OUR TEAM
Sukh Rai
Senior Recruitment Partner
Neil Hand
Senior Recruitment Partner
After graduating from University in 2002 and discovering that his chosen degree didn’t quite give him the qualifications to become an International Rocket Scientist, Sukh came to the obvious conclusion that the Recruitment Industry was equally comparable in stature!!
Starting his career with a national specialist in financial recruitment he quickly discovered that recruitment was not for the faint hearted!! After a difficult initial period, which he often says was the period that forged him for later success, Sukh became the highest billing consultant in that region and was promoted to manager of the social housing team across the Midlands also overseeing the financial recruitment division for the East Midlands.
“As a first role out of University it is fair to say that Recruitment wasn’t my initial choice. I wasn’t “salesy” and I never found it comfortable to “aggressively push” to close a placement…I just didn’t have that personality. However, over time I was able to stamp my own persona on the role and found by being myself and speaking, and treating people, how I would want to be treated I won the respect of my colleagues and clients.”
In 2009 and seeking a new challenge, Sukh joined a new start up agency to establish them as a social housing recruitment consultancy and was a key part of growing their presence nationally as Manager of their social housing and property management divisions across the Midlands, Northern Home Counties and Yorkshire.
In 2017 Sukh took the opportunity to work with long term colleague and friend Neil Hand to create a new recruitment offering in Karter Thomas Ltd specialising in social housing, finance, procurement, public sector and executive recruitment.
Sukh is looking forward to the challenge of driving and growing Karter Thomas into a recognised, reputable and successful recruitment consultancy.
Likes: Good quality burgers, drinking overpriced Italian beers, conspiracy theories
Dislikes: Loud chewing noises, queuing and hot milk!
Favourite song: Lucky Man - Verve
Favourite film: Goodfellas
Interesting fact: I once broke the school long jump record of a famous sports person... in primary school.
Not naturally born into it, Neil took the long way around before entering the world of recruitment.
After graduating university as a Mechanical Engineer his career started as an Internal Sales Engineer before two years later he packed up his bags and spent a further two years travelling around Australia and Europe.
On his return he began in working for a nationwide recruitment consultancy, initially in financial recruitment before switching to social housing. A love of learning all about the sector helped Neil quickly establish himself as one of the highest billing consultants in the company before he moved to help set up a new social housing team in Manchester.
Eventually relocating to the Midlands and “settling down” Neil helped set up a new recruitment consultancy, from scratch, which specialised in social housing. As the new company grew, he helped develop and train new consultants whilst leading from the front as the companies most successful and highest billing consultant.
“When starting out in recruitment I found my approach often questioned as I didn’t act like a typical pushy recruitment consultant. However, success allowed me to do things my way and through trust, honesty, accountability and teamwork I have taken pleasure in establishing long term relationships with a broad range of clients. As the one of the most experienced consultants in social housing across the UK I am now able to lend my knowledge to others.”
Neil believes in a good work life balance and still occasionally likes to have an adventure, recently taking his motorbike up to Scotland and exploring the Outer Hebrides!
Likes: Listening to Bob Dylan, watching my son play rugby and the occasional crafty craft ale
Dislikes: Adverts, people that exploit others, queuing and reality TV shows
Favourite song: Motorcycle Drive By – Third Eye Blind
Favourite film: Lost in Translation
Interesting fact: Once took part in a talk show in America with Oliver Stone
Ash Patel
Recruitment Partner
Originally from The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, Ash relocated to Leicester to pursue her university education and has since made Leicester her home, waving goodbye to the Bullring and hello to the Highcross!
Ash’s professional career set out when she embarked on a trip through the captivating world of marketing. Armed with a keen eye for detail, she dived into brand building, content creation, and digital strategy.
But as life loves to surprise us, she found herself yearning for a new adventure. In the pursuit of growth and connections, she changed course and moved into a new career in recruitment.
“I received a message from Sukh on LinkedIn and that is where my new adventure began! After meeting Sukh in the Karter Thomas office, I made my decision and started a whole new chapter in my life welcoming recruitment with open arms.”
The prospect of uniting talented individuals with opportunities that ignite their passions and drive resonated deeply within her. With a degree in marketing under her belt, she is now a successful, passionate recruitment professional with a twist of marketing flair.
Throughout her journey, there have been two steadfast companions by her side – Truffle and Tokyo, her furry bundles of joy! These canine confidantes remind her daily of the importance of loyalty, and the simple joys of life.
“Curling up on the couch with my pups by my side, engrossed in the world of crime documentaries with a glass of wine in hand, provides a perfect escape from the demands of the day.”
Likes: Her dogs, wine & cheese nights, and shopping sprees
Dislikes: Socks with sandals, messy notes and waiting for deliveries
Favourite song: “Temperature” – Sean Paul
Favourite film: Cars
Interesting fact: She is just about taller than an Emperor Penguin
Tim King
Recruitment Partner
So where to start… In a land not so far far far away, Cambridge, on a clear and sunny day I pondered my future and considered where life’s great adventure would take me.
After a some thought and much careful consideration I made my decision, I needed a move to the big city to find my fame and fortune. And so I packed my bags and relocated to the biggest of big cities (ahem) … Leicester, (yes Leicester).
There I studied HR Management at the University of Leicester and attempted to master the complex relationships between employees, employers and everything in between. Then came along Covid…
After much disruption I successfully completed my degree and, after stopping in Leicester to figure out my next move, I decided to explore careers relating to people management.
After reviewing job opportunities and careers I settled on Recruitment and in particular Karter Thomas, who seemed to be a specialist company, training based independent agency that was, as it happens recruiting!
After applying for a role I received a call from Neil and after a couple of meetings over coffee I signed up to join and start my next chapter.
Likes: Sports, Gaming, Travelling
Dislikes: Chewing, Slurping
Favourite Song: Georgia – Vance Joy
Favourite Film: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Interesting Fact: Had to sing at the Royal Albert Hall