About us

We have been delivering recruitment solutions since 1990

We wanted to create a business that is focused on the needs of our clients and candidates, delivering first class results with quality service. The result? BMS Performance.

Dedicated teams in specialist divisions use their industry knowledge to bring top talent to the spotlight. Our collaborative approach means we work with you to put the right people into the right places.

Our brand is brought to life by our people

Our brand is brought to life by our people, they are the key to our success and reflect our values every step of the way. Our culture of progression, training, and reward, keeps our teams energised and motivated. And our high retention means there’s always a familiar face to greet you.

Our Directors

Phil Mellows-Facer

Managing Director

Work Life
My role is to give everybody, everything they need to be successful. I’ve been with BMS all my career and have done most roles that involve recruitment, meaning I get what it’s like. I’ve learnt from some great people and I do my best to pass on that knowledge with a little twist. The market is always moving and it’s my job to ensure we continue to innovate and stay ahead.

Outside of Work
When I’m not working, I enjoy playing cricket (when I’m allowed), supporting the mighty Tangerines (Blackpool FC) and spending time with my family (The Boss, 2 Kids and a Dog). I also love a bbq, I could bore you about it for hours.

Ben Illingworth

Director

Work Life
I started my career with BMS Performance straight from university in 2011 where the glittering lights of recruitment during a global recession were just too much for me to resist!

In that time, I’ve been focused on growing and developing our Graduate Sales Recruitment business and working with some of our most exciting clients, introducing them to the benefits of recruiting raw talent and promoting the sales industry as a reputable profession for graduates entering the world of work for the first time.

Outside of Work
Alongside my professional life, the past decade has also brought my fiancée into my life, we’ve embarked on a huge renovation project, building our family home together where we now live in the Lancashire countryside with our 2 little girls and Betsy the Cockapoo! When we’re not on family walks, we’re watching the F1 together… Team Lewis!

Cordelia Slater-Johnston

Director

Work Life
My career with BMS started in 2005 when I joined as a Client Development Representative and had my first experience of new business sales…, it was an eye opener for a raw graduate that’s for sure! Under the guidance of some fantastic mentors, managers, and colleagues my career grew into sales leadership roles predominantly working in our experienced hires sales recruitment business. I am now a director of the company and couldn’t be more thrilled to be able to offer the same opportunities for growth and progression to the amazing team who work within our business 17 years on.

Outside of Work
When not recruiting you will find me roaming round the UK with my dog, although we are both getting a little slower than we used to be, or trying to tick off more countries around the world that I haven’t seen yet. I’m an avid reader and still enjoy the learning process which happily ties in well to my work and trying to continually invest in new ways to make BMS the best it can be.

Graham Halewood

Director

Work Life
30 years at BMS Performance where I have undertaken a wide range of roles starting as a Client Development Executive in our Technical Sales Division and now as the COO taking responsibility for all of the back office functions.

Outside of Work
Family man with 2 boys studying Maths at University
Enjoy a nice glass of Rioja, Ribera on special occasions
Community focused, FA qualified youth football coach in the remaining spare time

Greatest Achievement
Its all about people, the relationships built, the careers affected and the success of those individuals both within and after their time at BMS.

Steve Bell

Director

Work Life
Since joining BMS in 2010, I’ve worked across marketing and sales recruitment. In 2020 I was invited to become part of the new Directorship to help lead a change in direction of the business. On top of strategic business decision making, my day to day revolves around management of our London office, and our UK Marketing recruitment and London Sales recruitment teams. I’m motivated to continue the growth of BMS and its people and I’m excited to see what we can all achieve. Some may ask why so long in one company? Simple… great opportunities and great people.

Outside of Work
I’m a Geordie, born and bred, so when I say I’m a Newcastle United fan it’s genuine, not just because of the money. When I graduated from Exeter University in Sports Science, recruitment certainly wasn’t on the agenda, but having fallen into the industry, I’m so glad that I did. It’s fast-paced, competitive, and rewarding. Oh, and I also met my wife in the industry. Now, I’m running around with a child in toe, desperately trying to make him the next Alan Shearer.