Stafffinders, Scotland’s Family-Run Recruitment Consultancy

Nestled in the heart of Paisley, a town just outside of Glasgow, lies one of Scotland’s most enduring names in recruitment: Stafffinders. It is the oldest, and arguably the most deeply rooted family-run recruitment agency in the country. Over a period of more than five decades, it has weathered economic shifts, changing attitudes to work, and the rise of digital technologies, all while remaining committed to people, place, and family values. 

Beginnings In Paisley  

Established in 1971 in St Mirren Brae, Paisley, by the father of the present owner, Jane Wylie‑Roberts, Stafffinders started life serving the local labour market, placing temporary, contract, and permanent staff across sectors as needed. Over the years, what began as a small neighbourhood agency grew, first by reputation, then by geography, now covering Scotland, the wider UK and Ireland.  

Growth, Generational Change, And Expansion  

In 2006, Jane became CEO after a management buy-out from her father and sister. Determined to honour her father’s legacy while modernising the company, Jane oversaw significant expansion and diversification into new industries. Today, Stafffinders recruits across a wide spectrum, from hospitality & catering to industrial sectors, IT & Digital, Property, Legal, Commercial, Office Support and Accountancy & Finance.  

In addition to Stafffinders, Jane founded Kingpin International 11 years ago, a specialist recruitment firm focused on placing senior tax professionals with Big 4 firms and multinational companies worldwide. 

Together, the two businesses now work with organisations across the UK, Ireland, and beyond, headhunting for senior appointments such as Operations Directors, Finance Directors, HR Managers, and niche specialists. Whether filling local roles or international executive positions, the Stafffinders and Kingpin teams are recognised as experts at solving “hard-to-fill” recruitment challenges. 

Family Values At The Core  

What truly sets Stafffinders apart is not just its longevity, but its values. Despite its national reach, the Stafffinders headquarters remains in Paisley town centre 55 years on.  

Jane has always championed the identity of Stafffinders being a family business, actively supporting Scottish Family Business and highlighting the essential role family-owned companies play in local communities. 

These values are reflected day-to-day, focusing on building long-term relationships, offering a personal service and ensuring continuity for staff, clients and candidates alike.  

Supporting other family-run businesses in attracting and securing key talent has become a true specialty for Stafffinders. As these firms trust the team’s deep understanding of the unique dynamics of family-run enterprises and value their ability to identify people who will make a lasting, positive impact. 

Adapting Through The Decades  

To survive more than five decades in recruitment is to adapt; to changing labour laws, evolving markets and workplaces, changing expectations of employers and employees and to the rise of digital recruitment tools. Stafffinders has embraced many of these changes and makes clear that it remains modern and forward thinking.   

Their accomplished Director, Tamlin Roberts, is the driving force behind their strategic vision and investment in innovation, automation and digital tools. With a background in Software Engineering his expertise in technology is unparalleled; he is constantly on the lookout for cutting-edge solutions to integrate into Stafffinders processes, ensuring they remain at the forefront of industry advancements.  

In the last few years, they have accelerated the use of technology to significantly reduce the administrative burden on consultants, allowing them to focus on the service they provide to clients and candidates. Stafffinders has also invested in developing unique tools for candidate attraction and engagement, enabling more sophisticated profiling of both candidates and roles to improve job-matching.   

Community And Recognition 

Stafffinders has not operated in isolation. In its home region, it has become part of the business ecosystem: engaging with chambers of commerce, participating in awards (including Family Business of the Year), and contributing to local skills and employment initiatives. They work closely with the UK’s schools and colleges to provide support and jobs for the next generation of workers.  

The team actively raises money for local charities. Currently, they support Beatson Cancer Charity, but in the past, they have also supported Alzheimer Scotland, MND Scotland, Motor Neurone Disease, Recovery Across Mental Health and Cash for Kids. They aim to do everything they can to support their chosen charities. As a team, they volunteer their time to organise regular fundraising events and promote the charity’s incredible efforts throughout their online channels.  

Looking Ahead  

In just a few months’ time; Stafffinders will mark over 55 years in business. They remain dedicated to balancing tradition with innovation, continuing to place staff in multiple sectors, for permanent, temporary and contract work.  

Jane sums it up best: “Finding talented, resilient and hardworking people for companies and hearing how they have positively impacted growth is just one of the reasons I love leading our family business."

"Our work has woven into the fabric of thousands of wonderful companies and working closely with them allows us to show them when usual talent comes onto the market so that they can have an opportunity to meet them first. It’s a privilege to play our part in identifying great talent."

Significance & Legacy  

Stafffinders represents everything people admire in a family business: longevity, stability, strong community ties and adaptability. In a sector that can often feel impersonal and transactional, Stafffinders is proof that businesses built on trust, values and relationships can endure and flourish.