ASH KNIGHT

What’s your background?

The grey hairs and wrinkles probably show that I’ve been in the recruitment industry since 2010! I’ve spent 14 successful years in specialist recruitment markets, building some of the UK’s fastest growing businesses along the way. I originally founded Ashley James Consulting back in 2015 which is the heritage brand laying down the foundations (and making mistakes) that led to what Ashley James Group is today, having grown from 4 people to over 35 globally in just a few short years.

I’ve worked both in-house, externally in the consultancy/agency world and as a business owner, so I can understand the challenges a business faces when hiring from various perspectives. I’ve held integral roles in privately owned, capital invested and blue chip businesses having previously undertaken interim assignments for global biotech behemoth, Astra Zeneca who had 50,000+ employees. Prior to recruitment entrepreneurship, I was a Sales & Management Development Trainer for John Caudwell’s Phones 4u and between 2005 and 2007 I was a consistent top 10 salesperson out of around 6,000 staff. My ridiculous work ethic, self-belief, passion for people and resilience helped me climb the ladder quickly in a ruthless but successful company.

What do you do outside of work?

Outside of the recruitment world I enjoy spending time with my wife, two sons Archie and Jude and my daughter Ottilie. Since taking up golf a few years ago (plays off 9.7) I can be found searching for wayward golf balls in the Sunday morning competition. I used to play football at a competitive level but I’m now semi-retired / part-time footballer (Goalkeeper) mainly helping out a semi-professional side in either the North West Counties or Staffordshire County Premier Football League. Somehow in my hectic life I manage to find time to coach Leek Town All Stars U8’s who are playing up a year in the U9’s league this season.

As a busy man both family side and with my businesses, I enjoy spending time either in the gym or out running but much prefer dining out with the wife and kids, having a beer with the team or hitting balls at the range.

What do you enjoy most about AJ?

“Growing several successful companies of my own has been a phenomenal journey and one filled with lessons, setbacks and curve balls. My motivation comes from seeing the team grow, develop and achieve their goals. Making placements or winning a new client is a great feeling, but it feels so much better when one of the team do it because of the coaching or development from our management team. We’ve got an amazing bunch of humans here at AJ! I’m grateful that they joined and proud that I get to work with them every day.”

Claim to fame?

“I’ve made a couple of appearances on the TV but not because of any talent. I made the audience during several of the big moments in Team Europe’s 2023 Ryder Cup domination over in Rome and once appeared on the kids’ TV show, Dear Mr Barker, I got a rollocking for turning up in the famous Ecru Liverpool Shirt with Carlsberg splashed across the front… (Don’t ask)”

What’s your mantra in life?

“I believe that everything in life happens for a reason and that good things happen to good people, but especially for those who work hard and have a plan!”

Favourite quote?

“Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.”

‘Death row dish’?

“Tough question this for a foodie, I’d have to go for an amazing steak with fresh chillies, cheese, thick cut chips and all the sides… Either that or a really tasty, spicy, authentic Indian curry!”