They say behind every great business is a great woman – or at least, if that’s not what they say, they soon will, as Rebecca Simkiss has been announced as a finalist in the Institute of Directors (IoD) Director of the Year Awards.
The office support and graduate recruitment specialist has spent the last 14 years working in Birmingham, five of which she has been co-founder and joint managing director of multi-award winning SimkissGuy Recruitment. Now she has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to the community, in the IoD Director of the Year awards’ Corporate Social Responsibility category.
Taking place on 19 June and celebrating its 15thyear, the IoD Director of the Year awards represent the pinnacle of leadership and business excellence, highlighting the significant contribution business leaders can make to society and the economic prosperity in our region. The CSR award, in particular, is aimed at leaders who demonstrate how they integrate the success and smooth running of their business with a strong sense of responsibility and consideration for their role as a corporate citizen.
“To be recognised for such a prestigious award is an honour and I’m so proud that it is for our Corporate Social Responsibility. CSR is something that is truly at the heart of all we do as a company, with it ingrained in the SimkissGuy Recruitment ethos. Giving back is something I’m truly committed to and I’m lucky to have built a team that reflects this at their core too,” Becky comments.
An entrepreneur, consultant, and mentor, Becky is passionate about doing her bit to make Birmingham a fantastic place to live and work. She is a former Chair of BPS Birmingham Future; a trustee of local charity LoveBrum; Chair of the Regional Advisory Board for The Access Project; part of the organising committee for West Midlands Women’s Voice; mentor to a number of students and young professionals across the city; a trained Thomas International Personality Profiler; and on top of all this, a UK Corporate Governance practitioner.
What’s more, as a big believer in the value that can be gained from creating positive business connections, Becky is also the founder of seven successful networking events in the region; including the incredibly popular Colmore Curry Club.
Under Becky, SimkissGuy Recruitment aims to promote the city as a great place to live and work, whilst raising standards in the industry. The team does this through four key themes; investing in tomorrow., investing in the city, supporting citywide initiatives, and supporting the Colmore Business District. As a result, SimkissGuy Recruitment allows every member of the team to dedicate around two days month working voluntarily to these causes.
“We support a number of local organisations, who all do phenomenal work to help people across the city that we’re proud to call home. For us, it isn’t just about one fundraising day a year; we’re passionate about providing a platform for causes to be heard by new audiences, by giving them opportunities to speak at SimkissGuy Recruitment events, advocating for them in our networks, and using our skills to advise those who need it most.
“I wholeheartedly believe that SimkissGuy Recruitment would not have the reputation it does across the region, were it not for our unique approach to CSR. In an industry which is seen as cut-throat, we are not afraid to stand alone, to be different, and to use our network and connections for the greater good of the region. I think the SimkissGuy Recruitment model is one which is easily relatable, and very adaptable to every business across the West Midlands and beyond, and I challenge business leaders to pledge to do more,” concluded Becky.
The results of this year’s IoD Director of the Year awards will be announced at a special celebration event held at Edgbaston Stadium on Tuesday 19 June.