Meet our Co-Founder, Craig

The serious work stuff?

I’ve spent  half my life in this game, it’s a long time to stay in a particular industry, especially in Recruitment. I started out way back in 2003 after a friend joined a Recruiter and said I’d enjoy it way more than studying for the then FPC exams in Financial Services, and, ultimately they were right. Straight into Industrial Temp Recruitment, then Education, General Commercial for 13 years and 4 years within IT & Technology. 


Why did you set up Ranson Barnes?

Simple really, I wanted to get my work life balance back on track and to recruit how I wanted too- doing what’s right for both clients and candidates, not just what’s right for the back pocket. In honesty I should have done this a long time ago, I just wanted someone I trusted to do it with!


Any Pets?

Two fur babies, a beautiful black cat we rescued over 11 years ago called Bella and our newest addition, Finley, a boisterous Silver Labrador who we got at 10 weeks old at the start of August. 


Interests out of work?

I love a country walk in the Peaks which is why we moved so close to them years ago. A lovely Sunday morning walk around The Longshaw Estate and back to the Cricket Inn or The Crown for a Sunday lunch is a perfect day. On occasion I’ll also go shooting with Carl, go for an Archery Session or dust off my bike for a cycle around Eccy Woods.


Best place to unwind for a week?

I adore Italy and I’m fortunate to have seen a lot of the country over the years. It’s the food, the wine, the culture that I just can’t get enough of. But, for me there is no better place than Salcombe in South Devon, it’s like a second home as I’ve been going there since I was 7 and I try to head there a couple of times a year


What’s my “goto” dish?

I’m food obsessed and a fairly decent cook so I like a eating and making a variety of dishes. Favourite food to make is a nice Chilli and fave thing to eat is a hard one, but ultimately you can’t go wrong with a nice meat and potato pie with hendo’s lashed all over it.


What’s my go to tipple?

Tough question as its situation dependant, whiskey by an open fire, lovely glass of red with a nice meal, beer in a country pub following a walk, gin in the sun……. Yeah, I probably can’t answer the question 🙂


Why should you get in touch?

Industry knowledge, impartial advice, a successful track record or maybe Beard appreciation.