Let’s tell you our

Wonderful

story

Our Story

With unmatched, in-job, and real-world industry experience (from entry level to CEO), we have sat on all sides of the table (from candidate to hiring manager and now recruiter/trainer).
After hiring, training, and developing some of the finest talent in the creative industries, we absolutely loved almost all of it! The part that we didn’t love (and we know we aren’t alone in this) is where our mission started. . .

As hiring managers, we didn’t feel good about using recruitment consultants; when most of the time we were just left with a stack of CVs and no direction or support. The entire process was frustrating and often felt transactional, rather than a value solution.

As candidates, hired or not, we felt like commodities with our value determined solely on how likely we were to get ‘the’ job.

As employees, we struggled to connect learning, mentoring, and coaching take-aways to our role within our industry.

It was (and is) very clear to us that there is a lack of opportunity for interesting people from different backgrounds, who may think that they don’t fit an industry employee mould.

We can’t solve all this completely by ourselves. But we will try to offer practical solutions that create change so that the future looks more wonderful for everyone!

Our Mission

As recruiters working with hiring managers,

we listen to you, search high and low for you, pre-screen all candidates for you, and challenge you to see the potential in people.

As recruiters working with candidates,

we will treat you as an individual, hear you, advocate for you, and make sure your next step is right for you.

As learning and development partners,

we will make sure that our services are industry and role relevant, simple and high impact. We will support our partners’ visions and help individuals develop skills to reach their potential.

So, simply put, we started Wonderful Recruitment & Development because we want to be the partner for hiring managers, candidates, and employees that we always wanted.

Our Team

Dan Shepherd

Co-Founder

Dean Chance

Co-Founder

Dani Nieto Perafán

Recruitment Assistant

Helen Speedy

Partnerships Manager

Annika Woodbridge

Administrative Assistant

Kayode Josiah

Non-Exec Director for Talent
Discovery

Dorrie Dowling

Non-Exec Director

Neelam Khosla-Stevens

Non-Exec Director for Diversity & Inclusivity

Michelle Fadil

Executive & Team Coach

Michael Stanfield

Partnerships Manager & Talent Acquisition Partner

What our Candidates & Clients say:

Throughout this journey, I’ve worked with several recruiters in the industry, and your team has been by far the best in every aspect, whether it’s support, feedback, communication, or honesty. If anyone ever asked me which recruiters to work with, your team would be first on my list.

Candidate
The whole team at Wonderful really are… wonderful! Their communication, care and support have been a welcome beacon of light throughout the recruitment process. I’d highly recommend the services.
Candidate
I’ve really enjoyed working with you and Wonderful Recruitment, and have been impressed by your level of communication, honesty, and enthusiasm throughout the process. I would like to continue looking for a role with you.
Client
I had a fantastic experience working with Wonderful Recruitment. From start to finish, they were incredibly friendly, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping me find the right role.

They were always available throughout the process, quick to respond to any questions, and consistently made me feel informed and reassured at every stage. What really stood out was how much they believed in me and my value, I never felt like just another candidate in a pipeline.

Candidate
My experience with Wonderful Recrutiment was extremely straightforward. Sometimes it can feel like a recruiter just wants to get the job filled but I felt like they had really considered if I would be a good match for the position and whether it would be a good match for me.
Candidate
Wonderful were wonderful to work with. They were communicative and committed to helping me find the right fit for the role. I am so happy with our new hire and would highly recommend.
Client

Working with Wonderful has been such a positive experience. From the start, the team’s genuine enthusiasm stood out, and I always felt supported and well-informed. Thanks to their guidance, I was able to secure my first job and begin my career in publishing. I’m incredibly grateful and would most definitely work with them again in the future!

Candidate

I had a great experience with Wonderful Recruitment. They were extremely helpful and knowledgeable and supported me throughout the entire process.

Candidate

Thank you for all your support on this role […]. It was a very easy process for us and we’re delighted.

Client