About Team GR
Ask the GR Team what makes us different and they’ll tell you the same thing. We’re great at what we do. With over 100 years’ combined experience, it’s hardly surprising that our expertise stands out. We dispel the myths and take the risk out of recruitment. We simply communicate with our clients and provide guaranteed results.
Meet the GR Team
At GR, our Recruitment Experts and Technical Specialists have decades of industry experience, each within their own specialist area to ensure they secure the talent you need to build high-performing teams.
Our primary goal is to work in partnership with you to deliver great results and exceptional service. We work collaboratively, for the long-term and deliver on our promises. We are ambitious, aspirational and work hard to help you achieve more.
Richard Brown
Director (Scientific Recruitment Division)
Richard leads our Scientific Recruitment Division, bringing over 20 years’ experience working with innovative tech and scientific firms across the UK. Starting his career in IT telesales, he combines commercial know-how with deep sector expertise to connect specialist talent with growing businesses. When he’s not matching niche skillsets to complex roles, you may spot him heading out to meet clients on his commuter bike or playing an acoustic guitar set at a bar around Stockport.
Steven Byrne
Director (IT Recruitment Division)
Steven heads up our IT & Security Division, bringing over 20 years’ experience growing technical recruitment teams and delivering trusted solutions for clients across the UK and overseas. Known for his straight-talking approach and deep understanding of security cleared personnel, he helps businesses find the right talent quickly and reliably. A passionate supporter of Liverpool FC, Steven loves mixed martial arts, getting out on the golf course and, as like any good scouser, he has a great sense of humour – allegedly.
Caroline Brown
Director (Engineering Recruitment Division)
Caroline leads our Engineering Division, bringing specialist skills in strategic planning, training, quality, and compliance to drive growth and performance. With a background in HR management, she combines a keen eye for detail with a hands-on, energetic approach to building strong teams and delivering results. Outside of work, Caroline balances life as a busy twin mum with gym sessions and the occasional well-earned afternoon tea — though she leaves the baking to someone else.
Rick Pennell
Director (Technical Sales Recruitment Division)
With almost two decades in commercial recruitment, Rick has built a strong reputation for connecting top B2B sales talent with growing businesses, particularly within the digital, technology, and media sectors. Friendly and approachable, he’s known for creating lasting relationships and delivering a recruitment experience that’s as supportive as it is effective. Outside of work, Rick enjoys cooking up a great BBQ, watching cricket, and putting his scouting skills to good use on family adventures.
Our Story
Back in 2008, Caroline Patten and Richard Brown joined forces to create Grassroots. Focussed on delivering better outcomes for employers, they put partnerships before placements. They grew the business by being professionally nosey – they asked questions, delved deeper and found solutions to their clients hiring challenges.
In 2015 Steven Byrne joined the ranks and recharged Grassroots’ ambitions as a national resource partner. We may now be on GR 3.0 with an international client base and multi-skilled team, but our aspirations for growth are bigger than ever.
16 years of service excellence
We’re ISO Certified, APSCO accredited, national and local award winners and proud members of the GM Good Employment Charter.
We’re no strangers to success and over the past sixteen years, we’ve continued to do things the right way for the right reasons. Our corporate values are on:
- DELIVER – offer consistently better outcomes and get the basics right
- INFORM – use our expertise to provide a better service and added value
- COLLABORATE – work together as a solutions-focused, trusted partner
- ASPIRE – raise aspirations and help our clients achieve more
Our Accreditations and Awards
ISO9001 Accredited
We’re ISO 9001:2015 certified, which allows us to work more efficiently and make better decisions. We measure what we do and how we do it, so we can keep finding ways to improve.
Award Winning
From local business awards to national nominations, we’ve been recognised for fast track growth, customer service excellence, and ethical resourcing practices.
Industry Standards
Our compliance with APSCO conduct regulations underpins everything we do. We know our clients rely on our expertise, standards, and consistency every time.
Ethical Recruitment Partner
We’re proud to support the communities we serve
We take our social value commitments seriously. From running our own Employee Volunteer Scheme to annual Team Fundraising Challenges, we actively support our local community and VCSFE networks.
We champion ethical recruitment practices and invest in future talent, working closely with schools & colleges and disadvantaged groups to provide training, mentoring, career talks and placement opportunities.
