One of the two First Choice’s owners, with a 50% shareholding, although Andy says his half of the company is smaller than Anne’s! He leads on our Industrial division and loves to work on improving our relationships with and service to clients. When he’s not in the office you might find Andy on the terraces at Burnley Football Club (poor guy), playing golf, or walking his dog with the family. He is the founder of the WACCL (Wakefield’s Annual Children Charity Lunch) and of Wakefield Works, a scheme to inspire the district’s unemployed.
Andy Turner
Managing Partner
Anne Lockwood
Managing Partner
One of the two owners of First Choice, Anne’s main role is keeping business partner Andy in check! She leads on compliance, keeping us up to date with relevant legislation and making sure everything is running smoothly. She claims not to have any spare time and then lists her hobbies as spending time with her lovely grandson Sam, being a school governor, and spending time at her holiday home in Northern Italy. On Anne’s bucket list is doing an A-Z of city breaks – she’s done 15 so far!
Beth Cameron
Marketing and Social Media Assistant
Beth has a Masters in Graphic Design and a CPD Certification in social media management, Beth specialises in all things creative and marketing related. Outside of work, Beth has her own social media and design business, and enjoys spending time with her loved ones (mainly her cat and dog), likes to go on walks (especially sunset ones!), is into gaming, a bit coffee obsessed, and loves music. She also does a lot of charity work, especially for mental health organisations.
Clare Haywood
Finance and Admin Manager
Another office ace, Clare is our finance and admin manager.Be nice to her – she’s responsible for making sure everyone gets paid. She describes her specialist skills as giving and demanding money plus being handy with a calculator! Outside of work Clare is busy with her two children. She loves a good soak in the bath, walks with the family and going out with childhood sweetheart and husband John, often to see a good musical.
Heidi Wood
Commerical Team Manager
Heidi heads up the Commercial team (permanent and temporary) and has been a recruitment professional for more than 25 years. Heidi joined First Choice in 2008 and enjoys building relationships with clients and candidates to ensure as a team we give a seamless service. Outside of work you’ll find her keeping fit, cycling, fitness classes and dancing, coupled with supporting her kids with sports training. She has a bit of an eye for interior design and loves to garden.
Jo Hill
Administration
Another of our friendly faces on reception is Jo Jo. You might speak to her on the phone or she could answer your email as she’s one of four fabulous office aces. She makes sure everythingruns smoothly for candidates. When she’s not taking care of us in the office you’ll fine Jo travelling, on coastal walks or maybe even dancing! Family is very important to her, and she loves spending time with her gorgeous nephew.
Jonathan Gaunt
Industrial Team Manager
Jonathan is our Industrial Team Manager, joining First Choice in 2020. He started his career in 2001 within Engineering before moving into Construction in 2008. Having spent much of this time heavily involved in training, especially apprenticeships, he is very passionate about helping people find the right career path for them and the sustainability of specialist skills in UK industries. With 20 years of industry experience, Jonathan loves all things mechanical and contributes to the Wakefield Manufacturer’s Forum events regularly. Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys attend live m...
Joanna Gornicka
Senior Account Manager
Working closely with Heidi, Joanna G is part of Team Commercial and has been with us for 6 years. With a Masters in engineering, environmental protection and development, Joanna is ideally placed to help our commercial clients. She loves socialising with friends and spending time with her children. Joanna loves coffee, music, movies and DIY jobs - she hates to be sat still!
Joanna Kurowska
Account Manager - Industrial
One of our Industrial account managers, Joanna’s time at work is mainly spent interviewing candidates, texting her husband and keepingothers in check. She has leadership skills (some people say bossy, we don’t!) and seems to have magic powers to conjure up the right people for a jobat short notice. Outside of work she cooks delectable Polish goodies, spends time with friends and having lots of cuddles from her daughter Hanna, born March 2020!