Stuart runs the IT Recruitment business across Scotland and the North of England, responsible for recruitment, training, management and motivation of all sales staff. He has a BSc in Physics from St Andrews, and has a strong understanding of contract and permanent recruitment across a wide breadth of technology. His humour and demeanour are those of an 80 year old man, and he likes nothing more than wearing slippers and moaning about the Hibs.
Our Story
Cathcart Associates was founded by a team of the country’s most successful recruiters, with a desire to show that good recruitment consultancy should provide a service which is simple, professional and effective.
We are not “mere CV senders”. Our approach demonstrates that recruiting technical talent can be simple, seamless and enjoyable, and provides a service which adds value at every stage of the recruitment process.
We are an agile and independent organisation – with no parent group we are able to offer a more cost-effective solution, allowing us to invest more freely in our database and advertising reach.
Our Team
Edinburgh
Murray Simpson
Sales Manager
Murray manages the day to day sales activities of the staff and has responsibility for the consultants across our UK teams. His enthusiasm helps inspire, coach & mentor consultants whilst focusing on delivery across new and existing clients. He has been with us since he left Edinburgh Uni with a Masters in Business and has quickly leaped up the ranks. Over the years he has grown to be an exceptional recruiter and looks to use this experience to develop others.
Rhona Kennedy
Principal Consultant - Permanent Software Development - Scotland
Rhona has an MSc in Psychology from the University of Edinburgh, which we're sure she uses to great effect in helping source the best software developers in Scotland for her clients. She looks after the East Coast of Scotland; Edinburgh, Fife, Dundee, Aberdeen and everything in between! She has a strong understanding of the best candidates, and the most desirable employers locally.
Hamish Niven
Senior Consultant - Permanent Software and Business Intelligence - Scotland
Hamish is an Accountancy graduate, but let’s not hold that against him. An enthusiastic and friendly young man, he is responsible for permanent Business Intelligence, ERP and CRM recruitment across Scotland. It’s a complex and diverse market, but he knows all the top clients and all the best technical people across Scotland. Outside of the office he is a keen footballer and golfer and is Scotland’s proudest cricket fan.
Andy Weir
Senior Consultant - Contract Software Development - Scotland
Andy specialises in contract recruitment, with a focus on software developers. He has a strong sales pedigree and a really solid grasp of both understanding a client’s urgent requirements and how to find the right person to fit them. Were it not for a dodgy wrist, he would have made it as a professional golfer (seriously… he’s not making it up)... The Tour’s loss is our gain
Douglas Paget
Consultant - Permanent Software Development - West of Scotland
Douglas specialises in recruiting software developers throughout the West of Scotland, from Java developers to digital designers, software architects and front end specialists, he’s your man!
He gained a BSc in Sports Coaching and spent a few years traveling the world teaching surfing. But lucky for us, he’s back and here to stay in sunny Scotland.
Michael Burrell
Consultant – Permanent Infrastructure & Support - Scotland
Mike is the consultant who looks after our permanent Infrastructure, DevOps and Security roles. If you’re looking for a hands on engineering role in Scotland, or need some help filling that tricky “DevSecOps Jedi / Wizard / insert cheesy name)”, then Mike is your man. Outside of work, he enjoys Thai Boxing and weekly trips to the dentist.
Erin Donnelly
Consultant – Testing and QA - Scotland
Erin looks after all Testing and QA positions for the Scotland team, both for contract and permanent roles. Erin has a background in dance (ballet) and 1st in Film and Media, so brings a touch of the Arts to the Scotland team. Originally from Nairn, she’s a passionate Highlander, and claims to be the friendliest of the Scotland team...?
Shane Gray
Consultant – Contract Infrastructure & Support – Scotland
Driving, swimming, pronouncing th's are just part of a long list of skills which Shane doesn't possess. When it comes to finding the very best in contract IT Infrastructure, Networking and Support skills however, he is your go to guy in Scotland. An International Business Graduate/man of mystery who joined Cathcart from Ireland via Germany, he has managed to rack up more airmiles than Pitbull (dale).
Bronte Rhodes
Consultant - Permanent Software Development - North of Scotland
Bronte specialises in the love and care of her no1 fan- her fur baby ‘Mutley.’
If Mutley could talk, he would tell you that he wants yet another walk and that she is the best recruiter (ever known to dog and man) of Developers in Dundee and the North of Scotland.
Bronte has spent time in the North doing some top secret work after travelling South East Asia/India- originally from Edinburgh, she is now back for good!
Thomas Edmondson
Consultant - BI Data and Analytics Consultant – Perm Scotland
Tom specialises in Microsoft Development across the North of England. Originally from Newcastle he loves nothing more than drinking Brown Ale whilst watching Geordie Shore. A Geography graduate, he can’t get enough of his rocks which explains his obsession with Dwayne Johnson…
Jack Steven
Consultant – Permanent Front End, Mobile and Design – Scotland
Jack is a football fanatic that focuses on everything creative in the Scotland team. The International Business graduate works with front end developers, mobile developers, digital designers and UX’ers.
North England
Gregory Jackson
Consultant - Business Intelligence and ERP - North
Greg looks after Business Intelligence and ERP in the North. He loves McDonald’s and rugby. Having walked his way from South Africa he has swapped hunting lions for tracking down the perfect candidate.
Benedict Price
Consultant - Contract Software and Business Intelligence
Ben focuses on finding contract consultants with Microsoft skills across the North of England. He loves cricket, the royal family, getting to work early and leaving late. He dislikes his working with colleague Josh (joke) (not joke)
Lewis Black
Consultant - Permanent Network & Infrastructure - North West England
Lewis recruits Network and Infrastructure professionals for clients in the North of England. The sharpest dresser in the office, he is something of an enigma – mainly because he’s refused for months to provide any information for his website bio. So let’s make some assumptions... In his spare time he enjoys basket weaving and the history of the French middle ages, his middle name is Horatio, and he can’t swim.
Joe Broster
Consultant - Permanent Software and Business Intelligence - Yorkshire and North East
Joe specialises in Open Source Web and Software Developers in the North of England. Originally from the Lincoinshire Fens he has managed to get some solid sales experience under his belt before finding his way to us here at Cathcart. A golf graduate (yep, that's a thing) from the University of the Highlands and Islands, Joe's a keen golfer and outdoor enthusiast and when he's not out in the cold, you can find him down his local; The Wally Dug...
Hannah Stephen
Consultant – Permanent Open Source Web and Software Development – North West England
Hannah is your lass for Open Source development in the North West of England. Having graduated from the University of Aberdeen, she’s putting her Anthropology degree to good use and bringing some Geordie flair to the North team. After falling in love with Scotland, she’s here to stay and can often be found trying out the array of different restaurants Edinburgh has to offer.
Courtney MacDonald
Consultant – Permanent & Contract Software Testing – North of England
Courtney takes care of all QA & Test roles across the North of England. A Sociology graduate from the University of Edinburgh, she opted to stay in the city rather than return to the Cairngorm slopes of the Highlands - partially because she hates the cold, partially because she can't actually ski. She loves long distance running (weird) but can always be swayed away from her gym routine by a pink gin or two..
Bristol
Andrew Fryer
Consultant - Software Development - South West England
Andrew has taken the reigns of Cathcart’s newest and most exciting area of domestic growth specialising in Software Development across the thriving tech scenes of Bristol and Bath. Having managed to survive a Law degree and the scorching heat of Dubai for 15 years (even with his pale Scottish Skin), he’s more than ready to take on the challenges of supporting and consulting with our trusted clients down south! Just a quick call with Andrew and you’ll be forgiven for believing you’ve been graced by the bumbling charm of Hugh Grant himself!
Scandinavia
Salla Hanninen
Consultant - Permanent Software Development – Finland
Salla looks after the best tech talent and innovative clients around the capital area of Finland. She specialises in finding permanent roles for Senior Software Developers. She originates from the cold North herself although, ironically, is the first one to crank up the heat in the office. Enjoys travelling, singing, solving crossword puzzles and watching ice hockey. She should be strictly avoided before her first cup of coffee in the morning.
Bangkok
Nick Macdougall
Managing Consultant - Thailand
Nick has an MSc in Media Management and an MA in English from the University of Glasgow. In 2015 he opened our first international office in Bangkok, Thailand and is now responsible for developing the business there; winning clients, identifying the best candidates and training the team. A busy man!
Prairie Punsoni
Commercial Director - Thailand
Prairie received her law degree from Thammasat Unversity in Thailand. She then went on to do her Masters in International Business Transaction and Comparative Laws at The University of San Francisco School of Laws. She has practiced in several leading law offices in Bangkok and one of the largest Petro-Chemical companies in the region. She has been instrumental in helping us opening Thailand - to the extent that without her, we'd still just be filling in forms! In her spare time she likes to play polo and eat good food!
Piyatida Anthong (Jung)
Senior Consultant - Analysis & Management
Piyatida Anthong (Jung) graduated from Kasetsart University with a BA in English Literature and Psychology with honours. She specialises in identifying the best candidates from the more hands-off areas on technology: Project Managers, Business Analysts, System Analysts and IT Audit. She has the right blend of expert communication skills, determination to understand her clients’ requirements and a deep understanding of her candidates’ skills to provide the best quality recruitment service in Thailand
Thakaewklaow Kaewmungkhala (Prae)
Consultant – Web Development
Thakaewklaow (Prae) graduated from Assumption University with a BFA in Contemporary Music Performance - giving her a strong sense of team work and listening skills. She specialises in fulfilling the needs of organisations and candidates working in Web Development by providing a consultative approach and has established herself as a quality recruiter.
Phachara Charoensap (Pond)
Consultant - Business Intelligence, Database & CRM
Pond graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, majoring in International Relations from Chulalongkorn University. He strives to be a consummate professional in his field, with a desire is to make sure that candidates and clients receive the best recruitment service. Outside of work, he loves to play basketball in his spare time.
Prajuporn Chaosamean (Plaa)
Consultant - ERP
Plaa graduated from Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University with experience in customer service and management. She is quick to understand what her clients look for and meet the needs of her candidates. She has a excellent listening skills and is devoted to her clients throughout the recruitment process until she is sure her clients are satisfied.
Chanatinad Chotiksatis (Nice)
Executive Office Administrator
Chanatinad (Nice) graduated from Kasesart University in 2017 in International Relations. She joined us to help with all our back office activities and has been a real star in getting the business running ever more smoothly. Nice is also instrumental in assisting with social media, marketing and internal recruitment as well as acting as our Client Liaison.
Thankamon Wongsuppapat (Book)
Consultant - Microsoft .Net
Book has a BA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Stamford International University. She has a strong passion to learn and understand the requirements of her client and candidate, in order to deliver the best recruitment service in Microsoft .NET technology and non-open source software development field.
Dollada Puangsod (Katoon)
Consultant - QA and Tester
Katoon graduated from Mahidol university with a degree in Biotechnology. She worked in the United States for two years which gave her a new perspective by interacting with people from different countries and cultures. She focuses on finding skilled QA and Testers for a range of companies across Thailand.
Group
Sam Wason
Co-founder and Joint Managing Director
Sam set up the Cathcart Associates in 2009, and along with Gordon has grown it from a small attic room with just the two of them to a global business employing over 40 people across two continents. He is immensely proud of the team, and the company’s reputation as professional recruiter who does things properly.
Gordon Kaye
Co-founder and Joint Managing Director
Gordon has 19 years IT recruitment experience in Scotland, Cathcart Associates being only his second employer in that time. Starting his career with a degree in Information Management, he has permanent, contract and business development experience and a very customer-focused recruitment style. It’s helped him build countless successful relationships with countless organisations over the years.
Liam Wilson
Business Development Manager
Liam is responsible for winning new business, managing client relationships and ensuring our candidates have the best possible experience using our service.
Liam also co-organises & runs both MancML (www.mancml.io) and ScotML, two of the country’s best data analytics meet-ups.
Bevin Gosling
Operations Director
Bevin manages and co-ordinates the Back-Office department across the whole of Cathcart Group with a total of 35+ staff members.
Within this, she manages the finance, HR, payroll and facilities function to ensure that the business and office runs smoothly.
In her spare time, Bevin likes to enjoy a (large) glass of wine in a dog friendly pub with her cockapoo Angus!
Jennifer Dunn
Senior Office Co-ordinator
As the Senior Office Co-ordinator, Jenny manages the internal and contract payroll (so be nice to her if you need an advance!) She also tracks company and consultant performance, organises company events and manages the permanent and contract invoicing procedure.
Courtney Halliday
Office Administrator
Courtney is our Office Administrator! Her role in the company includes bookkeeping, filing, managing our social media (along with our various blog posts) and much more. Courtney's hobbies include the gym (bit of a fitness/health freak) and walking her Shih Tzu Roco. If you ever need to find her, she will be in work or at the gym!
Adding the right person to the right business equals success
Ultimately we've earned our reputation through caring about this simple equation – that adding great people to great opportunities will equal success for all parties.
We operate best when we truly understand what drives your need – not just the basic skills needed for the job, but by really getting to the root of the requirement. This is when we become indispensable to the process.
Knowing our candidates in depth is just as crucial. We consult with you at every stage – what you want from your next job, how your skills will fit into a new organisation and how your career will develop from here.
Using our knowledge of both sides of this equation – we then consult throughout the entire process, ensuring that both parties get what they want.
Your fast paced and rewarding career could start here.
Cathcart Associates offers a real chance to make your mark in the recruitment industry. Working to supply the country’s leading firms with niche technical staff is a hugely challenging, fast paced and rewarding career. From our office in city centre Edinburgh; our extremely close knit team of recruitment professionals deliver an award winning service.
We are currently hiring for Trainee Recruitment Consultants. You should be a confident, articulate and intelligent individual of graduate calibre, with a strong work ethic and a desire to make a success of yourself. In return we offer:
- Full training and industry leading tools to do the job
- A relaxed but highly motivated working environment
- A very competitive OTE
- Industry leading uncapped commission
- Unbelievable perks such as reward lunches in the finest restaurants, foreign trips, company cars, gym membership and much more…
- The chance to make your mark…
We work hard to be the best at what we do...
...and so it's always nice to receive industry recognition.
