Publish Date: Posted about 5 years ago
Author:by Laura Paterson

Meet Cedar: Graham Thornton

At Cedar, we pride ourselves on treating everyone as an individual, which is why we’d like to introduce the individuals who make that happen. This week, we catch up with Graham Thornton, Director in the permanent division of our Qualified Finance Practice.How long have you been with Cedar? Since April 2005. And what convinced you to join? It was all down to Howard Bentwood – Cedar’s CEO. I’d spent my entire career in recruitment and was managing Qualified Finance (London) at Hudson at the time he tapped me up.What convinced me was how much energy, drive and ambition he exuded. Here was someone I could learn an enormous amount from and have fun along the way! What do you most enjoy about your work? In a people-based business, you quickly learn that everyone’s different, which means each day brings its own unique challenges. The upside is that no two days are the same and that keeps me on my toes. And what do you think you bring to it? In-depth experience and good counsel. And what motivates you? My family – first and foremost. But having a genuine input into Cedar’s ongoing growth plan and success comes a close second.If you could give just one tip to candidates, what would it be?Blow your own trumpet. Arrogance won’t get you anywhere, however, it’s critical to ensure that when you leave the room the interviewers are in no doubt as to your abilities and what you bring to the table.And to clients? Don’t forget to sell yourself, your company and the role. Outside work, what are you proudest of? My amazing twin daughters – who are thoroughly talented despite my influence! How would you convince anyone thinking of calling Cedar to do so? We offer a bespoke service that isn’t just marketing spiel. We really do recognise that you’re an individual rather than treat you as a commodity, whether you’re a client or a candidate.Which app couldn’t you survive without?MetOffice. I cycle to work every day and – as I’ve learned – when you’re about to set off on a 26-mile round trip it’s no good just looking out of the window to check the weather!Favourite box-set? House of Cards.And your ideal Sunday? An early morning bike ride through the Surrey countryside, followed by a day with the family including a long walk with our two-year-old Cockapoo, a leisurely home-cooked Sunday roast and plenty of fresh air for all of us. Unless, of course, Liverpool are on TV – then it’s a different story!

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How long have you been with Cedar? Since April 2005. And what convinced you to join? It was all down to Howard Bentwood – Cedar’s CEO. I’d spent my entire career in recruitment and was managing Qualified Finance (London) at Hudson at the time he tapped me up.

What convinced me was how much energy, drive and ambition he exuded. Here was someone I could learn an enormous amount from and have fun along the way!

What do you most enjoy about your work? In a people-based business, you quickly learn that everyone’s different, which means each day brings its own unique challenges. The upside is that no two days are the same and that keeps me on my toes.

And what do you think you bring to it? In-depth experience and good counsel.

And what motivates you? My family – first and foremost. But having a genuine input into Cedar’s ongoing growth plan and success comes a close second.

If you could give just one tip to candidates, what would it be?

Blow your own trumpet. Arrogance won’t get you anywhere, however, it’s critical to ensure that when you leave the room the interviewers are in no doubt as to your abilities and what you bring to the table.

And to clients? Don’t forget to sell yourself, your company and the role. Outside work, what are you proudest of? My amazing twin daughters – who are thoroughly talented despite my influence!

How would you convince anyone thinking of calling Cedar to do so? We offer a bespoke service that isn’t just marketing spiel. We really do recognise that you’re an individual rather than treat you as a commodity, whether you’re a client or a candidate.

Which app couldn’t you survive without?MetOffice. I cycle to work every day and – as I’ve learned – when you’re about to set off on a 26-mile round trip it’s no good just looking out of the window to check the weather!

Favourite box-set? House of Cards.And your ideal Sunday? An early morning bike ride through the Surrey countryside, followed by a day with the family including a long walk with our two-year-old Cockapoo, a leisurely home-cooked Sunday roast and plenty of fresh air for all of us. Unless, of course, Liverpool are on TV – then it’s a different story!

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