Economic growth fills recruitment firm with eastern promise
RMC, who specialise in executive recruitment for the retail, property and logistics sectors, has recently been supported by Scottish Enterprise to market their services in some of the most rapidly expanding economic markets.
India has witnessed an economic boom since the liberalisation of markets during the mid-nineties took hold prompting a boom in sectors such as IT, business process outsourcing and financial services. India’s economic success has created an increasingly affluent middle class and an unprecedented demand for a modern shopping experience.
RMC has witnessed a significant increase in business activity from clients from the sub-continent, making necessary the launch of a dedicated Indian operation.
Founded in 1986 by Alex and Julia Leftwich, RMC has grown considerably and now employs a twenty-strong team in Stirling with additional offices in Manchester and London.
With a client portfolio which spans Europe, the Middle East and Asia, the company remains a family-run business with a strong desire that Scotland will remain HQ for the company.
Joseph Leftwich, consultant, commented: “The UK and other western European retail markets are relatively mature. Whilst they still offer opportunities for growth, the greatest challenges today and in the future, lie in Asia – China and India in particular.
“India’s economy is growing at a phenomenal rate. GDP growth has exceeded 9 per cent for the last four years. India’s retail sector experienced growth last year in excess of 40 per cent and is still gathering speed!
“There is huge demand among Indian businesses to get ahead of the competition by introducing international best business practice. Hiring industry specialists from mature markets in the West to coach, mentor and develop local talent is a highly effective way of helping Indian companies to achieve their ambitious plans.”
Stuart Ogg, operations director, Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley, said: “RMC is an excellent example of globalisation by a small, growing company that is in the forefront of its field. The opportunities for success in the global arena are tremendous for companies who take the time and effort to research new markets and implement a well thought out strategy.
“We have recently supported the company throughout a rapid growth period and eagerly look forward to working with them to further grow and expand their customer base.”
RMC’s first foray into India came eight years ago with several main board appointments on behalf of one of India’s premiere department store businesses. That appointment was a great success and, alongside support and advice from Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley and the UK-India Business Council, provided RMC the best possible platform for expansion into India.
Alex Leftwich, managing director, said: “Today, people in business have to think globally. In Scotland we can sometimes be guilty of talking ourselves down and being hesitant about stepping too far beyond our comfort zones. That’s where organisations such as Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley come to the fore. They were able to plug RMC into a network of organisations and individuals that were extremely helpful in taking the RMC business forward and helping us embrace our growth potential.
“The UK and European marketplace has served RMC well, but we are about to embark on an exciting new phase with the business. Mumbai will be our Asian hub and, all being well, should act as a springboard into Malaysia, China, Thailand and Singapore.”
Joseph Leftwich,
Retail Management Consultants (RMC)
Tel: 01786 475615
Email joseph@rmc-recruitment.com
Web: www.rmc-recruitment.com