Steve brings more than 25 years’ recruitment experience to Webber Hughes, combining senior operational leadership with a genuine passion for finding the right people for the right businesses.
His career has spanned senior leadership, operational management and permanent recruitment, including responsibility for recruitment operations across Leeds and Manchester and involvement in shaping and delivering a national permanent recruitment strategy. He has extensive experience across both high-volume recruitment and more specialist, ad hoc hiring requirements, giving him a broad understanding of the challenges businesses face when recruiting at all levels.
Throughout his career, Steve has always believed that recruitment should be about more than simply filling a vacancy. Quality, communication and understanding are at the heart of his approach. He takes the time to understand what a business really needs, finds people with the right skills and potential, and makes sure both clients and candidates receive a high level of service throughout the process.
At Webber Hughes, Steve is focused on building a recruitment business that combines experience and professionalism with the personal approach, flexibility and accountability of an independent business. He enjoys building long-term relationships with clients and candidates and believes the best recruitment comes from being honest, approachable and genuinely invested in the outcome.
Away from recruitment, Steve is a keen mountain biker and fitness fanatic. He enjoys riding in the Yorkshire Dales, regular CrossFit sessions and getting out for his daily dog walks. He brings much the same mindset to business as he does to the bike – keep moving forward, challenge yourself and don't be afraid to push a little harder.
James Horton – Director
James brings more than 10 years’ recruitment experience to Webber Hughes, with a career built around permanent recruitment, business development and building strong, long-term relationships with both clients and candidates.
His experience spans a wide range of recruitment environments, from working with individual businesses on specialist appointments through to supporting larger recruitment campaigns. He has developed a strong understanding of the importance of taking time to understand a client's business, its culture and what it really needs from the people it hires.
James' approach is straightforward and relationship-led. He believes good recruitment comes from listening, understanding the bigger picture and being honest with both clients and candidates. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, he works closely with businesses to develop recruitment solutions that fit their individual requirements.
At Webber Hughes, James plays a key role in developing client relationships and supporting the delivery of our permanent recruitment services. Working alongside Steve and the wider team, he is focused on building long-term partnerships and delivering a personal service that businesses can rely on.
Outside of work, James is a keen mountain biker and enjoys getting out on two wheels whenever he can. He also enjoys restoring cars and discovering new places to eat – although probably not always in that order. His interests reflect the same patience, attention to detail and enthusiasm that he brings to his work.
Wes Fortune – Director
Wes brings more than 25 years’ experience in recruitment, having built a career across permanent recruitment, senior leadership, sales and business development.
Starting his career as a Recruitment Consultant in Manchester, Wes quickly progressed through a number of senior positions, including Business Manager and Regional Manager, leading specialist permanent recruitment teams across areas including Office, Professional & Technical, IT, Education and Engineering.
He later moved into senior sales and business development roles, progressing to Regional Sales Manager, International Business Development Director and ultimately Sales Director, where he was responsible for leading and developing a national sales team.
This combination of recruitment and leadership experience gives Wes a broad understanding of both sides of the recruitment process – from finding and assessing the right people through to developing client relationships, building teams and helping businesses improve the way they recruit.
At Webber Hughes, Wes brings a strong commercial focus alongside a straightforward, consultative approach. He is passionate about building genuine relationships, understanding what businesses need and delivering recruitment solutions that work in practice rather than simply filling vacancies.
Wes is happiest outdoors when he's not working. He enjoys hiking and walking with his Border Collie, Narla, and is currently working towards his Mountain Leader qualification. He enjoys the challenge of being outdoors and learning new skills – a good reflection of his approach to both work and life.
