Frazer Ansell

I’m a senior recruitment consultant specialising in fashion and lifestyle
retail recruitment. Running a varied desk is one of the things I enjoy
most. My 15 years of experience with Next and Gap supports my fashion
work, while my love of the outdoors ensures I understand the world of
my lifestyle clients and candidates.

I spent 15 years in retail. I rose through the ranks at Next and then Gap. So
I’ve done the shop floor, and I’ve also hired store managers and assistant
managers. I know what ‘good’ looks like. I know what candidates will be
expected to deliver.

That makes a difference as a recruiter. If I send my clients a candidate who
perhaps doesn’t quite fit every part of the brief, but who I know will be perfect
for the role, they’ll often say to me “OK, we’ll trust your judgement.”

You’ll always find me hiking, cycling or camping with the family. That makes a
big difference to my work with lifestyle clients and candidates. It means I
understand the products and technology. It also enables me to find
storytellers, people who don’t just sell, but engage with customers and are
able to explain how a product helped them when they were out walking or wild
swimming.

The opportunity to switch to retail recruitment came through redundancy. I’d
actually found my job at GAP through Zachary Daniels. When GAP closed its
stores, ZD reached out and I saw a chance to make an impact on people’s
lives. I speak to a lot of people who are where I was. When I say, “I know how
you feel,” I really do. It’s good to be able to give them a bit of a steer.

Outside work, I support the Prince’s Trust because they helped two of my
siblings start their careers. In October 2023 I first cycled the 45 mile Palace to
Palace bike ride [Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle] and will be doing it
again this year to continue to raise awareness. I also cycled from Paris to
London to raise money for Cure EB. Between 12 of us, we raised £52,000. I
love being able to give back to the community.