Member Spotlight: Paul Wingfield, CEO – William James Recruitment

1. Introduce yourself

Hi I’m Paul Wingfield, CEO of Manchester based legal specialist, William James Recruitment. After a short, but sweet, professional rugby career, I moved into the world of recruitment.

Swapping training every day for a suit, tie and a two hour drive into the city centre (traffic wise) was difficult at first, but its lasted for over 20 years, so I must enjoy it.

Over the years I’ve assisted in the building of two successful legal recruitment businesses and I’m all about the team. I really couldn’t do what I do without a fantastic team around me, and for that I very grateful.

I’m also the designated dog walker at home (Hungarian Vizsla) and father to a nine month old little boy, Ethan.

Its pretty much Walk, Work, Baby, Sleep, and Repeat!

2. Career highlight

Seeing people come through the business, progressing and winning awards within the industry. It’s the most rewarding part of the role for me. We have a fantastic training academy, and work hard with graduates, established recruiters and lawyers retraining, to give them the tools they need to do a fantastic job for our clients.

3. Name three words that describe your personality

Fun, adventurous, driven.

4. What is the best thing about pro-manchester?

The networking opportunities with like-minded people and businesses. The local business updates and a fantastic mix of events.

5. What are your priorities for 2024?

Growing the business, cementing our position in Manchester as the leading Legal recruitment company and raising money for our chosen charity SPOONS.

Spoons Neonatal Charity provides invaluable support to parents and families of babies who require neonatal care in Greater Manchester. The charity aims to alleviate stress and reduce the isolation of families who experience neonatal care by offering family peer support, trauma counselling, and baby stay and play sessions in the community post-discharge.

I would be thrilled if you could support us as we compete in the Manchester 10K. The Spoons Charity has been a lifeline for us personally, and we couldn’t have made it through the last year without them.

Ethan was born six weeks premature and spent time at both St Marys and North Manchester hospitals. You can donate here: https://ajbellgreatmanchesterrun2024.enthuse.com/pf/wjr/post/5449648

6. What do you think are the most important things going on in Manchester at the moment?

The continuation of the rebuilding of Manchester, both from a population, cultural, and business point of view. The opportunities that all this investment is going to provide seems endless to me and it’s a testament to all the hard working Mancunians!

7. Favourite meeting place in Manchester

200 degrees coffee shop, which handily is just below our office. There’s always someone in there that I haven’t seen for a long time, and the barista training is a nice little add on for a team event, social or get together.

8. Are there any particular types of businesses that you would like to meet?

Law firms or commercial businesses with in-house legal teams. We are always interested in speaking with local charities and do our best as a team to give something back to the city.

Get In Touch

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 07581 469779

LinkedIn: Paul Wingfield | LinkedIn