Our Story
We’ve grown from a tiny two-woman power duo to an established recruitment agency with clients of all sizes and sectors across East Anglia.
1992
The Prime Journey Begins
Over a glass of wine in the local pub, two Witham girls decide to make their dream a reality. Robyn Holmes' and Margaret Locke's combined mission to create a recruitment agency with a difference was born. Witham's recent industrial boom provides the catalyst for the start of the Prime journey...
1992
1997
1997
The Company Grows
Over the next five years, Robyn and Margaret work tirelessly to realise their ambition, expanding the Prime team and diversifying into new sectors. Determined to support the local economy, they invest in two mini-buses to personally transport their temps to and from their placements with local businesses. Internally, the Prime brand begins to take shape and the signature orange and pear tree becomes Prime's iconic logo.
2000
Prime Enters The Digital Age...
Following our growth and expansion, our founders take steps to drive Prime into the new millennium. A new requirement from one of our Industrial clients leads to the start of what will later become one of Prime's most profitable divisions, our Technical and Engineering desk. To manage the needs of our ever-increasing clients and candidates, we take the plunge and invest in an automated CRM system, entering the digital age!
2000
2006
2006
Margaret's Legacy
Our co-founder, one-half of the dynamic power duo, without whom none of us would be here, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at just 51. It has been a real tragedy for everyone close to her to watch as this condition took over. A vibrant & fiercely intelligent woman, Margaret’s drive is what has got us here. With her passion for people and her creative vision, she is an amazing individual who we consider ourselves privileged to call not just a business partner, but our dear friend.
2007
An Eye For Talent
Robyn and Margaret's positive and encouraging work ethic creates a dynamic environment in which our consultants thrive, with more and more talented individuals joining the team. One of these, then little-known local Witham lad Olly Murs, goes on to wow the nation on The X Factor, with full support from the Prime brigade after working with us for 4 years!
2007
2008
2008
Expansion Begins!
The Prime name continues to grow, becoming one of the leading agencies for local businesses not only in Essex, but in Suffolk as well. To better meet their clients' needs, Robyn and Margaret take the leap and open a brand new office in Sudbury.
2008
Margaret Sadly Leaves The Business
Margaret takes the decision to leave the business after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at just 51. Robyn & Peter Holmes complete a management buy-out, naming them sole owners of Prime Appointments.
2008
2011
2011
Prime Appointments Becomes A Family-Business
Second-generation family member, Robyn's son, Jack O'Brien, joins the Prime team. Growing from strength to strength, Prime Appointments are now recognised as a family-owned & family-run local recruitment agency in the heart of Witham.
2015
Prime's Logo Changes
In line with our founders' passion for continual innovation, we decide to refresh and reinvigorate our brand image. The evolution of our logo begins with a modern, minimalist re-design by well-known calligrapher Peter Horridge. This coincides with the beginnings of our biggest development yet...
2015
2016
2016
Purchased & Built For Success - Prime's New Head Office!
We take our biggest step yet, building a brand new, 4,000 square foot office at Austin House, Witham. Using local craftsman, businesses and labourers, our directors personally project manage the creation of our brilliant new home. Our expansive, open-plan space provides the perfect environment for new ideas to flourish and grow.
2017
Celebrating 25 Years In Business
On our 25th birthday, we remisce about how much we've grown. Starting with just one commercial division, we've since expanded our company to seven specialist sectors. Prime Appointments help local businesses with staffing requirements and make a turnover of 8million.
2017
2018
2018
Another Family Member Joins The Business!
Second generation family member, Robyn's daughter, Katie Holmes, graduates from university and joins the team here at Prime HQ. Growing our team once more, Prime Appointments family-owned & family-run roots are taking Essex & Suffolk by storm!
2018
Prime Gives Back - Fundraising Partner's
In November 2018, we became official partners with Alzheimer’s Society. This is a cause that’s very close to our hearts, as our co-founder Margaret herself was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at just 51. Making a huge step in Prime’s mission to make a difference, we pledged to raise £100,000 in 10 years!
2018
2019
2019
The Last Year Of A Game-Changing Decade
2019 was the year our family-owned roots grew even stronger, enabling steady business growth in a changing economic landscape. Under Jack O’Brien’s skilled management, our Technical, Commercial & Accounts teams expanded and diversified, supporting local businesses and international industry leaders throughout the region. In recognition of his skilled consultancy, management and strategy, our SMT team took the unanimous decision to appoint Jack as a Director as of January 1st 2020. As we branched out into new territories, we also expanded our community impact, raising over £22,000 for Alzheimer’s Society, a cause that is very close to our hearts. With Jack at the helm, we could not be happier to begin the new decade.
2020
The Pandemic Strikes
Entering the new year with positivity and optimism, with our workforce raring to kick the start the year, the unexpected looming of uncertainty hit. COVID-19, an unknown and new virus, swept the world. “Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives”, was the resounding message from our government. As suppliers of key skill workers, our Care and Industrial divisions were essential to supporting local homes and factories throughout 2020. With our team unable to work under normal circumstances, we begun working from home, where the new world of working emerged. The importance and trust of a remote workforce relying on digital platforms and flexible working, evolved into the new norm.
2020
2020
2020
Skydive For Alzheimer's Society
With all the challenges faced, the team still pushed forward with their fundraising efforts and completed the first challenge event for the business, raising over £15,000 for Alzheimer’s Society with their Skydive. With the toughest year in business behind us and the strongest team with us, we’re excited to grow in 2021.
2021
Record Breaking Golf Day
In our official lifetime partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society, we raised over £12,000 in just 12 hours for our annual Golf Day. An event enjoyed by clients, friends & family of Prime Appointments, our golfers combined efforts in contributions raised an incredible sum of money for such an important cause.
2021
2022
2022
Celebrating 30 Years In Business
What a journey we have been on! With the passion, determination & pure enthusiasm of our founding Director Robyn Holmes, Prime is celebrating 30 years in successful business! As a continuously growing family, more expansion plans are underfoot...
2023
Bury St Edmunds Office Opens!
Prime expands again and opens up another office in Bury St Edmunds. Dedicating a further team to our Suffolk clients, Prime's positive and forward-thinking approach allows us to continue growing into the future...
2023
Meet the team
Careers at Prime