The Group comprises a wide range of business models at different stages of evolution including those navigating complex regulatory environments, all of which service the Activity and Education sectors. Derrick’s approach was thorough, focused, engaging and effective such that we were able to attract a longlist of high quality candidates from beyond our own networks to arrive at a final panel for interview confident of making the appointment. Working alongside a highly entrepreneurial group operating in the backdrop of Covid-19, Derrick was adaptable and sensitive to what was required to ensure this was a successful process. If you are recruiting at very senior levels, consider working with Equitas Partners – I recommend them highly.

We have used Equitas Partners for several Chairmen search exercises for our investments. We like their honest, direct and responsive approach, and the level of market expertise and insight they bring to any exercise. In particular, they truly understand the nuances of finding the right individuals who can constructively support CEOs and their respective management teams in high growth, entrepreneurially driven businesses, helping them to maximise market opportunities and successfully navigate key challenges along the way.

As we prepared for the IPO, we needed to appoint two extremely high calibre NEDs to support the Chair on the board. Equitas Partners were highly responsive, immediately grasped our requirement and identified several excellent candidates for consideration, ultimately concluding in two very successful appointments ahead of flotation.

As part of our ongoing strategic development, we were keen to strengthen our boards with a range of differing and complementary skills, and engaged Equitas Partners to conduct a comprehensive nationwide NED search. Throughout the process they were excellent to work with. They took the time to fully understand our requirements, including cultural fit, and ultimately I was very impressed with the range and quality of candidates identified for potential interview. From this exercise, we were not only able to make an excellent appointment, but also identify other high calibre individuals who may be suitable for further roles in the future. I would recommend Equitas Partners highly.

I was introduced to Derrick by a ‘plc Non Exec’ for a Board role and found his approach profoundly helpful. Derrick was both patient and insightful when responding to my many and varied questions, while also providing guidance to understand potential ‘fit’ with the Board culture. As a result, I was at the top of my game for the interview. I was sufficiently impressed by Derrick that I invited him to pitch to recruit a new Chair for Premier Education Group Ltd (Premier), the largest franchise provider of children’s activity in UK. Derrick was successful in winning the work and despite the challenges of a Covid backdrop and working with a Founder led business in a sector, which was very hard hit by the pandemic, delivered high calibre candidates that fit the brief. Quite simply, Derrick was indefatigable in delivering to the brief. The result was impressive such that Premier appointed not only a new Non Exec Chair but also a Deputy Chair from the candidates presented.

If you have the opportunity to work with Derrick, I recommend you take it. You won’t be disappointed.

I have worked with Derrick of Equitas Partners as both a candidate and a client. You can quickly tell he truly understands issues in high growth entrepreneurial businesses, and I like his very professional, commercial and responsive style.

Over the last 10 years I have benefited from Equitas Partners’ deep recruitment expertise, insight and connections – valued professional perspectives delivered in a ‘down-to-earth’ style. Every conversation underlines a genuine interest in your challenges and a desire to add value. I would have no hesitation in recommending Equitas Partners to you.

As well as real market expertise, I’ve found they also bring wise counsel, objective career guidance, all underpinned by a pragmatic commercial perspective.

My experience of working with Derrick at Equitas Partners has been nothing but positive. As well the essentials that you expect to see in a quality headhunter – strong networks, distinctive professionalism and a rigorous commitment to deliver – he brings an infectious level of enthusiasm and drive, a naturally empathetic approach and a knack of being able to make things happen.