Client and candidate testimonials
The most useful thing we can show you is not a description of how we work, but what people said once they had been through it.
Retained search, talent pipelining and leadership development, in the words of the clients who retained us and the executives we placed. Published as they were given to us. Obvious typographical errors have been corrected. Where an ellipsis appears, words have been removed and nothing added; where square brackets appear, the words inside them are ours rather than the author’s.
Three to start with
A client, a repeat client, and an executive we placed. These three are first because they describe three different relationships, not because they are the warmest.
From a filmed interview recorded in September 2025, ten years into the relationship. Neil Evans is speaking to Collingwood.
What I find working with yourselves at the level of role that you’re recruiting, and your kind of engagement and interest of the business — I think you do a big selling job for VEKA before we even get the chance to meet them, and I think that’s a differentiator for me.
If I look at that process we went through, it was an awful lot of potentially targeted people down to a very high-quality shortlist. And I also do remember, interestingly, within that process, we had some different views in terms of the relative strengths of those. But again, that dialogue I thought was always kind of positive, and I think where we ended up in terms of the appointment of Tim from a completely unrelated industry, and then the success and the kind of strength he’s brought to the team, is a real sort of standout for me.
Neil Evans
Managing Director, VEKA Plc and Veka Recycling Ltd · Building Products and Construction
The team at Collingwood is exceptional! Doug and team partnered with me on many critical searches and several pipelining exercises.
The team is exceptional at understanding the business, the culture and the nuanced details of each position. They also do a superb job of representing the client when approaching candidates, which in this competitive talent environment, is critical. Collingwood has done work for me in Europe and the United States with consistently positive results.
I would not hesitate to recommend Doug and the team at Collingwood to anyone looking for a true partner in talent pipelining, sourcing, attraction and recruitment.
Tracey Grimshaw
Global VP HR and Talent Management · Talent Pipelining
I am so fortunate that our paths crossed as it was by far the best recruitment process I have ever been through.
Doug and his colleagues conducted a thorough initial first phase that really was a 2-way process, the result being Doug was crystal clear on my skill set and requirements for a new role and I was crystal clear on the role Doug was recruiting for. This ensured the best outcome for all parties involved, Collingwood, myself and most importantly the company with the vacancy.
Doug checked in timely and regularly after each stage, he ensured I had all the information required, from the interview format through to the dress code. This support was truly appreciated and sets Doug and Collingwood apart from anyone else. I cannot recommend Doug highly enough.
Dan Holloway
Finance Director, MAPED Helix · placed by Collingwood
On film
One of these is on video. Collingwood recruited Gray Richmond as Managing Director of MAPED Helix and has since helped him build his senior team — including Dan Holloway, whose testimonial appears above.
Gray Richmond
Managing Director, MAPED Helix
A filmed client testimonial following a ten-year partnership delivering executive search and leadership development to MAPED Helix.
Watch the testimonial on YouTube · 30 seconds
More from clients
Select any testimonial to read it in full.
Neil Evans — Managing Director, VEKA Plc and Veka Recycling Ltd · Building Products and Construction
“Doug ensures he understands his clients business and their specific needs”
I have worked with Doug and his team on a number of occasions recruiting diverse Board level positions.
Doug ensures he understands his clients business and their specific needs and ultimately delivers on the brief, even when changes are needed.
He has helped me bring talent into our business that will help us step up for our next period of growth. Little wonder that repeat business is a huge part of his success. As a person he is incredibly humble and open which are traits that serve him well.
Given 12 September 2022
Client and Candidate — Aircraft Manufacturer, Aerospace and Defence
“What stands out is the effort that the team put in to understand the business and its culture”
I have worked with Doug and the team at Collingwood over several years, both as a hiring manager and as a candidate. On both sides of the recruitment process what stands out is the effort that the team put in to understand the business and its culture, find high quality candidates suited to the role, understand their aspirations and work to achieve a strong match. Their approach extends through all aspects of the recruitment process, from role definition through onboarding and during the initial employment period, and has achieved great results.
Irene Hamilton — Director of Finance and Corporate Services, Knowsley Estate & Stanley Enterprise · Leadership Development
“The programmes themselves were transformational”
I have worked with Doug and his team at Collingwood with two organisations now and I have to say the quality and delivery of the programmes was excellent. He really listened to what we needed and completely understood what we were looking to achieve. He and the team were able to deliver a bespoke programme that not only delivered results but also within our budget.
The programmes themselves were transformational, which is why I went to Collingwood again when I moved roles. Personally I got a lot out of the executive coaching and I believe it has made me a better leader and more productive in my role.
I would not hesitate in recommending Collingwood and if you aren’t sure if executive leadership development is for you, I would say think again as it made such a difference to our business.
Steve Hardy — Joint Managing Director, Sidey Ltd · Building Products and Construction
“We wouldn’t have found the key people we needed without Collingwood Search”
I would have no hesitation in recommending Collingwood Search to any company looking to recruit senior personnel for their organisation.
Right from our first conversation, through the engagement process, finalising job specifications, reviewing potential candidates and so forth, [the Collingwood team] provided excellent input, with some great suggestions and were diligent and professional throughout.
The candidates taken forward to interview were all top quality individuals, who met the brief well and we had some difficult decisions to make when deciding on who to appoint to what role.
The bottom line is we wouldn’t have found the key people we needed for our businesses without Collingwood Search and their expertise.
Given 20 September 2023
Wendi Ebbing — VP Marketing, Bundy Baking Solutions
“impressed with the thoroughness of the research on our company and culture”
I worked with Doug to find a team member for a newly created position within our European operations. He and his team were very professional and diligent. This was the first time I worked with a recruiter and was impressed with the thoroughness of Doug’s research on our company and culture and in turn into the candidates we interviewed. We found an amazing person to fill the position and are looking forward to the experience and character she brings to our organization.
Given 18 May 2023
Georgina Mason MCIPD — HR leader, private-equity backed businesses
“He sought to truly understand our transformational journey”
Working with Collingwood was a real pleasure. He sought to truly understand our transformational journey to help us identify a candidate who could do the job and for the culture change we were seeking to achieve. Highly collaborative, I’d recommend them to colleagues.
Given 11 October 2022
Paul Turner — Chief Executive Officer, CHH
“focussed on a deep understanding of the needs and culture of my business”
I have worked with Doug and his team for many years and without doubt Doug and the Collingwood team were instrumental in helping me in my pursuit of exceptional talent during my time working with them. Always professional and thorough and focussed on a deep understanding of the needs and culture of my business.
Given 23 February 2021
David Pringle — Managing Director, Bailey Street Furniture Group
“The upfront work in terms of candidate selection and due diligence is really what separates Collingwood”
From our initial meeting, Collingwood fully understood the assignment, managed our expectations in terms of timings and kept us fully updated at all stages of the process. The upfront work in terms of candidate selection and due diligence is really what separates Collingwood in an often-congested market. Their online shared platform really assisted myself with the process and made communication so much more efficient.
Following a comprehensive search of the market, the standard of applicants put forward were all a high calibre, making the selection process both challenging and diverse, but in a very positive way, as separating the candidates was tough. I am delighted to confirm that the chosen applicant is flourishing and adding real value to the business.
In summary, I would have no hesitation in recommending … the Collingwood team for any Executive Research requirements and I can vouch for their professionalism, integrity and importantly humility, they are just normal people providing an excellent service.
Given 7 April 2025
Rob Sparkes — Director, Matrix Group
“it is their level of consultancy when working with us that has stood them apart”
Matrix Networks has used … the team at Collingwood for around six years now when recruiting a couple of board members and a number of technical and managerial positions nationally. Along with the usual attributes I’d expect from any service partner, it is their level of consultancy when working with us that has stood them apart. Some of the positions filled have been very niche.
… I’d have no hesitation in recommending their services. In fact, I’d actively encourage using them!
Given 5 May 2021
Anna West — People and OD Director
“right balance of listening and probing — we were doing something a bit different and it worked”
Really impressed with … the team at Collingwood, right balance of listening and probing – we were doing something a bit different and it worked. Great communication, pace met expectations and all done with a pleasant, friendly and professional approach. Looking forward to next time. Thank you!
Given 11 August 2023
More from candidates we placed
Executives and managers we approached and placed.
Kieron Holland — General Manager, Westland Horticulture
“Doug stands out well above the rest”
I am very pleased to provide a recommendation for Doug. Working with many recruitment agencies over the years, Doug stands out well above the rest. He helped place me in a very good role, and throughout the process, I was constantly impressed with both Doug’s professionalism and in depth knowledge of his profession and the recruitment market.
I would highly recommend Doug to anyone who is looking to work with an excellent senior executive professional who will go that extra mile, and what stood out to me was the effort Doug will go through to ensure that both candidate and the business he is representing are both equally cared for, which is very refreshing in the times we live in.
I look forward to working with Doug again in the future.
Yann Belliard — Finance Director, EMEA
“The professionalism and personalised approach sets them apart”
It was a pleasure working with Collingwood during my recent career transition. The professionalism and personalised approach sets them apart.
Chris provided insightful advice and valuable support throughout the process, ensuring I was well-prepared and confident at every stage.
I wholeheartedly recommend Chris and team to anyone seeking an outstanding process that goes above and beyond. He is a true professional and trusted adviser within the recruitment space.
Gemma Coombes — Founder, Safeplaces
“the experience set a new standard for what recruitment should feel like”
I had the pleasure of working with Chris at Collingwood, and I can honestly say the experience set a new standard for what recruitment should feel like. From the very first cold call, Chris delivered a clear, thoughtful overview of the role and its opportunities. I wasn’t actively exploring new positions at the time, but this one genuinely caught my attention and ticked every box I had been holding out for.
Throughout the entire process, Chris was consistently supportive, keeping me fully informed and ensuring I had every chance to present my skills at their best. The recruitment journey was thorough, at times even rigorous, which I appreciated, as it gave both sides the chance to deeply explore the fit. Chris’s coaching, guidance, and detailed feedback after each stage were invaluable, giving me space to reflect, refine, and show up with confidence.
I wouldn’t hesitate to work with Chris again, both for my own career and for any future recruitment needs. His ability to understand the business, the nuances of the role, and the profile of the person who would truly succeed was exceptional.
Given 1 December 2025
Arsi Hyvärinen — Digital Health and MedTech
“thorough in his preparation, and kept me well-informed at every stage”
Chris was great to work with throughout the recruitment process. He was thorough in his preparation, offered clear guidance ahead of interviews, and kept me well-informed at every stage. His communication was great, and I felt supported through the entire process. I’d highly recommend him to anyone looking for a professional and reliable recruiter.
Given 1 July 2025
Adam Grant — Regional Manager, Midland Steel Reinforcement Supplies
“She knew my next step was the right step for me, even before I did”
I would highly recommend Poppy to help with the next step in your career. She is knowledgeable, professional but most of all very understanding and brings an excellent human touch. She helped me and knew my next step was the right step for me, even before I did.
Given 30 June 2025
Izumi Kobayashi — Strategic Account Management, Data Centres and AI
“She has intuition when connecting people with new roles”
Poppy has intuition when connecting people with new roles. She is not only able to understand if the profile she is contacting is appropriate for the role, but also able to understand how to create interest in her recruiting process. She is kind, collaborative and positive. Thank you Poppy for your support!
Given 25 August 2023
Khizar M Khan — Placed into a new industry from retail
“She really helped me to believe in myself”
Poppy headhunted me for my current position. She helped me to move out of retail and into a completely new industry, something I had been thinking about for some time but never really knew where to start. She really helped me to believe in myself and realise that this transition could be possible. She was really helpful in supporting me through the recruitment process. I really appreciate all that she has done for me. Thank you Poppy!
Given 23 August 2023
Cath Macaulay Chartered FCIPD — Group People and Culture Director, Sidey
“Communication has been second to none from the initial conversations through to offer stage and onboarding”
My experience with Collingwood Executive Search has been very positive. … Communication has been second to none from the initial conversations regarding the role, through to offer stage and onboarding.
I would be very happy to recommend … Collingwood Executive Search.
Given 19 July 2024
Karan S. — Manufacturing Engineering Leader
“a company that operates at a high level in terms of professionalism”
My experience with Collingwood executive search was extremely positive, this is a company that operates at a high level in terms of professionalism. … As a young engineer the first move is always challenging.
… I am now a few weeks into my new role and I can confidently say this was the best and most important change I have so far experienced in my career. … Highly recommend, 10/10!
Given 24 January 2019
One thing we did not ask for
Nobody was prompted to say it, and it recurs across these independently, from clients and from the people we placed: being listened to before anything was proposed. A first phase that ran in both directions. Time spent understanding a business and its culture before a single person was approached. A leadership programme built after the problem was understood rather than before it.
We would rather be judged on that than on a placement count.
Who these are from
Collingwood Executive Search is a retained executive search firm based in Tarporley, Cheshire. Collingwood was founded in 2005 by Doug Mackay and is the England and Wales partner in Talentor International. The testimonials on this page come from two groups: clients who retained us to make an appointment, and candidates we placed into one.
- Organisations named: VEKA Plc and Veka Recycling Ltd, MAPED Helix, Westland Horticulture, Sidey Ltd, Knowsley Estate & Stanley Enterprise, Bailey Street Furniture Group, Matrix Group, Bundy Baking Solutions, CHH, Safeplaces, Midland Steel Reinforcement Supplies, and an aircraft manufacturer supplied without a company name.
- Services referenced: retained executive search, talent pipelining, and leadership development and executive coaching.
- Consultants named: Doug Mackay, Managing Director; Chris Mayers, Head of Research and Executive Search Consultant; and Poppy Rathbone, Executive Search Resourcer.
Every testimonial on this page was provided to Collingwood by the client or candidate concerned. Some are published with a name, role and organisation; others were supplied without attribution and appear by role alone. Testimonials describe individual engagements and are not a guarantee of outcome. For the detail behind particular appointments, our case studies set out what actually happened.
Where we are
Location: Suite 4, Wright House, 67 High Street, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 0DP.
Telephone: +44 (0) 1829 732374
Email: enquiries@collingwoodsearch.co.uk
You can also read more about executive search in Cheshire, or meet the team on why Collingwood.