Gary Rockcliffe – Perigon Associates

Gary Rockcliffe is the Managing Director of Perigon Associates, a recruitment company based in Yorkshire that provides its services to the engineering sector.

Gary took some time out to share his story with Entrepreneurs Unlocked.

How did the idea for your business come to you?

I kind of fell into recruitment 8 years ago, as I don’t think anybody really aspires to be in recruitment. Since then, the natural path for me has always been to setup my own company with a view to becoming a group of companies helping and supporting people across many sectors.

How did your lived experience inform your future plans and what was the turning point?

After the first 9 days in prison, which were hell, I began to suffer with severe depression. I made the decision to act, and I told myself to make a move. I used this experience as a catalyst to reset and restart. That day was the start of building who I am today.

How did you utilise your entrepreneurial talent?

I had to really pull a lot of strings whilst I was inside. I started writing letters to people on the outside, whilst making things happen on the inside, to help me make some progression on my plans.

I became a mentor for fellow inmates, helping them read and write and my cell was full of business plans with paper stuck to the walls, it was like this for months.

What was a major obstacle and how did you overcome it?

One major obstacle, and still is today, was my patience. I wanted everything to happen there and then, but of course you have no control inside and there are limitations to what you can do. I managed to handle my lack of patience with meditation, self-talk, fitness workouts, and reading. All my days were mapped out and pre-planned, but they always ended up working out differently…such is life inside.

What are you most proud of?

I am proud of being recognised for my help and the work I did inside. I was nominated for an award through the IOEE (Institute of Enterprise & Entrepreneurship), where I led a talk at the Houses of Parliament in front of many people including Government Ministers.

What one piece of advice would you give yourself?

To be patient, as they say, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”. If you visualise and focus on what you desire, it will happen in time, let the universe do its work for you.

Anything else you would like to highlight?

I met many people through my time in prison. I was surprised at how many people were like me, who had something about them, or who I knew could go on to achieve great things. I recognise the need to support prison leavers and the entrepreneurial people inside. The path I am on now will do just that, in time.

Finally – Can you provide a quote to inspire others?

“I believe in second chances. The path we take isn’t always a smooth ride, sometimes we go sideways, maybe even backwards, but all paths can be reunited, and your journey can get back on track. “

If you want to know more about their services, then check out their website using the link below.

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