Stories about our latest news, team members among other exciting things happening with Hannelius Recruitment family. 

An interview with MRS Events & Awards Manager John Bizzell, and Katariina Hannelius, Founder of Hannelius Recruitment.

The much loved Oppies is coming up on Thursday 29^th September.
Find out more: www.mrs.org.uk/awards/oppies

Interview and intro by Betty Adamou, Associate Talent Director, Hannelius Recruitment

Cast your mind back many years ago, before the Oppies began.

It was a dry, desolate place in Market Research, where those doing the important operational work were *splutters* not recognized in the industry, if you can believe!

But lo! What started out as a small conversation (“shouldn’t we recognize the role of operations in the market research industry?”) became a full-on award ceremony with the Market Research Society, and one of the most loved and popular events in the market research calendar.

Since joining Hannelius Recruitment, I learned that our Founder, Katariina Hannelius, had an important role to play in those early days of planting the idea about the awards. The following interview with Katariina Hannelius and John Bizzell shares a bit about how the idea took off, highlights from past events, and a look to the future of the Oppies.

1.Tell the readers a bit about yourself

JOHN BIZZELL:

This October I will have been at MRS (Market Research Society) for sixteen years. That won’t be a surprise to a lot of people in the sector, who may not remember a time before my badgering emails about events, awards, and all the other MRS activities I’ve had a hand in, but my friends are constantly bemused that I haven’t changed jobs every couple of years like most of them. What can I say? I love it!
Our leadership team are supportive and I feel listened to, and my colleagues are some of my closest friends. Ultimately though, researchers tend to be people who are interested in other people and producing events for them feels rewarding and worthwhile.
As well as managing member events and our various awards schemes, in recent years I’ve also become heavily involved in our EDI initiatives – in particular starting MRSpride with Michael Brown. We launched before the pandemic, survived and thrived during it, and have just delivered our first half-day LGBTQ+ insight summit.
Working with the MRSpride team and looking at the content we’ve created is a true highlight of my career.

KATARIINA HANNELIUS:

Hi! I am Katariina and started recruiting in Market Research back in 2004 and for years focused purely on Operational, Sales, Programming, Project Management, Data Processing types of roles. This is when I got involved with Research Club and also enjoyed many of various MRS Field Conferences and got to know the Operations side of MR well. Since setting up Hannelius Recruitment I have also ventured in recruiting for Full Service Research roles.
I absolutely love working in the Market Research industry; it’s an industry full of good people, and they are always a joy to see at our various events throughout the year. I also love meeting new people, and of course putting candidates in the right role, where both the candidate and client are happy, is still incredibly rewarding, even to this day.

2. How did the Oppies get started?

JOHN BIZZELL:

My very first MRS event was the 2006 Awards Dinner. I think from that night until the Oppies launched in 2014 someone asked me why the field side of the sector wasn’t celebrated in the same way at every event we had. What changed in that time was Katariina.
MRS exists to protect and promote research, but we’re a non-profit organisation and we have to make sure the sector will financially support any new initiative we implement. When Katariina suggested we launch some awards for research operations, I said we could only do it if we could find the money to fund it. We started with just four categories and Katariina found me seven sponsors. We chose a bar in Shoreditch to host the first ceremony, who told us the maximum capacity was 200. I thought we might get half that. We ended up squeezing 204 people in there, you could barely move. I’m sure there were enough people outside not to convene any fire regs, but it was a definite eye opener that the ops side of the sector wanted to celebrate their work, wanted an event, and would support it.

“When Katariina suggested we launch some awards for research operations, I said we could only do it if we could find the money to fund it. Katariina found me seven sponsors. We chose a bar in Shoreditch to host the first ceremony, who told us the maximum capacity was 200. I thought we might get half that. We ended up squeezing 204 people in there, you could barely move.”

KATARIINA HANNELIUS:

A Few people in the industry had been saying at the normal MRS Award events that there was a gap regards the Operations side and it was wonderful to see how open MRS was into looking at this. We knew all needed to start small, and with passion and loads of love from the MR world things got into action pretty quickly. That was back in 2014. I loved working closely with MRS on making it all happen! And so pleased to see how the Oppies have grown over the years.

3.What have some of the Oppies highlights been over the years?

JOHN BIZZELL:

I’m not sure I can commit some of the true highlights to print! Let’s say this, the Oppies is a wild night out. I think it’s probably the best party MRS runs in terms of people genuinely celebrating each other’s successes and just having a bloody good time. Something I will share, because most people will never see it, is the real pride the judges take in their work. Year on year they remark on how the ingenuity and passion of the entrants is something the sector must shout about – quality, ethical, innovative operations are the heart of the research process. End of!

KATARIINA HANNELIUS:

Seen the “hidden” gems of people/companies/teams being celebrated for the wonderful work they do and feeling valued!

And of course, an upcoming highlight is presenting the Best Data Collection – Quantitative award! We are sponsoring this award, and the finalists are Cobalt Sky, Face Facts Research, Lifestream, Rep Data & Wunderman Thompson and Savanta, Fineline MR & Leeds Building Society. We wish them all the best of success!

“Hannelius Recruitment are sponsoring the Best Data Collection – Quantitative award! The finalists are Cobalt Sky, Face Facts Research, Lifestream, Rep Data & Wunderman Thompson and Savanta, Fineline MR & Leeds Building Society. We wish them all the best of success!”

4. How would you like to see the Oppies grow in the future?

JOHN BIZZELL:

The categories have expanded several times – we started with four and this year we’ll present ten. I’d definitely like to see more entries for some of those – particularly the Best Sustainable Operations Award, which should be something everyone is thinking about – but we’ll also be announcing another new category for 2023 at this year’s event. And of course I’d like to see more people coming along to see the winners recognised on stage – yes, it’s a great night out for ops teams, but clients and business leaders should be there too.

KATARIINA HANNELIUS:

To keep evolving with the times, as they have been.

John, if someone wants to submit a nomination for the Oppies in the future, how can they do that?

We’ll open for entries in March, so they can’t do much until then, but feel free to contact me and I’ll make sure you’re notified when things kick off.

And Katariina, how can people contact you if they want to connect during the Oppies?

Just come and say hello! I love to meet new people and always catch up with old friends from MR.

My colleagues Betty Adamou, Maria, and Rhys will be at the Oppies too, so get in touch with them as well! If you want to tell me you’ll be at the Oppies and want to make sure we get a chance to chat, send me a message on Linked In or email me at katariina@hanneliusrecruitment.com.

Thank you both John and Katariina for your time today!

We very much look forward to the MRS Operations Awards and see you there!

The Operations Awards will take place on Thursday 29^th September.
Find out more: www.mrs.org.uk/awards/oppies

You can follow tweets and photos by following #Oppies on social media, or why not follow @TweetMRS or John Bizzell himself at @John_Bizzell on Twitter?

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Creative, adventurous, ambitious

What made you want to pursue a career in market research recruitment originally?

Market research is an interesting field and there is always something new to learn.

What’s your favourite part about your job?

That I get to talk to people every day and learn from them.

What are you hoping for the future?

I want to be really good at my job, be happy every day, live in a castle (yes, I’m being serious) and travel a lot.

What are the five essential qualities of a work culture that makes you feel engaged?

Positive and supportive environment, teamwork, opportunities for growth, good communication.

How do you enjoy spending your free time?

I have a few hobbies like playing piano, knitting socks, photographing, ballet and adult gymnastics.

Share a quote or motto you live by.

You only live once so live as fully as you can.

Regarding your work in market research, what gets you excited?

There is always something new to learn

What’s your typical day like?

I wake up, drink lots of coffee, take my dog out, go to work, go back home, cook dinner and take my dog out and go to bed haha

THE FUN FIVE

1. Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

My grandpa, he was an adventurous man that always had a positive mindset. I want to be like him ‘when I grow up’

2. If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

To be able to fly

3. What would your perfect vacation entail?

So far, I have been to 27 countries, and I have loved Iceland, Egypt and South of France the most. So I would say the perfect vacation would entail a bit of hiking in the mountains, snorkelling in the ocean or relaxing in hot springs, good food and good company.

4. What is something about you that people would probably not expect?

I’m an ex-gymnast. I can still do some cool tricks like walk on my hands and do somersaults.

5. What do you cook better than anyone else?

I’m better at baking than cooking. I can make great home-made pizza

Lucy joined the Hannelius team with a wealth of Project Management knowledge, wanting to take her career in a slightly different direction but remaining in the industry she is so passionate about. 

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

• Passionate
• Creative
• Positive

What made you want to pursue a career in market research recruitment originally?

When I finished my studies, I fell into the Market Research Industry by chance and haven’t looked back since! A close friend of mine had a job opening at her work, a recruitment agency, and luckily, I was offered a job! I then fell in-love with the industry but wanted to move to a role with more room for growth and development, I then became a Project Manager where I stayed for 2 years. Looking for further room for career development, I spoke to my now colleague Rhys about finding me a potential new role. We soon realised Hannelius had a job opening available and I had the right experience and now here I am. Thanks, Rhys (and the rest of the team of course!) 😊

What’s your favourite part about your job?

Developing great candidate and client relationships.

What are you hoping for the future?

To have a prosperous career and make many more fun-filled memories with loved ones.

What are the five essential qualities of a work culture that makes you feel engaged?

Support – from both your employer and colleagues

Opportunity for growth – Knowing what you have to do in order to reach that next step

Like-minded colleagues – driven individuals who want the team to succeed

Equality

Good Communication

Share a quote or motto you live by.

Everything happens for a reason.

Regarding your work in market research, what gets you excited?

No 2 days are ever the same in this industry, I love a fast-paced working environment!

THE FUN FIVE

1. If you could have a superpower, what would  to be?

To be able to fly – no more Ubers!

2. What would your perfect vacation entail?

Sun, sand, sight-seeing, cocktails, and good food. I’d go with my family, especially my siblings as we always have great fun together and I’d explore as much as possible.

3. What is something about you that people would probably not expect?

I have visited over 15 countries.

4. What is your “guilty” pleasure that not many know about?

Documentaries, especially true crime.

5. Who would you most like to swap places with for a day?

My younger self.

As Associate Talent Director, my role is focused on both supporting the business growth of Hannelius Recruitment, along with marketing and branding, as well as supporting our clients in gaining fantastic senior to C-level talent. As the Market Research and Insight industries continue to evolve, I am proud to be part of a team that's dedicated to listening to industry needs, and continuing to transform how we work to support both our candidates and partners.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Perseverant, rebellious (as in, someone who tries to break the mould and do things differently to improve things, not in the stubborn sense!), and creative.

What made you want to pursue a career in market research recruitment originally?

Poverty ;) I finished university, and was working one or two jobs while studying. I was about 18/19 and living solo, and once university ended I needed to find a full time job – there was rent to pay! A close friend of mine suggested a small agency I could work at which was conveniently about a 10 minute walk from my flat. I went for an interview as a project manager and got the job. It was my first office job, and I found that I enjoyed the work, people, and loved hearing what participants had to say and why about a range of topics. My love from research blossomed so much that fast-forward a few years after that, and I started my own agency, wrote a book about gamifying market research, have written papers, and started a PhD! A market research career has been incredibly rewarding, and we are an industry of good people, who I love connecting with.

What are the five essential qualities of a work culture that makes you feel engaged?

As part of my study and commercial work in the gamification of research, my own research has shown we need a sense of:

1. Relatedness - the quality of our relationships – do we feel seen? Witnessed? Can we share in joys and times of less joy? Etc)
2. Autonomy - the freedom to do our work in the way we wish)
3. Mastery – the feeling of progress, and knowing how well you’re doing. This is why it’s important to know your gaps in knowledge, as well as what you’re doing well, and have a strategy for improving.
4. Purpose in our work – knowing clear goals in our work, and why it matters
5. Purpose in a wider cause – knowing how our work-related goals achieve a higher purpose or support a wider cause.

These are all equally important if anyone is to feel engaged and motivated in their work, and I am no different J And this is an important benchmark when speaking to candidates as well – which areas can you hear were lacking in their job, and why they want to change employer?

How do you enjoy spending your free time?

I love home days of being with my family, my husband and dog, and reading a weekend paper. But I also love nature, and being out in nature is important to me, and my wellbeing. One of my favourite things is where we go on one of our big walks and reconnect with the outside world. I live in Suffolk and we are literally surrounded by ‘AONB’ – government certified ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ which are protected and open to the public. We have endless coast, forests, rolling hills and rivers, and fantastic pubs where we can put our feet up after a long stroll, in front of a fire, and enjoy a good meal and a lazy afternoon. I’ve walked quite a lot of the Suffolk coastline (6-8 hour walks!) and we really do have stunning scenery that changes with the seasons, so I never get tired of it!

THE FUN FIVE

1.Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

I’m inspired by lots of people all the time; from friends who have shown real bravery and calm in how they’ve dealt with a situation, or people (who are now famous) who have been inventors, free thinkers, poets, writers, singers etc. But the first person that comes to mind as an inspiration is my mum. My mum arrived in the UK at around 14, as a refugee from Cyprus when it was at war. She has not let this define her in any way. In fact, she barely talks about it. My mum has, through her actions, shown the value in preserving, asking questions, setting goals, and daring to dream. She is that sort of powerful woman that you’d love to go to for advice (of which she’d give, generously), but who you’re also secretly intimidated by. My mum is fiercely independent and loves deeply. She is fearless in a way I’ve not known other women to be. And I admire fearlessness in anyone.

2.What would your perfect vacation entail?

There are two extremes to this! I could a) stay in a forest with my husband and dog and just read, draw or paint for a week, or b) stay in a luxury resort on a beach and swim all day, eat good food, and take in local culture.

Saying that, I spent a month in South Africa with my husband in mid-2022 and we did neither of these things, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. We stayed in remote areas surrounded by wild animals, made friends with a Cheetah (who would come and sit near us by the pool), and star-gazed at night. It was incredible.

3.What is something about you that people would probably not expect?

I am such a fervent champion of people achieving their goals. I think this has, in the past, surprised people on how I’ve advised them to handle a conversation about a promotion, helped them prepare for an interview etc – I don’t go around shouting ‘come to me, I’ll be your champion!’ but if you do, I’ll be your cheerleader for sure. I love seeing people do well and achieve their goals. Partly because I know first-hand the road is not always easy, and I admire anyone who dares not to settle.

4.What is your “guilty” pleasure that not many know about?

Ply me with a Pumpkin Spiced Latte, put me in front of Downton Abbey, and wrap me in a blanket like a burrito and I can happily laze for hours!

5.What’s your secret talent that not many know about?

I am gifted, bizarrely, in doing impressions. If I spend a bit of time, for example, hearing someone’s voice or just being around them, I pick up on their tone, mannerisms, accent etc quite easily. I don’t ‘do’ impressions if I’m asked in an unkind way. But when I’ve done them, I’m told they are uncanny! Why I have been blessed with this odd gift is beyond me but there we are!

Maria joined the family recently, having previously worked in both recruitment and Market Research. She has a genuine desire to help people find a job where they can thrive and enjoys building relationships with new people.   

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Approachable

Passionate

Conscientious

What made you want to pursue a career in market research recruitment originally?

Having previously worked in Market Research and Recruitment and having a genuine desire to help people - I felt this was the right move

What’s your favourite part about your job?

It fulfills me to know that I do a job that can change people’s life for the better

What are you hoping for the future?

I want to have a sense of personal achievement and happiness in both work and family life

What are the five essential qualities of a work culture that makes you feel engaged?

A positive atmosphere and team harmony

Feeling appreciated and recognised

Flexibility which supports a good work life balance

Open and honest communication where people are feeling comfortable voicing their real opinions and ideas

Professionalism and a common goal of achieving high performance

How do you enjoy spending your free time?

Love spending time with my family, attending modern dance performances and finding new specialty coffee spots. In my ‘me’ time I enjoy practicing vinyasa yoga and making hats (millinery)

Share a quote or motto you live by.

Whatever you do, do it well. – Walt Disney

THE FUN FIVE 

1. If you could have a superpower, what could it be?

Getting my girls to sleep when it’s bedtime

2. What would your perfect vacation entail?

Being on an island near a beach, dining in tavernas and enjoying a film at an open air cinema with a glass of wine

3.  What is something about you that people would probably not expect?

I’ve been camping

4. What is your “guilty” pleasure that not many know about?

I love fries more than chocolate

5. Who would you most like to swap places with for a day?

Myself in 20 years

Rhys joined the Hannelius family at the start of 2022, having recruited in the Pharmaceutical and FMCG industries, as well as a wealth of sales and hospitality experience.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Approachable

Sociable

Driven

Regarding your work as a recruiter, what gets you excited?

The fact I can have an impact on someone’s life, in helping them find their next step and start their next chapter.

What are the five essential qualities of a work culture that makes you feel engaged?

Support

Cohesion

Driven, with targets to hit and goals to aim for

Being able to have a say and to contribute

I mixture of structure and the opportunity to find your own feet / way of working

What are your hopes for the future?

To be in a position and part of a company, that’s growing and reputable, where I have a say in final decisions and have a team I look over and coach / mentor

Share a quote or motto you live by

“We all know that light travels faster than sound. That’s why certain people appear bright until you hear them speak”. Albert Einstein

THE FUN FIVE

What is something about you that people would probably not expect?

I am a capped rugby international who has modelled with David Beckham

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

My grandma. Living in Bulgaria through the communist regime, she represented Sofia in basketball, rowing, Bulgaria in table tennis all whilst studying to be an engineer. She didn’t receive any income but did what she enjoyed and made the most of it. She later designed the current Metro system in Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia. She is still active, humble and one of the most caring people I’ve met.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Tough! To speak every language or to have a wrist watch that stops, pauses and rewinds time (Bernard’s Watch)

Who would you most like to swap places with for a day?

My future self – so I can see what my life will be like

If you were a fictional character, who would you be?

Tintin – loads of adventures and all with my great canine companion, Snowy

Eleanor joined the family in early 2021, having previously recruited for the IT industry. With a background in Psychology, she is always looking out for clients and candidates best interests and generally wanting to help out in any way she can! 

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?  

Determined

Compassionate

Hard-working

What made you want to pursue a career in market research recruitment originally? 

I loved my Psychology degree, and after quickly realizing that pursuing a career in this field wasn't what I wanted, market research and recruitment happened - it combined my passion of wanting to help people with my fascination with research!

What’s your favourite part about your job? 

Building relationships with other curious minds, and playing a major role in the next step of their career 

What are you hoping for the future? 

I want to be happy and successful in all that I do

What are the five essential qualities of a work culture that makes you feel engaged? 

Collaborative nature

Being heard and feeling important

A stronger-than-just-work-colleagues bond

Supportive 

Consistent hard work with strong results

How do you enjoy spending your free time? 

Eating goooood food

Share a quote or motto you live by.

'...and rain will make the flowers grow...' - Les Miserables

THE FUN FIVE 

1. Who is your biggest inspiration and why? 

My mum by far, she's incredibly strong and doesn't get enough credit for that

2. If you could have a superpower, what would it be? 

I would speak every language

3. What would your perfect vacation entail? 

A mix of sunbathing (with no sunburn in sight) and crazy activities (like skydiving), before going out for dinner and drinking cocktails on the beach

4. What is something about you that people would probably not expect? 

I've had a piece of poetry published

5. What is your “guilty” pleasure that not many know about? 

I love eating rice with ketchup, together, and nothing else 

Danielle Warne is our fierce and considerate finance and office manager and a mother of two girls, Jessie and Jasmine. She has been in the finance industry since 2001 and joined the Hannelius Recruitment team in 2014.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Loyal

Trustworthy 

Outgoing

What’s your typical day like?

My day is usually very hectic in between doing school runs for my two girls, taking care of the house and working part-time. I have been fortunate enough to be given flexible work hours that have helped to fit in my daily routine. 

What’s your favourite part about your job?

I like a challenge working with Excel and Word documents for work and making sure everything is accurate and completed on time. I am very particular and want everything to be just right! 

How have you witnessed the finance industry has changed?

Everything is now remote in banking.  I used to have to write at least 30 cheques on a Friday. But now everything is done at the touch of a button.

What are you hoping for the future?

Happiness and good health for myself, my family and friends. 

What are the five essential qualities of a work culture that makes you feel engaged?

Good work friends 

Equality

Stability

Good work environment 

Flexibility 

Speaking of flexibility, how does flexible working help you as a working mum?

For instance, if one of my girls is ill one day and I can’t make it to work, then I can make it up on another day. It is also nice to be able to take and pick up my daughter from school every day.

How do you enjoy spending your free time?

Going out to eat with family and friends and spending time with my girls and watching them grow up. 

Share a quote or motto you live by.

Just don’t take life too seriously.

THE FUN FIVE 

1. If you could meet one person, alive or dead, who would it be?

Bruno Mars 

2. What accomplishment are you most proud of? 

My two girls 

3. What's the most courageous thing you've ever done?

Jumping off a cliff into water when I was young.

4. What is something about you that people would probably not expect?

To stand up in a large crowd and speak.

5. What is your “guilty” pleasure that not many know about?

Disney films