What people say about us

While we could talk at length about what makes VANA different, we'd rather let the people who matter most have their say.

'Please read on, or visit our LinkedIn profile.

“I hired VANA to find a replacement for my own role as HR Director for the UK business of ING Direct. At the initial briefing they quickly understood the key cultural and business challenges and she very quickly produced a shortlist of first class candidates. The support to both ING and the candidates throughout the selection process was exceptional and we closed a deal with an excellent candidate in a timely way" David Weeks, HR Director

‘I have worked with VANA on numerous occasions both as a candidate and as a client.  I trust their judgement as they have consistently been proved right. Debbie introduced me to my current role and I look forward to continuing our relationship’  Kate Banks, HR Director, ING Direct

‘VANA have worked for me from both sides of the table a number of times. Each experience has more than met expectations for delivery of results and service. I was kept informed throughout each process, at all relevant tollgates and got the results required.  I was delighted to secure my current role through VANA’ Emer Boulter, Exec HRBP, Vodafone

‘I consider VANA a service partner not a supplier, such is their commitment, insight and contribution.  On each assignment Debbie and Jo have delivered an excellent end result in a personable, professional and dedicated manner.  This sort of service and market and insight are rare in the HR field’ Hamish Ferguson, European HR Director at Moog Inc.

‘I have worked with Debbie as both a candidate and a client.  It is refreshing to work with a high-integrity recruiter who has a genuine interest in finding the right ‘fit’ for both candidate and organisation.  VANA offer a high quality service and we have continued our partnership’  John Burgess, Head of Leadership, Talent & Resourcing, AXA

‘As a widely respected HR resourcing firm, VANA are embedded within the HR market and the effort they invest in maintaining strong relationships with everyone they touch pays dividends in the quality of service they offer.  VANA do what they say and do it exceptionally well’  Julia Days Head of Resourcing, UNITE Group plc

‘Debbie acted on my behalf and introduced me to my current role, as a result of this good service VANA have continued to be a long standing HR resourcing partner to our business.  We have been extremely happy with the service provided’ Pippa Daniels, HR Director Future Publishing PLC.

‘I know I won’t get a better recruitment experience than VANA.  This quality runs right through the firm – their formula is spot on’ Linda Youngs, Head of HR, ETF Securities Bank

 ‘VANA offered everything I wanted in a headhunter – they are thorough, professional, reliable and know their market inside out.  VANA are one of the most proactive firms I have worked with and would have no hesitation in using their services again or recommending VANA to others; Rob Olorenshaw, Transition & Integration Director at Friends Life

‘Debbie is the upmost professional who is determined, tenacious and delivers excellent results. Debbie works incredibly hard to ensure the right solution is delivered, a pleasure to work with’ Stuart Affleck, Head of HR & Group L&D Liverpool Victoria

"I worked with VANA to find an HR Director for our business based on the M4 corridor and it was clear at an early stage that she is incredibly well-networked and highly regarded in the region. She is very persistent, delivered effectively and I was very happy with the experience. Debbie also provides a good sounding board on any recruitment matters and takes the time to build genuine relationships." Richard Drury, SVP HR at Invensys Plc

‘I was extremely impressed with the professionalism, and deep understanding of the market in the West, and above all their excellent advice.  VANA found me an ideal position which matches my requirements and aspirations.’ Mark Boorman, HR Director, OCHRE Business Services

‘“I have worked with Jo as a candidate and as a client and Jo is equally good in either arena, she balances the needs of both parties very well.” Damon Stubbs, Head of HR UK, IRE, Europe, Halcrow Group

‘I have worked with VANA from a client and candidate perspective. I would not hesitate to recommend their expertise in the HR field. Most recently, they introduced me to my role as Interim Head of Resourcing at Endsleigh Insurance Services.  Jo and Debbie are a credit to their profession and a pleasure to deal with.” Simon Amesbury, Head of Resourcing

‘I found Jo honest, trustworthy and very approachable. During an in-depth interview she spent time identifying my requirements and quickly secured me the role as Interim Global Resourcing Manager for Omnicare International’ Catherine Lloyd, Global Resourcing Specialist

‘Debbie has worked with the firm to deliver a number of senior appointments, ensuring candidates reflect the values and culture of the firm.  I experienced her professionalism as a candidate myself when I relocated from London and to secure this role via VANA.  Significantly better than many other consultancies I have used over the years’ Mai O’Sullivan, HR Director Bevan Brittan LLP

‘My first preference when recruiting senior HR professionals is VANA.  Debbie and Jo have an excellent knowledge of this market and their introductions have continued to be great performers and real assets to the business.  VANA stand out for their tailored approach, consistent quality of candidates and utmost integrity’. Colin Tozer, Head of HR, LBG

‘VANA came through recommendation and lived up to expectations.  Debbie is very inquisitive, got to know my company and requirements quickly and turned this into a proactive intelligent search.  She produced a strong shortlist of candidates and we appointed an excellent individual.  Look forward to the next time.’ Andy Daubney, HR Director

‘VANA have placed a number of HR professionals within my teams and I have always found Debbie to be pragmatic, hones and solutions based in her approach.  She understands the organisation and the importance for the right cultural fit.  VANA are experts in their field and have helped shape my thinking about the skills/attributes that might support us as an organisation moving forward.  Long may our partnership continue.’ Dawn Thomas, HR Director

‘I would recommend no other than VANA in their area of expertise’.  Ian Bassett, HR Director, Midas Group

‘One of the few really good executive recruitment firms; they know their client, interviewed on behalf of their client extremely well, and managed me with honesty, professionalism and excellent engagement’ Paul Mulholland, HR Director

‘VANA deliver on their promises and seek to build mutually beneficial long term relationships’ Carrie Hall, HR Director Apetito

‘As a widely respected HR resourcing firm, VANA are embedded within the HR market and the effort they invest in maintaining strong relationships with everyone they touch pays dividends in the quality of service they offer.  VANA do what they say and do it exceptionally well’  Julia Days Head of Resourcing, UNITE Group plc

‘VANA are well networked, and look after their client and candidate portfolio exceptionally well. I highly recommend them as a HR Partner’ Sue Lane, HR Director, Principality Group

‘An excellent partner for any individual or organisation, their knowledge of the market is second to none.’ Iain Gibson, International HR Lead, Buro Happold

‘Jo brings a refreshing approach to recruitment, focussed on getting the right result and knowing the market very well, a pleasure to deal with’ Mike Kelly, Group HR Manager, Milklink

‘Jo is a rare find - a recruiter who does what she says she will do, who does not promise things she cannot deliver and is responsive. I have engaged her to recruit into my team and also to work on my behalf when I am a candidate. The quality of her delivery cannot be faulted’ Catherine Perks, International HRBP, Invensys

‘High integrity, with exemplary communication standards not often utilised by other recruitment agencies, the service Jo provides makes you feel valued & important. Why go anywhere else?’ Alison Knowlson, HR leader

‘VANA is a ‘must go to’ firm for senior HR recruitment in the West’ Barry Gipson, Management Development, Osborne Clarke

‘VANA have helped us with two key appointments providing a great service and excellent results.  Debbie took time to get to know our firm, define the roles more carefully and delivered a first-class shortlist on both occasions’ Andrew Lovell, Practice Director, Michelmores

‘Dynamic and professional in their approach, coupled with an exceptional commercial acumen and genuine interest in the businesses they partner, means they consistently deliver results’ Leah Clancy, Senior HRBP, LBG

‘Many years working with VANA, always impressed by their professionalism and expertise’ Julie Jordan, Senior HRBP, Simply Health Group

‘VANA stand out for all the right reasons, I would recommend them every time’ Nick Taylor, Head of HR, PBG

‘Debbie helped me make the move from private equity investing to my role as Finance Director of Abel & Cole, her support was crucial in securing this opportunity.  I highly recommend her.’ Ted Bell, FD, Abel & Cole

‘Debbie has a refreshingly honest and professional approach that sets her apart from peers, particularly those resourcing at a senior level.  Debbie’s approach is backed by her strong network, experience and tenacity – I have always got the results I wanted from working with her’  Tim Carr, FD, Bon-Bon Buddies