We’ve been talking to the people who were there right at the start. Here are their thoughts on how Pure has changed over the years, and what that means to them both personally and professionally.

First up, Ian Walters and Gill Buchanan.

Ian Walters, co-founder and CEO

It’s so good to be able take a moment to pause and reflect on what we’ve learned at Pure over the last 20 years. Especially the way we’ve made a difference to the job seekers and organisations we work with.

I’m incredibly proud of the company I’ve helped to create. It’s our people who make the real difference though. Watching them grow and develop is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. Our team, both old and new, is very special to me.

I have a lot of great memories from the last 20 years. The most enduring are all the times I’ve stood in front of our team at our end-of-year celebrations sharing our highlights – there are always so many things to be proud of. And we couldn’t have got to where we are today without the support of our clients. They’ve been nothing but great since day one. I’ll never forget getting paid for our very first job placement all the way back in November 2002.

20 years ago we set out to build long-lasting valued relationships, as we believed that was the best thing we could do for our clients and for job seekers. And that’s as true today as it was then. 

Gill Buchanan, co-founder and chief operating officer

When we started Pure 20 years ago, I never dreamed I’d be in this position, having helped to build a sustainable and established business that both clients and job seekers keep coming back to. Our low staff turnover shows that we must be doing something right – and we’re consistently adding new employees who bring us fresh ideas and perspectives. I’ve particularly loved seeing the businesses around us grow, and the contribution we’ve made by adding to their teams, while also helping individuals progress through their careers. We’ve come a long way since starting out with only three people in one tiny room.

Sadly this is my last year at Pure – I’m stepping away to do some travelling and follow some new interests. But I’m leaving with so many amazing memories. Like making our first job placement way back in 2002. Or when we moved into our first office in 2005. Getting our Investor in People gold accreditation for the first, and second, time. Establishing an induction programme for our teams, the Best Employers and Women in Leadership initiatives, getting our wellbeing strategy in place, moving to remote working, creating our salary survey tool… there’s too many to count!

I’m confident that Pure will keep helping people find the jobs they want, while also helping our teams have fulfilling careers. And that it’ll continue to be a caring and socially responsible business.