ABOUT

If you’re hiring into your finance team or looking for a role yourself you’ll probably want pragmatic, evidence based advice in straight forward terms. The modern job market is tough so if you want the best people or the best roles, this is how we can help to increase your chances.

Maybe your offers keep getting turned down, or you’re finding it difficult to attract the right talent? Or perhaps you’re trying to progress to the next level but can’t seem to get to interview stage?

Our business is run by qualified Finance Directors and experienced recruiters who can offer greater insight into how to overcome your challenges. For us, financial recruitment is not a numbers game.

OUR STORY

  • 1986

    FD Yorkshire Limited is incorporated, providing part-time FD services to local businesses

  • 1990s

    Steady growth, with lots of businesses starting to appoint part-time FDs

  • 2000s

    New century, new branding – “FDYL”. Associate FD model grows

  • 2010s

    Finance team recruitment becomes additional service line to support growing clients

  • 2016

    FDYL merges with national recruitment consultancy Woodrow Mercer to create Woodrow Mercer Finance. Mixing recruitment expertise with FD advisory.

  • 2020

    Headstar is born. The management team of Woodrow Mercer Finance lead an MBO to launch a rebranded, finance-focused business.

MEET THE TEAM

Neil Muffitt

Chairman & Portfolio Finance Director

With more than 25 years experience around board room tables, Neil believes that objectivity and an ability to challenge the status quo are essential for effective FDs. He currently recruits and manages the team of portfolio FDs and in his spare time has been known to tread the boards in the local amdram society. neil.muffitt@headstar.co.uk

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James Roach

Managing Director

James initially joined FDYL in 2013 as a portfolio FD, joining the business on a full-time basis in 2014 to help launch the recruitment division. James led the MBO into Headstar in 2020 and combines his FD consultancy work with ongoing recruitment assignments. In his spare time, he enjoys things like cycling down the Death…

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Natalie McGregor

Commercial Director

Having spent seven years with a blue-chip recruiter, Natalie has a strong track record in recruitment with experience of working across many sectors. She now specialises in the recruitment of entry level and part/newly qualified finance roles and manages this division across the North of England. A keen runner and boxer, she has temporarily put…

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David Clark

Operations Director

David joined us in June 2017, having worked for Michael Page for 9 years. For the last 4 he was business manager within their interim finance division in West Yorkshire, where he recruited across all industry sectors. He will now continue to act as an interim specialist for senior finance appointments at qualified level across…

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Jenny Mayer

Head Consultant

Jenny joined with 7 years of experience recruiting senior permanent appointments within both Accountancy & HR. Having spent time in both external agency and internal recruitment environments, she understands what everyone needs out of the recruitment process and makes sure everyone’s kept in the loop. Jenny will continue playing to her strengths recruiting for qualified…

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Ross Wallace

Consultant - Practice

With over 7 years’ experience in recruitment Ross has earned himself a reputation for being mature, honest and pragmatic in his approach. Having spent the lion’s share of his career in the legal arena, he knows the value of being thorough. This – combined with his personable character – has made him a favourite amongst…

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Olivia Egan

Consultant – Transactional Finance

Olivia joined us in 2018 initially to support purely on the candidate side. She quickly demonstrated her versatility though and became a firm favourite with clients, prompting a promotion to Consultant in 2020. Olivia specialises in placing the best transactional talent into businesses and in her spare time is busy being a new Mum! olivia.egan@headstar.co.uk

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Niamh Hellewell

Consultant – Credit Control

Having joined in January 2018 to learn the ropes, Niamh has rapidly developed through the ranks working closely with Natalie McGregor. She has been exposed to all areas of finance recruitment and in late 2020 was promoted to Consultant with a specific focus on helping clients find the best credit controllers and sales ledger managers.…

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Jordan MacDonald

Associate Consultant – Interim

Jordan joined us in October 2020 after returning home from 2 years of work and travel down under. After starting his career as a Candidate Consultant in Sydney’s IT market, Jordan now specialises in the recruitment of finance professionals across Yorkshire for Headstar’s Interim Division. Outside of work, Jordan can be found listening to podcasts,…

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Georgia Dutton

Operations Manager

Georgia makes things happen across the Headstar office! Charged with maintaining the integrity of our CRM, she also supports our consultants with their various activity. A talented artist, she can also be found on a dancefloor when not at work! georgia.dutton@headstar.co.uk

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Linda Garrett

Associate Consultant – Transactional Finance

Linda joined in 2019, after graduating from University where she studied Business and Management. Linda initially joined the business as a Resourcer for Senior Finance before progressing into an Associate Consultant, specialising in placing finance people into temporary transactional roles. Outside of work, Linda likes to travel with friends and, unfortunately for Linda, spends her…

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Samantha Dobney

Finance Manager

Sam initially joined us in 2015. Having had some time out to raise her sons, she re-joined in 2020 to head up our finance department. An outstanding finance professional and a stickler for the detail, we keep Sam under wraps so that clients don’t get any ideas!

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Alex Law

Senior Consultant – Transactional Finance

Alex joined us in January 2021 having had 4 years recruitment experience working in the Transactional Finance market across all sectors. Over that time, he has built a reputation for being a professional, diligent and honest recruiter. This along with his easy to like personality means he has a great network of both clients and…

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Katrina Wells

Finance Manager

Working alongside Sam, Kat handles the contractual side of the business and supports clients and contractor candidates. Practicing what we preach, we only hire the best finance people and Kat is living proof of this! A keen walker, Kat can be seen most mornings out with her 3 dogs.

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