“Hi, my name is Sarah Badham-Thornhill – I’m calling from Morgan McKinley.”
“Oh…yes…I’m not looking thanks…”
HANG UP

Recently I’ve found myself thinking about the challenge that recruiters face in opposing the perception that we are all sharks, CV churners, Porsche-driving-wannabes…well, you name it, I’ve heard it.

My background is perhaps more clear cut than the stereotype would suggest. Three years at Bristol University and a degree in Politics, in 2008 I found myself a graduate facing the prospect of a global recession and no ideal career in mind except one that I could work closely with people.

Three years later I now work as a senior consultant within Morgan McKinley’s specialist Practice division and count myself lucky to work with top tier clients such as the Big Four, top 10 accountancy firms and specialist boutiques. I have developed working relationships with HR directors, officers and partners alike and truly believe that my skill set is required to ensure that talent is hired into their businesses.

Yet the challenge remains the same. Professional accountants receive thousands of phone calls from head-hunters and recruiters per year, many from those who do fulfil the stereotype. In the 30 seconds that I get to introduce myself, how can I take a different approach? What would make myself stand out as someone who is looking to help you build your career?

Careers, perception of recruiters

Those of us in the market for a new company Ferrari or Bentley will be shocked and saddened to hear that from April 6th the current £80,000 maximum list price cap on vehicle tax will be removed. As a result of this the level of tax top executives pay on their company supercars could quadruple.

Many senior execs are cruising around in company-owned Ferraris, Bentleys, Aston Martins and Lamborghinis, and pay a maximum income tax of £14,000 and NICs of £3,584 pa under the current rules. They’re in for a shock. From April 6th a high-flier driving a Ferrari with a list price in excess of £220,000 will pay a total tax and NICs bill of almost £50,000, an increase of over 180%.

Second hand cars are no bargain either because HMRC charges car benefits on the list price; the price of a brand-new vehicle. Therefore, a five-year old Ferrari purchased for around £65,000 will have a tax bill based on its list price of £175,000 resulting in a total tax and NICs bill of around £40,000. This doesn’t seem like a very good deal to me.

Originally introduced by Alistair Darling in 2009 at the recession’s lowest ebb, increasing the tax rate on executives driving supercars is an easy target for the government. It’s hard to argue against a tax on a select group of wealthy individuals driving cars completely inaccessible to most but in reality it’s hard see how this can make much of a dent in the UK’s enormous national debt.

On the other hand, I think we’re likely to see fewer supercars on the roads over the coming years; that’s not necessarily a good thing either aesthetically or in terms of improving confidence in the economy.

ferrari, Tax, vehicle tax

So today is our last in Wellington House. After 16 years in the “spiritual home” of Morgan McKinley’s financial services division – the business is moving onwards and upwards. Like sports teams that move stadia, the new office is a landmark and will offer benefits on so many levels, but it is worth a moment of reflection on from whence we came.

The people I have worked with and those who have visited Wellington House have provided a period of my career full of character and colour. In my time here, I’ve learned it’s important to be clear in your vision and flexible in your approach. Most importantly, always have fun!

Our new flagship office is at 61 Aldwych where we’ll be in good company next to the LSE and opposite the next new venture from the Wolseley Restaurant Group. Unlike moving football grounds, I expect nobody to be clamouring for souvenirs from Wellington House but those who have worked here, now or in the past, will certainly take some great memories of the good, the bad and the ugly.

The Duke of Wellington famously said, “Habit is ten times nature.” After 11 years working at Wellington House, here’s hoping I remember to turn up at our new office on Monday morning!

Farewell Wellington House

new office, Wellington House