Building Excellence: The Success of Kingston Barnes’ Manufacturing & Logistics Team
In June 2019, Kingston Barnes, an already established recruitment agency, set out to expand its successes in Construction and Engineering by launching a brand-new Manufacturing & Logistics division. With no clients, no database and no track record at KB, Gavin Greenwold, Associate Director & Head of Manufacturing & Logistics, and James Kingston, Founder and Owner of Kingston Barnes, were on a mission to create a brand new market leading division going above & beyond the competition.
Gavin and James started the team from scratch and were committed to building a strong, nationwide presence in the market. Fast forward to today, and the Manufacturing & Logistics team is thriving, accounting for close to 70% of the agency’s overall turnover, a whopping £5 million alongside a bustling team of seven superstar employees, with over five decades of experience between them.
James Kingston, Director at Kingston Barnes said: “It all started when I head-hunted Gavin, who was working for another competitor agency at the time. I painted the picture of what a new M&L team could look like at KB, and with the investment, plan and support, Gavin set the foundations for the division’s success. The main ingredient for the resounding success is the team of recruitment rockstars we’ve hired! Romana Bunda, was our first hire, our Principal Account Manager, whom we also head hunted for her skills and reputation in the sector. As the division grew, so did the ambition. In July 2021, Molly Lumsden, our now Principal Consultant came on board, bringing fresh energy and drive to take the division to new heights with an expertise in driving recruitment. Molly was recruited onto the team after a chance encounter bumping into me whilst walking her dog, Wilbur! With drive, passion and a love for people, they both clicked and the rest they say is history.
In January 2022, Frankie Stone, our amazing Trainee Account Manager joined the team, and since then, there has not been a single departure. This level of stability reflects the strong sense of unity and the robust culture within the team. Over the past 2.5 years, the Manufacturing & Logistics division has developed into a highly efficient operation, with each member demonstrating a deep commitment to the success of the team.”
Next to join the dream team was Vivien Lorinc, Kingston Barnes’ Trainee Account Manager, and the company’s newest team members, Andoni Praki, the most senior hire since Gavin joining as an Associate on the Manufacturing & Logistics team. Next, KB employed Eleanor Lourenco, the agency’s Apprentice Account Manager working closely with the account team delivering great candidates to the agencies busy clients, ensuring no vacancy is left unfilled.
Gavin Greenwold, Associate Director & Head of Manufacturing & Logistics said: “Today, our team is made up of seven dedicated professionals, with each member bringing something unique, contributing to a combined experience of over 50 years. This wealth of expertise enables us to provide an unparalleled level of service in industrial warehouse, manufacturing and driving roles.
What really sets the Kingston Barnes Manufacturing & Logistics team apart is our holistic approach. We don’t just place candidates, we support them every step of the way. From on-site visits, face to face interviews, inductions to HR management and aftercare, we ensure every worker is looked after long after placement. Our attention to detail is unmatched, and our relentless focus on client satisfaction has resulted in exceptional client retention. We deal with over 70 clients and have processed an impressive 29,639 timesheets to date. These figures really do speak for themselves. When Kingston Barnes partners with a client, that relationship is built to last. Our ethos at Kingston Barnes is to be the number one recruiter to work with and for and my team certainly delivers on that ethos.”
A Culture of Growth and Progression
However, the success of the Kingston Barnes Manufacturing & Logistics team isn’t just measured by numbers—it’s driven by the people behind those achievements. Kingston Barnes creates a work environment where team members are truly valued and empowered. This year, both Molly and Romana earned their second promotions, highlighting the company’s commitment to career progression. The team has also grown with the addition of Vivien Lorinc – Trainee Account Manager, in June 2022, followed by Eleanor Lourenco, Kingston Barnes’ Apprentice Account Manager, and Andoni Praki, Associate, who has already made significant contributions in business development and client management.
With such a strong and dynamic team, it comes as no surprise that they were recently named “Team of the Quarter,” a well-deserved recognition for their hard work, tenacity, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
At the heart of the Manufacturing & Logistics division’s success is a shared vision. As a privately owned business, Kingston Barnes allows for quick decision-making, empowering the team to take charge and contribute meaningfully to the company’s growth. The team plays a pivotal role in Kingston Barnes’ journey with every member feeling trusted and supported in their efforts to achieve this vision.
The team doesn’t just work together—they’re like a family. They share a strong ethic of collaboration, mutual respect, and genuine care for one another and their clients. This camaraderie is the backbone of their success. They work when their clients work, ensuring that their service is always in sync with client needs. Whether it’s being on call, supporting clients with food hygiene training, or simply being there for any HR concerns, the team goes above and beyond.
Gavin goes on to say: “The Kingston Barnes Manufacturing & Logistics team has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 2019. With over 50 years of combined experience, a growing client base, and a close-knit team, the future looks incredibly bright. Our dedication to building lasting relationships, attention to detail, and passion for delivering exceptional service truly set us apart as industry leaders. As we continue to grow, our ethos remains the same: work hard, work smart, and always put the client first. With even bigger goals ahead, there’s no doubt our division will remain a driving force in the recruitment industry.”
James Kingston said: “I couldn’t be prouder of what this team has accomplished, their growth has been incredible. Their dedication to building lasting relationships, delivering outstanding service, and working with such attention to detail has truly made us a leader in the industry. Watching team members thrive and seeing how each person contributes to our success reinforces how special this team is. We’ve come so far, and I know we’re only getting started. We really have turned our vision into a reality with our super seven!”
ABOUT KINGSTON BARNES
Kingston Barnes is a recruitment consultancy specialising in the Construction & Property, Manufacturing, Technical Engineering & Logistics industries. We provide market-leading permanent, temporary and contract recruitment services to our clients throughout the UK.
For us, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to recruitment. Every job seeker and every client looking to hire is unique. We understand the importance of getting recruitment right for you and we’re passionate about delivering the perfect fit, whatever your recruitment needs.