Looking Back at 2009 : Looking Forward to 2010

We’re regularly asked how busy we are as we’re seen as a good indication of the health of the PE / VC world.  If we’re busy then the industry tends to be too.  I therefore thought it would be interesting to give a review of PER’s year.

In December 2008, the world had changed and it’s fair to say that most people in the VC / PE world were apprehensive about the year ahead.  The years 2007 and 2008 had been record breaking ones for PER but the market came to a halt as Lehman’s collapsed.  Our pipeline of roles slowed dramatically in the last quarter of 2008 and searches were either put on hold or stopped completely.  We weren’t sure what 2009 would bring us but knew we had a loyal client base.  We hoped it could be a chance to increase market share as crises often create opportunities.

We’re pleased to say that 2009 has been relatively successful.  We believe we have gained market share, become more efficient and we hope are providing a better service to our clients.  We look forward to 2010 and go into the year with a strong pipeline of searches and great relationships in place.  All of our clients have been fantastic.  The PE world seems much more confident about the year ahead, and is planning on building for the future.

Back to PER and 2009.  A huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes at PER and the following highlights how busy we’ve been.  We have;

·         Screened 19,000 applications or expressions of interest for our roles during the year

·         Confirmed 11,600 confidentiality agreements with individuals

·         Conducted 2,200 interviews

·         Prepared 3,200 CVs to be sent to clients (some sent more than once)

·         Shortlisted 212 exceptional candidates in four of our cv books

·         Arranged an interview for every 1.6 CVs sent to a client (an increase of 100% over the year showing much improved quality of candidates)

·         Worked with 100 new clients

·         Held 340 client meetings

·         Went on 6 business development and candidate screening trips outside of the UK to Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Scandinavia and the Middle East

·         Had 72 offers accepted – 25 experienced private equity professionals from Partner to Principal and 47 Analysts and Associates

It’ll be interesting to see how 2010 progresses and hopefully it’ll be a favourable year for everyone in the PE world.  We’ll report back in a year’s time.