Meet your BIG ANT team

With our personalised approach and extensive network of employers, we're committed to finding the perfect fit for your skills, aspirations, and long-term career goals. Let us be your guide as you navigate the job market and discover exciting opportunities.

• Gareth Brocklehurst

  Director

  01803 520850

  gareth@bigantgroup.co.uk

  After I graduated, I gave myself a short grace period of a few months to secure ‘decent’ employment locally in the Bay, hoping to avoid the inevitable drift towards London's Big Smoke, where many of my friends were relocating to. Fortunately, I quickly landed a role with a global recruitment firm in Exeter, and not long after, I was headhunted by a significant independent recruiter. These early career moves provided me with a robust foundation in navigating both the temporary and permanent sectors of the recruitment world.
  I founded GAP Recruitment in 2001, which we later evolved into what is now known as BIG ANT. Since then, I've been deeply embedded in the recruitment scene right here in our local area.
  I'm passionate about creating and nurturing great brands and supporting them to develop and flourish. I'm also a big advocate of the need to focus on the small details, get them right, and big things can happen!
  Outside of work, you might still catch me catching my breath on a 5-a-side football pitch or more likely running around for my daughters, juggling their busy schedules and squeezing in a little of my own.

• Vickie Brocklehurst

  Director

  01803 520850

  vickie@bigantgroup.co.uk

  After graduating a little while back, I kicked off my career in various roles across the car hire, banking, and building sectors. Working in business support and office management, I gained invaluable insights into diverse business practices and operations.
  As BIG ANT began to grow within the wider ANT Company set of brands, I saw a fantastic opportunity to make a positive impact and teamed up with Gareth, where I now manage our operational and financial affairs. I take great pride in staying closely connected to the heartbeat of our business. Essentially, I’m the one keeping a tight grip on the finances.
  Having grown up in Paignton, I still live in the area, balancing a hectic schedule of work responsibilities with a very busy family life, which includes my daughters and our various pets. You might catch a glimpse of me on my (very) early morning dog walks, which I do rain or shine, because it just gives me a moment of peace and quiet!

• Becky Darke

  Healthcare Team Manager

  01803 520850

  becky@bigantgroup.co.uk

  With a strong background in various care settings, I decided to build on my accumulated knowledge and skills by venturing into healthcare recruitment. Recognising the unique challenges that both care facilities and caregivers face daily, I aimed to bring genuine empathy to healthcare agency staffing.
  My approach prioritises the human aspect of caregiving, ensuring that compassion remains central to our recruitment process, and that every individual is treated with the respect and consideration they deserve, not merely as numbers.
  Through BIG ANT Healthcare internal progression, I’m currently Team Manager. In this role, I significantly contribute to the business's growth and development through new ideas, best practice, ensuring we deliver brilliant service and providing support for the recruitment team.
  
  Healthcare recruitment comes with its set of challenges, and to unwind, I enjoy playing netball and taking long, relaxing walks on the beach with my dog, Reggie.

• Andy Benjafield

  Healthcare Account Manager

  01803 520850

  It's tough to put into words what I'm all about, but let’s give it a shot…
  Originally from London, I racked up plenty of years in account management within the leisure industry. Craving a better work-life balance, I moved to Devon in 2001 and have since been living the dream along the stunning South Devon Coast. This move allowed me to explore various employment sectors to build on my skills and experience, spend quality time with my growing family, and indulge more in my passions for music and surfing.
  My enduring love for people drew me back to account management. Now part of the BIG ANT Healthcare Team, I thrive in a workplace brimming with like-minded folks, all committed to achieving the same standards of excellence through a people-centric approach.
  
  Yes, I’m still living the dream!
  

• Sarah Kemp

  Team Manager

  01803 520850

  sarah@bigantgroup.co.uk

  I currently hold the position of Team Manager for all temporary recruitment at BIG ANT. My journey into the recruitment industry was a natural progression from a rewarding 11-year career in insurance, during which I served as a Customer Service Manager for a well-regarded national broker. My time at BIG ANT has been marked by significant career growth, culminating in my current role which is both exhilarating and immensely satisfying. I take great pride in my team and our collective achievements, and I definitely love the operational side and being as efficient as possible for candidates, customers and colleagues.
  
  Outside of work, I embrace life as a devoted mum to three delightful fur babies and reside in the Bay with my husband. We've been lovingly renovating our home for the past six years, and we're excited to be nearing the end of this project. When we're not immersed in home improvements, we relish our time spent by the sea, embarking on walks, and exploring the breathtaking scenery that Devon and Cornwall have to offer.

• Holly Mills

  Senior Accountant Manager

  01803 520850

  holly@bigantgroup.co.uk

  I'm a Senior Consultant at BIG ANT, where I've been thriving for over six years, specialising in everything temporary, including a strong track record of temp-to-perm conversions. I've always lived in the Bay, cherishing our charming seaside town. After previously recruiting in Exeter, it's fantastic to work so close to home, collaborating with both local and national companies.
  
  Socially, I'm quite the butterfly, often spending my evenings and weekends catching up with my large circle of friends and family over a cup of tea, a cocktail, or while exploring new restaurants. I'm also one of the proud "crazy-cat ladies" at BIG ANT, enjoying downtime snuggled up with my two pampered felines, engrossed in a gritty crime drama or the latest reality TV series. As a big music fan and the unofficial “Office DJ,” I enjoy live concerts whenever possible, boasting attendance at N-Dubz concerts twice and Beyoncé’s thrice!

• Mandy Hamilton

  Operational Lead

  mandy@bigantgroup.co.uk

  After returning from Tenerife, I dived into the recruitment world. Now, three decades on, my passion for uniting candidates and clients hasn't diminished. As Operations Lead, I manage numerous projects and lead our permanent recruitment drive across various sectors, from general recruitment to specialised areas like healthcare, IT, sales, and marketing. My broad experience, including roles as Regional Operations Manager, Head of Business Development for Complex and Community Care, Head of Operations for Complex Care, and Regional Sales Manager, enriches my industry knowledge and operational expertise, driving our business forward.
  
  Outside the office, you’re likely to find me enjoying some fresh air with Logan, my loyal Black Working Cocker Spaniel. Whether I’m strategising for the upcoming week or just taking a moment to decompress, these walks provide the perfect balance to my busy schedule.
  
  At the core of everything, my dedication to connecting people remains unwavering.

• Dorota Nowakowska

  Operation Support Finance

  01803 520850

  dorota@bigantgroup.co.uk

  I’m originally from Poland but have been embracing life in the UK for 18 years. Previously, I spent a decade managing a busy and popular restaurant locally, which was a wonderful experience in the bustling hospitality industry and certainly taught me to juggle tasks and hone my customer service skills. A few years ago, I decided to shift gears and dive into the world of finance which would also free up some of my weekends, bringing my vibrant energy and people skills to a new professional landscape. Having now been with BIG ANT for over 4 years, my knowledge in payroll and finance support has grown massively since the beginning, supporting a very busy recruitment team.
  
  A proud mum to two lovely girls, I'm a cheerful and outgoing person who is another team member who loves cats. I’m a social bunny, and passions include lively music, great food, and hosting or attending fun gatherings,.
  

• Zena Thomas

  Business Administrator

  01803 520850

  zena@bigantgroup.co.uk

  Stepping into the role of Business Administrator at BIG ANT as a temp during one of their many busy periods, I progressed to a permanent position within just a few months. I brought with me a substantial amount of management expertise from the Social Care and project management sectors. My career highlights include leading a pioneering housing-care project and advancing to the position of Head of Supported Living. Motivated by a desire for new experiences, my husband and I moved to Devon in 2016, where I took on a significant role in operations management for a local charity.
  However, the relentless pace led me to yearn for a lifestyle less governed by the clock (I’m no clock watcher!) I discovered BIG ANT, which proved to be the perfect fit. Now, I apply my skills to support both the recruitment and healthcare teams all without the constant demand of a 24/7 schedule. This transition has been as rejuvenating and delightful as enjoying a fresh Devon cream tea on a sunny afternoon!
  

• John Renton

  Brand Manager

  01803 520850

  john@bigantgroup.co.uk

  As the Brand Manager, my primary role is to ensure that our brands not only capture attention but make a lasting positive impression. I also lead on Naked ANT, our division dedicated to providing design and print services for other businesses, helping them enhance their own brand visibility.
  
  Originally from Liverpool, I made the move to Devon three decades ago, a transition that introduced me to the scenic beauty of its beaches, which I instantly adored. My days are often brightened by a good dad joke (I've got plenty in my locker as my colleagues well know!), pondering over intriguing conspiracy theories (did we ever go to the moon?), and enjoying the great outdoors. You'll frequently find me engaged in lively ball-throwing escapades with my little dog, Maggie.

• Maggie

  Senior Ball Chaser

  I've been at BIG ANT for over 4 years now, I'm a Patterdale Terrier with years of ball chasing experience on the beach, also love good food, especially the treats the team give me. Big into fashion, I love a good bandana and have a great range of coats. When I'm not working I love to chill in the garden in the sun and chase all the birds that land in it. I once came second in a Most Waggiest Tail competition (obviously the winner knew the judge) but it's the taking part that counts.