Urgent Need – staff sickness meant a key hire was needed ASAP

Client Case Study: Urgent Need – staff sickness meant a key hire was needed ASAP

Sector: Fleet Hire & Rental
Business Size: SME (Turnover c. £2M)
Location: Shropshire
Recruiter: Jane Toy, TMR Group
Roles Hired: Interim Finance Director & Accounts Assistant

 

Business Overview

As a growing SME in the fleet, hire & rental sector, the client operates in a high-demand, fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and complex invoicing cycles. The finance team had been relatively stable for several years, but when their long-standing Finance Manager had to take unexpected long-term sick leave, the client was suddenly without leadership at a critical time.

 

TMRG needed to act fast — the client required interim finance leadership to stabilise the function, while also planning for the longer-term future of the department. Additionally, a gap in the transactional team meant they also needed an Accounts Assistant to ensure day-to-day processing was maintained.

Key challenges included:

  • Maintaining continuity during the FM’s absence
  • Keeping payroll, cashflow, and reporting on track
  • Preparing for year-end and audit
  • Finding permanent hires without disrupting business-as-usual

 

Why the client chose Jane at TMR Group

Owing to a bad experience, they were initially hesitant to use a recruitment agency. This was due to slow response times, poor candidate fit, and a feeling that they were just another job to fill.  But when the situation with the Finance Manager’s long-term sickness arose, they knew they couldn’t afford to get it wrong again.

Jane came highly recommended, particularly for her SME experience and her straight-talking, no-nonsense approach. She didn’t oversell or overpromise, she listened, asked the right questions, and delivered a clear, focused plan.

 

The Solution

 

Interim Finance Manager

  • Within 6 hours, Jane had introduced the client to a highly experienced interim FM with a background in hire and logistics and they started the next day!
  • The interim provided immediate stability, kept the team on track, and gave breathing room to think long term

 

Accounts Assistant Placement

  • Jane also supported in hiring a new Accounts Assistant to support invoicing, reconciliations, and supplier management
  • She found someone not just technically capable, but a great cultural fit — which is so important in a small team

 

The Results and Comments from the Client

  • Zero disruption to the business despite a senior leadership absence
  • A high-performing permanent FM now in post, leading systems, and reporting improvements
  • A strengthened finance function with clear roles, improved morale, and futureproofing in place
  • Jane handled the process end-to-end, with excellent communication, clear timelines, and no fluff

 

Client Feedback

“Jane was a real partner to us throughout this process. She didn’t just throw CVs at us — she listened, advised, challenged where needed, and delivered exactly what we needed, when we needed it.

I’d recommend her and TMR Group to any SME going through change, growth, or uncertainty. She genuinely understands how to support businesses like ours — both strategically and operationally.”

 

If you need help hiring a finance professional please call Jane on 01675 489682 or mail her on Finance Recruitment