Professional Practice Testimonials

​

Trusted, Respected, Recommended

With nearly three decades of experience at Sharp Consultancy, Executive Director Lee Sweeney has built an outstanding reputation within the professional practice market across Yorkshire. His long-standing client relationships are a testament to his deep market knowledge, commitment to quality, and personal approach to recruitment. Here’s what some of our clients have to say about working with Lee.

​

Ben Peacock - Partner - Park Place Corporate Finance

"​We have worked with Sharp Consultancy and Lee Sweeney for over 20 years. Whenever we have a role available at Park Place, Lee is our first port of call. He knows the types of candidates that are most suitable for us and, given his unmatched coverage of the Yorkshire market, does a great job of filtering the list down to the best candidates based on our specific criteria. He is also extremely proactive, bringing us exceptional candidates even when we are not necessarily in the market, but still keen to be introduced to great people"

Chris Butt - National Head of Audit - Azets

"​I have used Lee and Sharp Consultancy on both a personal and candidate search basis numerous times over many years. Having built up a trusted relationship with Lee from the point of qualification c18 years ago, I always felt comfortable having independent career discussions with Lee, with no pressure to make the ‘wrong’ decision, but a feeling of genuine interest in helping me to make the right career moves at the right time. This has extended to a sounding board relationship at other critical decision points in my career. Lee is my primary referral to other professionals who talk to me about seeking moves within the practice and I have no hesitation in making that referral. In my capacity of recruiting and growing our team, Lee and his team have been involved in a number of pivotal senior appointments as well as a steady flow of very credible candidates at all levels both in response to recruitment need, but often out of courtesy in respect of strong candidates who they think would be a good fit for our teams. I think the trust in the relationship is both ways given 2 of the Sharp senior team have encouraged their children to join Azets to begin their accountancy careers!"

​

Mark Thornton - Partner, Business Restructuring - BDO

​"I have worked with Lee and his colleagues at Sharp for many years to help recruit a number of people into our professional practice. There is always a deep understanding of the position and the requirements of the role, some of which can be demanding. Furthermore, beyond the technicalities of the role, consideration of broader skill sets and personalities has helped to find the right people for my team, many of whom have I have now worked with for many years. A successful process has to see both the candidate and business benefit and thrive; based on my experience, Lee and the team at Sharp Consultancy consistently help achieve this. I look forward to many more years working with Lee and Sharp Consultancy to help maintain a high performing and successful team."

Andrew Barlow - Partner - Sentio Partners

"​We’ve worked with Lee at Sharp Consultancy on numerous occasions over the years, with Lee both supporting us in relation to specific roles we’d had under consideration, as well as taking the opportunity to alert us to outstanding individuals who were looking for new opportunities. The Sharp Consultancy team has built a really good understanding of our Business and culture, so can quickly identify where a candidate’s talent and aspirations match our approach and culture. Lee’s relationship-based approach has always given us great confidence in his judgement – from an honest assessment about a candidate at the outset, Lee is straightforward to deal with and always takes the time to keep in touch, even when we’re not discussing a vacancy or specific candidate."

Tony Chapman - Partner - BHP

​I have had the pleasure to work with Lee over the years from both the perspectives of an employer looking for professional staff and as a candidate. He is great to work with not only because of his personable, sensible and professional approach and advice but also because of his fantastic connections across the professional and business community in the region (and beyond). His wide experience means there is very little that phases Lee (and his colleagues) and unlike some of his professional competitors, he consistently delivers on what he promises.