Business Details
Your Trusted Recruitment Partner in the South East
First Recruitment Services has been dedicated to connecting candidates and clients across the South East for over two decades. Our approach prioritises individual needs, ensuring both temporary and permanent placements align with personal and professional goals. With a team of experienced recruitment experts, we provide tailored guidance from CV preparation to interview success. Our commitment to equal treatment and long-term relationships has earned us recognition as one of the UK's top 100 recruitment agencies. As an independent organisation, we combine local market knowledge with a personalised service that larger agencies often lack. Our success stories reflect our philosophy of putting people first, whether supporting candidates in finding fulfilling roles or helping businesses secure top talent.Headquartered in Haywards Heath, we serve Sussex, Surrey, and Kent with a focus on hospitality and operations sectors. The management team brings decades of combined experience, ensuring strategic growth while maintaining our core values of integrity and dedication. Our reputation for reliability and client satisfaction has been built through consistent delivery of quality placements, even during challenging economic periods. We remain committed to evolving with industry needs while upholding the principles that have defined our service since establishment.
Services
Recruitment Services
Temporary Staffing
Permanent Placements
CV Guidance
Interview Preparation
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of recruitment expertise in the South East
- Dedicated experts guide you through every recruitment stage
- Personalised service tailored to individual client requirements
- Specialist knowledge of local market dynamics in Sussex, Surrey & Kent
- Proven track record of successful placements across industries
What people say
Lovely and easy to talk to
Reliable recruitment agency
Amazing service
Successful placements
Proactive and supportive team
Services
Recruitment Services
Our recruitment services connect qualified candidates with employers across multiple industries. We specialise in understanding both client requirements and candidate aspirations to achieve optimal matches. With sector-specific expertise in hospitality and operations, our consultants provide strategic staffing solutions that drive business success while supporting career progression. Our process combines market knowledge with personalised assessment techniques.
Temporary Staffing
We supply skilled temporary workers to meet fluctuating business demands. Our candidates undergo rigorous vetting to ensure they meet industry standards and client expectations. This flexible solution helps businesses maintain operational efficiency during peak periods or staff shortages while providing professionals with diverse work opportunities across the South East region.
Permanent Placements
Specialising in permanent executive and operational placements, we focus on long-term career matches. Our consultants conduct thorough candidate assessments and industry-specific interviews to identify individuals whose skills and values align with client organisations. This meticulous approach ensures lasting employment relationships that benefit both employers and employees across Sussex, Surrey, and Kent.
CV Guidance
Our experts provide professional CV development services that highlight candidates' key achievements and skills. We offer tailored advice on industry-specific formatting, keyword optimisation, and content presentation to maximise interview opportunities. This service ensures job applications effectively communicate professional value to potential employers in competitive markets.
Interview Preparation
We equip candidates with essential interview techniques through personalised coaching sessions. Our consultants share insider knowledge about common assessment methods and industry expectations. This preparation includes mock interviews, feedback sessions, and strategic advice to help applicants confidently demonstrate their qualifications and secure desired positions.
People
Michelle Merritt
Managing Director
With recruitment industry experience since 1998, Michelle leads FRS alongside two other successful agencies. She focuses on exceptional service delivery and business development while balancing global travel and theatre interests.
Lara Love
Regional Director
With 20 years in recruitment, Lara oversees team development and marketing. She manages candidate service standards while balancing her passion for animal welfare and office mascot appearances.
Claire Sipple
Group Operations Director
Having spent a decade at FRS, Claire manages daily operations and business growth. She combines professional expertise with countryside pursuits and family commitments in Kent.
Mark Smith
Recruitment Consultant
With over 20 years at FRS, Mark specialises in Mid-Sussex placements. Recognised for industry awards and local football enthusiasm, he maintains 24/7 availability for client needs.
Questions
What areas do you cover?
We specialise in Sussex, Surrey, and Kent, with branch offices in Brighton, Haywards Heath, Horsham, and Maidstone.
How long have you operated?
We've been connecting candidates and employers for over 20 years, establishing ourselves as a top 100 UK recruitment agency.
What makes FRS different?
Our independent status allows personalised service, combined with 20+ years' experience and dedicated sector specialists across multiple industries.
Do you handle temporary and permanent roles?
Yes, we provide both temporary staffing solutions and permanent executive placements tailored to specific industry requirements.
How do you support candidates?
We offer complete guidance including CV optimisation, interview coaching, and ongoing support from application through to employment.
