Disrupt. Defend. Define.
We know that there are misunderstandings, misconceptions, misinformation about the value of the roles we champion and place.
We provide safe spaces, platforms, mentoring, education and information.
We stand for and seek change. We speak up and out. We enable the sector to define its own future.
"We do things differently here."
Lily founded Lily Shippen in 2016 with the entrepreneurial spirit of doing things differently. Having gained valuable experience working in London for one of the world’s largest recruitment agencies, Lily spotted an opportunity to disrupt the talent acquisition and recruitment market by creating a boutique executive and business support agency, headquartered in Manchester, which redefined the recruitment experience for clients and candidates alike across the United Kingdom.
Exceptional businesses. Exceptional people.
Because we are specialists, dedicated to the roles and expertise we cover, we offer more than placing candidates in companies.
Training, networking and support.
Consultation and development.
For us, it’s about building the best and most productive role for PAs and HR professionals to thrive, create impact and make things better, for everyone.
We do more, so that you can too.
How? A curated talent pool, a team of experts who understand the
role, so they can add value at every stage. A network that extends
out into a community.
The long game.
Victoria Coghlan
Senior Principal Consultant
Victoria joined Lily Shippen in October 2020 as a Managing Consultant, bringing with her over twenty years of experience within the secretarial recruitment market. Driven by high standards, response time and honest communication, there’s nothing she enjoys more than exceeding expectations and making a difference to peoples’ perceptions of what a good recruiter can do. Victoria works with candidates from entry level up to Chief of Staff and has a broad, varied and ever-growing client base in Central London and beyond.
Emma Hulbert
Senior Principal Consultant
Emma joined Lily Shippen in April 2018 as Candidate Manager and has since progressed to Senior Principal Consultant. As a Psychology and Forensic Psychology Masters' graduate with a background in hospitality, she prides herself on being a people person, taking the time to get to know candidates and clients alike to find candidates their dream jobs and clients their ideal hires. Emma covers temporary, contract and permanent recruitment and manages our Virtual Assistant offering. With six years of experience behind her, Emma has become a go-to person within the Manchester market, receiving five-star testimonials from clients and candidates.
Emily Mills
Head of Growth & Initiatives
Emily prides herself on her transparency, authenticity, and ability to deliver solutions. She is honest and fair, and with an extensive career in senior support and management, she is an invaluable asset to Lily Shippen. Emily joined the team in October 2022 and was initially responsible for developing our business infrastructure, before moving into a new role as our Head of Growth & Initiatives in January 2024.
Samantha Gillespie
Senior Principal Consultant
Samantha joined Lily Shippen in 2021, bringing with her over twenty years of business support recruitment experience in the London market. Her in depth industry knowledge and dedication to recruitment spans across all areas of the market and through this she has built a strong reputation within her role for both clients and candidates alike. She is passionate about the industry and is a true expert in identifying, sourcing and placing PA’s, EA’s and Chiefs of staff for clients, whether you’re looking for a temporary, permanent or contract role.
Lily Shippen
Managing Director
Lily founded Lily Shippen in 2016. She is responsible for our marketing and business strategy as well as increasing brand awareness and establishing and nurturing client relationships. She also offers personal development sessions, alongside one-to-one CV and interview preparation coaching.
Sophie Healey
Consultant
Sophie joined the Manchester team in August 2022. Sophie's values are strongly aligned with the working culture at Lily Shippen, which is extremely important to her. Those who know Sophie from both her working and personal life describe her as caring, consultative, and an active listener. These skills are evident in the success Sophie has had in her time as a Recruitment Consultant.
Matt Gregson
National Recruitment Manager
Matt joined Lily Shippen in March 2024 as the Manager of our recruitment team. With a background in education, Matt has transitioned into the world of recruitment, bringing over five years of experience as a teacher, which is reflected in his people skills and high standards. Matt thrives on helping others and welcomes anyone seeking guidance to reach out to him. Matt is also actively involved in developing client relationships, so you will see him at many networking events in both London and Manchester.
Our Values
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Be tenacious
Put simply, tenacity is that fierce blend of determination, persistence and grit. For leaders and their organisations, it's the trait that means the difference between failure and success.
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Show sincerity
(Of a person) saying what they genuinely feel or believe; not dishonest or hypocritical.
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Have confidence
A feeling of self-assurance arising from an appreciation of one's own abilities or qualities.
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Gain trust
Rely or depend on, to believe.
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Exceed expectations
Consistently does work going far beyond what is expected in terms such as quantity, quality, timeliness and customer satisfaction. Goes the extra mile.