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Our Story in Motor Trade Recruitment

2003
2005
2007
2009
2014
2019
2021
2023
2026

2003: How Perfect Placement Started

Perfect Placement UK Ltd was founded by Lisa and Glenn Unstead, a daughter and father-in-law team with strong service-based backgrounds.

Having recognised that many recruiters were failing to meet the expectations of automotive businesses, their shared goal was to provide a specialist Motor Trade Recruitment service dedicated entirely to the Norfolk motor trade sector.

2005: Why did we expand so quickly?

By early 2005 the business was growing rapidly and we needed more space to support our expanding team.

Moving into our first purpose-built premises allowed us to continue building momentum as Perfect Placement quickly became the go-to automotive recruitment partner across the Southern regions of England.

2007: What is the "Under One Roof" concept?

Growth continued at pace and by 2007 we were once again outgrowing our office space.

Our next move was into a 4,000 sq/ft Recruitment Centre which cemented our “Under One Roof” concept – bringing our automotive recruitment specialists together to share knowledge, collaborate effectively and deliver a consistently high level of service to both clients and candidates.

What this means for you: Unlike fragmented franchise agencies, our centralised team shares candidate intelligence instantly, helping to fill vacancies faster and more efficiently.

2009: How did we achieve national coverage?

By 2009 our specialist approach to automotive recruitment had expanded our reach across every region of the UK. As demand for our services continued to grow, we strengthened our internal team, delivered specialist training and invested more than £1 million in advanced recruitment technology.

This investment helped us support an increasing number of automotive businesses nationwide while continuing to deliver the high level of service our clients and candidates expect.

2014: Establishing the Headquarters

Being named Automotive Recruitment Agency of the Year for the first time the year before was a milestone moment for the team.

As the business continued to grow, we took the opportunity to move into a new home, an 11,500 sq/ft headquarters equipped with everything our recruiters need to thrive.

2019: How do we use technology?

2019 marked a major step forward for Perfect Placement as we introduced a full rebrand alongside a new website designed to improve the candidate experience. We also launched a custom-built CRM system which enabled us to further streamline our automotive recruitment service and support both clients and candidates more efficiently.

That same year we were proud to receive the Car Dealer Power Award for Automotive Recruitment Agency of the Year for the seventh year in a row.

2021: How did we handle the pandemic?

With some new words in our dictionaries after the previous year (COVID, Unprecedented, Furlough, Lockdown) we entered 2021 working from home and making sure we were on hand to assist both our Automotive Clients and Motor Trade Candidates with answers to their recruitment needs. Whilst a rocky start to the year, we ended it on a high with more jobs than we had ever advertised before – with a record amount of new business and a phenomenal number of placements.

We were the proud recipients of the Car Dealer Power Award 'Automotive Recruitment Agency of The Year' for the ninth year in a row.

2023: Twenty Years of Automotive Recruitment

In 2023 Perfect Placement celebrated twenty years in automotive recruitment. What began in 2003 as a specialist recruitment agency serving the Norfolk motor trade had grown into a multi-award winning automotive recruitment business, supporting dealerships, dealer groups and automotive organisations across the country.

Reaching this milestone was an opportunity to reflect on two decades of growth, long-standing partnerships and the thousands of candidates whose careers we have helped shape along the way.

2026: Continuing to Evolve

More than two decades after our founding, Perfect Placement continues to evolve alongside the automotive industry. Investment in people, technology and specialist sector knowledge remains central to how we operate, allowing us to deliver a recruitment service built specifically for the motor trade.

As the industry continues to change, our focus remains the same as it was in 2003: to remain the trusted automotive recruitment partner for both clients and candidates across the UK.

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Our values

For more than two decades, Perfect Placement has focused exclusively on automotive recruitment, helping employers across the motor trade find skilled professionals while supporting candidates looking for the next step in their motor trade careers. Our specialist knowledge of the automotive industry allows us to match the right people with the right opportunities.

Passion
Integrity
Proactivity
Excellence
Knowledge
Innovation
We are passionate about what we do and take real pride in delivering outstanding Motor Trade Recruitment services. Supporting businesses and candidates across the Automotive Industry is what drives us every day. Our team brings energy, knowledge and commitment to every interaction, always pushing themselves to go above and beyond to keep Perfect Placement at the forefront of Automotive Recruitment. We truly live and breathe the motor trade.
Integrity is the foundation of everything we do. We believe strong, long-term relationships in Motor Trade Recruitment are built on trust, honesty and transparency. Every interaction with our clients and candidates is guided by fairness, professionalism and respect. As a proud member of the REC, we follow their strict code of practice and uphold the highest industry standards, ensuring an ethical and reliable automotive recruitment service you can trust.
We pride ourselves on our proactive approach to Motor Trade Recruitment, always working to find the Perfect Placement for both clients and candidates. If we do not have the right solution immediately, we leave no stone unturned in our search. Our team is constantly networking across the automotive industry, identifying opportunities and delivering effective automotive recruitment solutions.
Our team strives for excellence in everything we do. Rather than resting on our achievements, we continuously look for ways to improve both personally and professionally. This commitment drives us to deliver the highest standards in Motor Trade Recruitment and Automotive Recruitment, constantly raising the bar for service across the automotive industry.
Knowledge is at the heart of our success. We understand the motor trade jobs market and the needs of the automotive industry inside out. Our team keeps up to date with developments across the sector, allowing us to stay ahead and deliver informed, effective Motor Trade Recruitment and Automotive Recruitment solutions for both clients and candidates.
Innovation has always been central to how we operate. Throughout our years in business we have continually invested in new ideas, technology and better ways of working. By combining forward-thinking tools with deep industry experience, we remain at the forefront of Motor Trade Recruitment and Automotive Recruitment, helping us deliver better results across the automotive industry.

How to Find Your Next Hire or Role

Whether you're a commercial dealership looking for an experienced HGV Technician or a candidate searching for your next Parts Advisor role, our process is designed to make the journey straightforward, efficient and successful for everyone involved.

Step 1: Understanding the Requirement
We start by getting a clear picture of the role or opportunity. For employers, this means understanding the business, the team and exactly what you're looking for. For candidates, it means learning about your experience, your goals and what the right next move looks like for you

Step 2: Finding the Right Match
Our consultants use our extensive database and network across the UK motor trade to identify suitable matches. For employers, we shortlist candidates whose skills and experience fit the role. For candidates, we introduce opportunities that genuinely align with your background and career goals.

Step 3: Managing the Process
We coordinate interviews, support both parties through the process and assist with offers and negotiations. Our aim is to make the experience smooth from first conversation to successful placement.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What sectors of the motor trade do you cover?

We cover the entire automotive spectrum. This includes franchise dealerships, independent garages, accident repair centres, and commercial vehicle workshops. We place candidates in roles ranging from vehicle technicians and service advisors to dealer principals and regional management.

How quickly can you fill a vacancy?

Our "Under One Roof" model allows our team to share candidate data instantly. In many cases, we can submit qualified CVs within 24 hours of taking a job brief. Our extensive database of active motor trade professionals helps reduce time-to-hire significantly.

Are you a member of any professional bodies?

Yes, we are a long-standing member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). We adhere strictly to their code of practice, ensuring ethical, compliant, and professional standards in every placement we manage for clients and candidates.

Do you help with salary benchmarking?

Yes. Because we operate nationally and fill thousands of roles annually, we have real-time data on salary trends across the UK. We advise clients on current market rates to help them attract and retain the best talent in 2026.

How do you vet candidates before sending them?

We conduct thorough telephone interviews to verify experience, qualifications, and employment history before presenting any CV. We check specific technical certifications (such as MOT tester status or EV qualifications) to ensure the candidate meets the precise requirements of your workshop or dealership.

Why Choose Perfect Placement Over a Generalist?

Generalist agencies often lack the technical understanding required to vet complex automotive roles. We differ because our consultants are trained specifically on motor trade terminology, qualifications, and certifications. Whether you need a Master Technician with specific EV qualifications or a Service Advisor with Kerridge experience, we understand the requirement immediately. This reduces time wasted on unsuitable CVs and ensures every candidate we present is genuinely capable of doing the job.

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