For the latest in our series of weeky Business Q&A features, we spoke to Mark Sanderson, director of Harrogate-based Si Recruitment, which he runs with Sharron Inglis.

Tell us in fewer than 30 words what your firm does.

We are an expert independent recruitment agency recruiting staff for accountancy, finance, administration and secretarial roles across Yorkshire and North East.

What does it require to be successful in business?

Our industry is unusual in that the 'product' that we market – people – is not consistent. If you buy a book from Amazon, the book doesn't just decide not to turn up, but people can change their minds, so it can be very unpredictable.

That means we have to be very flexible, resilient, commercially aware and really understand what people – candidates and clients – really want.

If you do the right thing consistently enough, things tend to work for you. This is our 20th year in business and I'd be amazed if anyone had anything negative to say about us.

What drives you to do what you do every day?

Personally, I enjoy successful placements. I also like the staff development side with the team here. The good thing about recruitment is that no two days are the same. I've been doing this for 26 years and it's still stimulating.

What has been the toughest issue your company has had to deal with over the last 12 months?

Since covid there's been a marked change in candidates' and clients' expectations, and managing that has been very challenging. The market has slowed in terms of opportunties for candidates. They are often looking for roles with flexible hybrid working, and clients try to accommodate that, but it's not always possible. The big challenge is matching up expectations with the realities of the market.

Which other local firms do you most admire and why?

I admire Verity Frearson. They are in a very competitive, challenging market with a very educated, informed and demanding customer base, in a very emotive market – homes, livelihoods and children's schooling are on the line. I have a lot of respect for the challenges they have to cope with. It's a business this town should be proud of.

Impulse Decisions, the Harrogate-based corporate events company, are impressive too. Their business ground to a shuddering halt when covid hit, but they've rebounded and seem to be doing really well.

Who are the most inspiring local leaders?

Verity Frearson's Matthew Stamford is someone who really gets involved and puts himself out there. He's not afraid to put his face to the business, and that can be a bold thing to do.

What could be done locally to boost business?

It would be good if there was a more coherent branding and marketing strategy for Harrogate as a business destination. If there is one already, I'm not aware of it.

Best and worst things about running a business from Harrogate?

The best and the worst things are the same, really: location. Harrogate is a really nice place to work, the business community is supportive, and we can find good-quality staff here, but from a commuting point of view, it's not the easiest place to get into and out of. Trying to attract people to work here from outside the area is not that easy.

What are your business plans for the future?

We'll continue doing what we're doing, providing a good service and growing both our offices in Harrogate and Northallerton. We also want to expand into a few other local markets in the North East and the rest of Yorkshire.

What do you like to do in your time off?

I used to coach football at Pannal Ash and that took up a lot of time, but now I spend my time on golf, fitness and my family.

Best place to eat and drink locally?

You can take your pick of anywhere up Cold Bath Road in Harrogate: La Feria, Pranzo and William & Victoria's. Pizza Social in town is good, and I like the look of Paradise Tap & Taco too.

This is the latest in a regular series of weekly Business Q&A features. If you'd like to suggest someone in business in the Harrogate district for this feature, drop us a line at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.