Forces Recruitment Services Ltd was the first commercial Recruitment Consultancy set up to place ex-military candidates across the board. It was set up by former Army Musician Graham Brown in 2001 and has now grown into a franchise operation supporting 11 offices across the UK and expanding; the company has also recently been nominated by Recruiter magazine as Best Small Recruiter 2010 from thousands of agencies. If you are interested in making money for yourself, helping place ex-servicemen and women into work and running your own diary, contact Graham Brown on 01353 645004 or graham@forcesrecruitment.co.uk. This is a case study featuring Gary Campbell, Regional Director of FRS' East of Scotland office.

I served for 23 years with the Royal Corps of Signals. The first half of my career was spent within the Special Communications area, as an intercept operator, predominantly intercepting data communications. The second half of my career was spent within the Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) arena, in particular within the electronic side of the job. On top of my professional career, highlights included the sport in the early years and also the overseas postings, of which I had many.

I thought I did. With 4 years left to serve, I decided to focus my studies on the IT sector, to build on the qualifications and the experience I already had. Due to other commitments, 4 years ended up not being enough as I was in the main, studying from home. With 8 months left before leaving, and not as qualified as I wanted to be, I decided to train as a driving instructor, to tide me over whilst studying for my MCSE.

I attended the CTP workshop, and I also attended a workshop for self employment, as this was what I wanted to ultimately achieve. At the time, I was more than happy with my workshops and felt I was adequately prepared to progress into civilian life. Now, with hindsight being a wonderful thing, I do not believe that the workshop provided was good enough. Particularly on the CV side of things.

I didn't use the grant for resettlement directly; however, I did claim the money available towards my IT studies, which I paid for myself.

I used the 7 weeks available for resettlement, as time off towards the end of my time, in order to enable myself to be available for work immediately.

I did use the flights and hotels available to me for workshops involved with my home IT studies.

After all I have mentioned above, at the last minute prior to leaving the Army, I was offered a job as a trainee Recruitment Consultant, with a company owned by a family member. After 2 to 3 weeks of meetings and discussions, I decided that this may be the job for me and I was keen to start as soon as possible. The very next day, an opportunity from Graham Brown arrived in my inbox. Having already decided that recruitment could be the job for me, coupled with the chance to be self employed filled me with excitement and I started the ball rolling almost immediately.

Within weeks I had met up with Graham and his team and the rest, as they say, is history. In the end it was an easy choice to go ahead. The professionalism of FRS came across from the outset. As had been recommended by Graham Brown in the early stages, I found myself an independent business advisor from within the recruitment industry and bar a few very minor points, both FRS and my advisors were on exactly the same page, and have been ever since.

I know how daunting it was leaving my comfort zone, which was the Army. I remember the sleepless nights I had, particularly towards the end. The fact that I have and will continue to do so in the future, placed ex-military into the civilian workplace, who were in the exact same position as I was, is the part of the job, professionally, I enjoy the most.

From a personal point of view, although it is generally long hours, especially when busy and at weekends, I love being my own boss and also knowing that if my family needs to take priority, it is no longer a problem. The Army's philosophy of your family being a very close second, no longer applies to me. Although my business is currently in modern offices, I can work from anywhere if needs be.

As our specialty is placing ex-military and current military leavers into the workplace, I feel that having experienced what candidates are experiencing stands me in great stead to provide them with a professional service.

Also, when selling to potential clients, I am not only selling benefits of why they should employ ex-military, I can give those benefits from the horse's mouth, so to speak.

Personally, I draw on my military experience daily. The ability to be confident and demonstrate a 'can do' attitude allows me to push though the difficult times and reach my goals.

I have 2 main goals I hope to achieve within 5 years. The first is to build my business and have an impressive list of key clients providing me with repeat business each year. The second is to have a team of consultants working with me to move the business onwards and upwards.

As difficult as it is, try to decide as early as possible what you would like to do with your career after the forces. This then allows you to use the resettlement system to its maximum potential. Attend as many workshops etc that are available to you. Although I have been slightly critical of the workshops I attended, there were good points to take from them.

Find out early what is available to you in terms of courses, finances, time, flights and hotels, and use them if needed. You don't have to use the companies suggested by the military. There are many other companies that may suit you better. These need to be looked at as a potential alternative.

Ask for help externally if it is offered. I am aware of companies, including ours, that will help you prepare, particularly in terms of advice.

To find out more about a recruitment franchise with FRS contact Graham Brown on 01353 645004 graham@forcesrecruitment.co.uk or visit www.forcesrecruitment.co.uk/franchise.html.