For more than a decade, Recruitment has been a competitive and sought-after career. How quickly things change. When the downturn in the economy hit, many businesses started to think seriously about their staffing needs before recruiting and many stopped recruiting altogether. In turn, one of the worst hit sectors was Recruitment. So how do recruiters survive when businesses aren't recruiting?

As a Director of Cathedral Appointments, I feel confident in our ability, experience and flexibility to respond. I believe that recruitment agencies who have built firm relationships with businesses are well placed to help them through the recession by providing advice on staffing issues, salary and package guidance, supplying key personnel for ad hoc projects and even providing outplacement assistance.

It is perhaps fair to say that the recession has not affected every business; there are still companies prospering and nationally, the South West is one of the least affected areas.

Cathedral still regularly has at least 40 live vacancies for skilled and experienced candidates but employers now think more seriously about the staff they need. Similarly employees are only changing jobs if the new employer offers real future progression; not just for a salary increase.

Cathedral has been established for 21 years and is no stranger to surviving a recession. My advice is to exceed your client's expectations, manage your finances effectively, provide as much additional assistance as you can and above all, be prepared to ride that storm.

I am passionate about the success of local businesses and I am proud to become an ambassador for the Exeter Bites Back Campaign. Cathedral's own ‘Keep it Local' campaign, which was introduced a year ago, encourages businesses to source locally rather than looking outside of the region.

I believe we have an important part to play in the success of South West businesses and take that responsibility very seriously. By finding key people for key jobs, we help our clients to succeed and prosper.

Like many, we have had to become much more flexible and competitive, think outside of the box and diversify where necessary. If this is the difference between surviving and not; then we will survive.