Sarah's story
An ambitious business founder since 2017.
Introducing Sarah
Sarah Grant graduated from our Marketing and Management BA in 2011. She received advice and coaching from START UP to launch her business My Healthcare Recruit.
My Healthcare Recruit makes international nurse recruitment easy, accessible and affordable to healthcare providers.
Why did you decide to start your own business?
I started My Healthcare Recruit to address the nursing shortage in the UK in a cost-effective way. The vacancy gap currently stands at over 50,000 vacancies. Often the solution for healthcare providers is to hire locum agency providers. They can cost three times the amount of permanent staff. Often, they can't give the specialist or consistent care that patients need. My vision is to reduce the friction in international nurse recruitment. While providing candidates with a fantastic experience.
What inspired the idea for your business?
Before I started the business, I worked as a management consultant for a global tech copany. To support change, culture, employee experience and training. Throughout my business journey, I have always focused on problem-solving. Ultimately, that's all business is - solving other people's problems one way or another. I love the challenge. A friend who worked in medical staffing told me about the shortages and the need to recruit from abroad despite barriers. I saw an opportunity. Not only to improve this process using advances in digital and tech. But to apply my knowledge in a new way and make a real difference in the world.
What advice would you give for starting a new business?
Don’t be afraid to fail. As soon as I realised that, it took the fear away. Ask lots of questions and keep asking them. Address the problems that people tell you they have. People pay to have people take away their problems! Launch a business that fits the lifestyle you want to have. I’ve identified gaps in the market that could be profitable but would need me to work evenings and weekends. That isn't compatible with my life goals. Ask experts who have gone before you as often, they are very willing to share their advice.
What is next for you and your business?
I’m currently providing 10 full-time jobs and it’s my goal to create 25 within the next 3 years. I want to create a business that can scale by developing an effective senior management team. With the digital infrastructure in place to support rapid growth. I am keen to inspire other female founders to reach their business goals. And for My Healthcare Recruit to continue its mission of having a positive impact on society.