About the Verkom Initiative

The Verkom Initiative is driven by Verkom – the IT side of Premier Group’s business in Ireland. It is Premier Group’s response to getting Ireland back to work and its aim is to develop long-term relationships with start-up companies. After all, the Start-ups of today are the employers of tomorrow. The Verkom Initiative is Premier Groups contribution to ensuring some of Ireland’s brightest technology entrepreneurs have access to a group of commercial business mentors, from the world of finance, legal, HR and technology. This access is facilitated by Ireland’s leading IT Recruitment Company by;

• Networking events to build up contacts
• Access to a mentor panel of up to 20 Professionals
• Monthly News letters
• Tailored Recruitment pricing structure
• Free job advertising on company website
• Inclusion in our Verkom Initiative websites providing exposure to investors
• Project Assignment to one of our panel for an agreed period of time at no charge
• Discounted rates from multiple associated companies

The aim of the Verkom Initiative is mutually beneficial to all parties; The company receives the strongest business, financial, legal and HR advise available in the marketplace The mentor panel are introduced to clients as the company grows As the company grows and develops, Verkom will recourse the best staff in the market.

Verkom Initiative Project Managers

Elaine Kennedy

Elaine Kennedy is the Manager of Verkom and oversees both the Permanent and Contract desks in the Cork office covering the Munster region She has over 7 years experience in IT Recruitment and a BSc in Information Technology for Business. Elaine’s specialist area is in the recruitment of Design & Development professionals throughout the Munster (including Java, Net, Visual Basic and C++ Developers) and keeps up to date on all emerging technologies to ensure she is always ahead of the game.

She has exceptional client management skills and a great track record in establishing and sustaining strong business relations with key clients. Prior to joining Verkom in 2005, she worked for an IT Recruitment firm based in Dublin.

“We have had nothing but positive experiences with Elaine and Verkom – would recommend to anyone”. - Jerry Walsh, Nitrosell “Elaine was an excellent support to me during my job search.

The job I have been recruited for matches my skills well & I don’t think I could have found as good a fit without Elaine’s constant efforts. It is important for a recruitment company to try do what is best for both the company and the employee which is what I think Verkom achieved.”  

Laura Carroll

As Senior IT Consultant, Laura specialises in Senior appointments within the IT industry. Her client base includes a wide range of industries including IT & Telecomms, Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical and Financial Services. Laura has over 8 years experience in the IT sector and previously worked as an IT Project Manager for a global HR consulting firm before she moved into the recruitment business. This background and first-hand experience of the IT industry has given her an excellent insight into the day to day business of Senior IT professionals and enhances her ability to match the right candidate to the right role and company.

She successfully recruits across a wide range of roles including CTO’s, IT Managers and Directors, Programme Managers, Project Managers, Infrastructure and Senior Business Analysts. “Throughout the entire recruitment cycle Laura displayed professionalism and expertise.

Following an onsite meeting, she demonstrated her capability and market knowledge to assure me that she could support our recruitment – I was so confident I decided to work exclusively with Verkom solely for this senior appointment. All applicants received were of a very high standard and well presented with well documented notes and synopses for each.

Consistent communication, prompt follow-up throughout the process and a very successful end result in hiring an excellent applicant, guarantee that I will make Verkom my first stop for future recruitment requirements” - Siobhan Hourihan, Premier Global Services

“Excellent, Professional, Competent.  I fully trust Laura. She screened CVs professionally. I never refused a CV originally screened by her. Always dedicated and a real pleasure to deal with”  Val Mannu, Boston Scientific
 

“Laura was professional and very helpful. Any updates were communicated to me quickly. Laura also provided good interview questions and information prior to each interview. I recommended Verkom to others before leaving my last role. Thanks again for your help.” James Lynch, Apple Computers

Steve Bell

As Senior IT Consultant, Steve specialises in the Senior Appointments & Business areas within the IT industry. His client base includes a wide range of industries including IT & Telecomms, Banking, Funds, Retail, Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical and Financial Services.

He has over 9 years European IT Recruitment Experience, initially based in London for 3 years with a specialist IT Recruitment Agency and for the last 6 years with the Premier Group's Verkom Division playing a pivotal role in the growth and success of Verkom, The Premier Groups IT Division.

Steve prides himself on his work ethic and his industry knowledge which has consistently delivered the right results for his clients over the last 9 years and has also made him one of the Groups top performers for the last 2 years.

 Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, High Integrity

 “Steve placed me as a Business Analyst at Pioneer Investments. In all my dealings with Steve he was extremely professional and, at the same time, friendly. Thanks to Steve, I was well briefed for my interview with the client, which was key in my obtaining the post. He kept me informed of progress throughout the whole recruitment process - the importance of which other recruitment consultants don't seem to understand. Steve also gave me great advice on working in Ireland. I have no hesitation in recommending Steve.” July 31, 2009

 “Steve hasexcellent knowledge of the Funds Admin industry as well as a great ability to identify a good candidate, as a result he is always able to provide consistently excellent service as a recruitment agent” August 25, 2009

“Steve is a great professional who can analyse business requirements and deliver strong accurate candidates. Dealing with Steve is easy and plesant.Would recommend him and his services to anyone. Certanly one of few top drawer consultants that I have experienced in 15 years of dealing with similar people and services.”  August 17, 2009