Skip to content
Since launching in 2004, AFR Consulting has developed into one of the most established financial recruitment companies for the business and accountancy community across the region. We believe we are successful due to the director led service we provide to our candidates and clients which is both personal and professional, with the emphasis on quality rather than quantity.
Due to the length of time we have serviced this region we have an extensive knowledge of candidates and companies across the area which is of great added value to all our customers (candidates and clients alike). We pride ourselves on having accurate and up to date knowledge of the market which is essential whether you are looking for a new job or looking to recruit.
We are proud of the network and reputation we have built up over the years and feel our approachable manner is one of the key reasons for our success. Numbers are your life, people are ours.
Need to ask us a Question?
Give us a call: 01254 311133
Meet the AFR team
Simon Speak – Director & Senior Recruiter
My Role
I deal with mid to senior level placements in Lancashire and North Manchester. Since 1998 I have recruited roles at all levels into companies ranging from start-ups to SME’s, larger companies and listed businesses.
My goal is to help companies recruit and retain great people for their finance department. This is achieved by understanding both my clients and candidates’ needs, deploying the market knowledge I have gained over the years through working exclusively on accountancy and finance vacancies.
I still get a lot of satisfaction ensuring clients and candidates find the right match and am well placed to advise you on your next career move and the current market for talent in the Lancashire and North Manchester region.
Outside of work
I am married and have three young children who keep me very busy. I am a keen snowboarder and when possible I like to play squash and go out on my mountain bike, I also enjoy cooking and gardening.
Top recruitment tip
Always be honest when discussing your skills and experience, you never know who knows who…..
Tammy Smith – Director and Senior Recruiter
My Role
Since 2000, I have always focused on transactional level placements for Accounts Assistants and Clerks, Purchase Leger Managers and Clerks, Credit Controllers of all levels and Payroll. Over the past few years, I have moved to also cover Assistant Accountants and Accounts Managers, covering any recruitment below £30K. I specialise in Lancashire and the surrounding areas.
Background
I completed a degree at the University of Central Lancashire and then like many people fell into recruitment. Upon graduating, I registered with a Recruitment Agency hoping to find a role that would give me office experience and they offered me a temporary position working within their office. I then caught the recruitment bug and have now been within the industry for 21 years!
Why AFR?
I previously worked with Simon and he approached me in 2008 to set up a Junior Division within AFR Consulting as at the time they only specialised in placing Qualified and Part Qualified candidates and didn’t have anyone that covered the level I did. I knew AFR as a competitor and they had a great reputation in the market place and seemed to work in the same way as I did so I jumped at the opportunity and I’m so glad I did. After being in recruitment for 21 years, I can honestly say I still love my job and I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.
Outside of work
Me, my fiancé and our lovely dog moved into a 300 year old cottage so a lot of our spare time is spent working on that. I am from a very large family and I love spending time with them. I am also still very close to my school friends and my uni friends and socialise a lot with those. We love holidaying in the UK and have spent a number of summers with our dog in North Cornwall. We love Padstow and have sampled some of the most amazing sea food there at Rik Steins Seafood Restaurant as well as Jamie Olivers restaurant in Watergate bay. I haven’t tried surfing yet but never say never! Maybe this year….
Top recruitment tip
Always go with your gut instinct. If there is something that doesn’t seem right it probably isn’t!