Exceptional Service

Anuradha S - Software Test

Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value. It was wonderful to work with Mark

Raul G - Software Developer

Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

Mark was outstandingly involved and responsive throughout the process, one of the few recruiters who actually deeply cared about my career. I strongly recommend getting in touch

Christian B - Software Engineer

As a software engineer early into my career I was extremely happy with Marks recruitment service. He found me some incredible roles with very competitive salaries, and the communication has been absolutely top-notch

David H - Software Engineer

During my recent job change I dealt with a lot of recruitment consultants and Mark was easily the best. He took the trouble to understand me and my skill set and did not waste my time (as others do) pushing opportunities that were unsuitable. He is a genuine people person and was very supportive through the whole process.

Alex P - Software Developer

Mark is definitely one of the best recruiters I have worked with. Always responsive and as helpful as possible!

Suprabha M - Software DevOps

Mark is very responsive and motivates thru his insights! He boosted my confidence and was very supportive thru out my job search!

Marietta Magdolna H - Software Coder

Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness

Superb communication, meaningful suggestions, good intuition. Not simply organizing interviews but also makes real effort to help you get the right position. Great support!

Elliott P - Software AI ML Engineer

Had a great experience with Mark. Incredibly attentive and on the ball. He knows exactly what he's doing and I definitely recommend

Alexandru-M - Software Coder

Great experience, the roles they suggested were very relevant to my experience and interests and they were very professional even after I chose to accept an offer that I got through with another agency.

Liz March - Software Tester

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Mark for a couple of years now. Great guy, always a pleasure to speak with and such a professional.

Tom Chan - Software Engineer

Good feedback and prep info for interviews and generally a good all-round service. I've never encountered a better recruiter.

Seb M - Deep Learning R&D

Mark facilitated me getting my dream job straight out of uni, working in Deep Learning R&D. He was consistently professional and gave me great advice for how to prepare for my interviewers. When I'm looking for the next step in my career I will definitely start by giving Mark a call!

Aaron McIntosh - AI Engineer

Mark did an excellent job with securing me an interview with a good AI cyber security company a few weeks ago

Matt M - Java Developer

Call and email you when they need to with really good leads, follow up brilliantly but don't bombard you with call after call or mail after mail just for the sake of it. A refreshing change!

Mark F - DevOps SysAdmin

Mark is friendly and reliable. The thing that set him aside in my mind, is the flow of information. You are never left wondering and answers are quick and comprehensive. I would highly recommend

John B - Software Engineer

Mark is a very friendly guy and great at what he does. Having someone I could rely on and ask questions during the application process was really helpful.

Ralph W - Graduate Software Engineer

Mark was a huge help with securing me a position as a graduate software engineer at an exciting tech company in Cambridge. He was always extremely friendly and keen to help, and even helped me before and after my interview while he was away on holiday

Adam B - Web Developer

Mark is a really friendly, helpful and knowledgeable guy who's passion for what he does really shows through.

Stephen J - Software Project Manager Can't fault the service

Bren O - Bioinformatics Software Coder Working with them is certainly amazing. Mark Ashton is a star.

Danny J - Developer

Mark helped me find the perfect job with a technology start-up in Cambridge. His extensive knowledge about the company and the role made the whole process incredibly easy. He suggested multiple top jobs, and I am very happy with the service. Highly recommend!

We will accurately explain the role to the candidate so no surprises at interview stage

Our Customer Promise of Service

Using our network we find you the passive candidates others can't

All our candidates will have been fully qualified in the way we agreed with you

We'll always tell the truth whether it's the news you want to hear or not

Never hold information back that you need to know

One point of contact throughout the whole process

We will never share anything you tell us in confidence

We will treat the candidates with the same courtesy and respect as we do our clients

We will take an interest in your goals and challenges and help where we can

You can have the placement for free

£ Zero. No strings

Take advantage of our exclusive offer: secure your placement at absolutely no cost. That's right—£0, with no hidden fees or obligations if we break our Promise of Service.

Partnering with The 1st Connection provides peace of mind, satisfaction, and confidence. Should we ever fail to meet our Promise of Service, we go beyond apologies—and deliver the placement at no cost.

Work with a recruiter that not only cares deeply but also guarantees results with unwavering commitment.