After more than a decade working in recruitment and HR, Siobhain Gibbons has turned a challenging personal moment into the beginning of her own business venture, Aibhilin Consulting, a company focused on people, trust and long term success.
Following redundancy shortly after returning from maternity leave, Siobhain decided to take the leap and establish her own recruitment and HR consultancy, bringing with her years of experience in both agency and in house technical recruitment roles.
Aibhilin Consulting was created with a strong focus on finding the right fit for both employers and candidates, rather than simply filling positions quickly.
Drawing on more than ten years of industry experience, Siobhain says the goal has always been to align skills, culture and long term potential while taking a more consultative and people focused approach.
She believes recruitment has become increasingly fast paced and technology driven in recent years, with a greater emphasis on speed and volume. While acknowledging the efficiencies this can bring, she feels the human side of recruitment can sometimes be overlooked.
Through Aibhilin Consulting, Siobhain aims to bring the focus back to building relationships, understanding both businesses and individuals, and prioritising honesty and transparency throughout the hiring process.
Being part of the local community has also played an important role in the journey, with support from local connections, referrals and encouragement helping the business grow.
The name Aibhilin Consulting carries particular personal meaning for Siobhain, honouring her sister who passed away four years ago and who had always encouraged her to believe in herself and her abilities.
She says one of the biggest challenges has been stepping away from the structure of a team environment and taking responsibility for every aspect of running a business independently. At the same time, it has also helped build confidence in her own experience and decision making.
Family support has also been a major driving force behind the business, particularly encouragement from her husband and the desire to create opportunities and stability for her children.
Looking ahead, Siobhain plans to continue growing the recruitment and HR side of Aibhilin Consulting while also expanding into sales training and delivery. The aim is to help businesses develop authentic, relationship driven sales skills focused on long term success.
She also encourages anyone considering starting their own business to connect with their local Chamber and Local Enterprise Office, saying the support, resources and sense of community available can make a huge difference, especially in the early stages.
For Siobhain, success is no longer measured only by results, but by building something meaningful, supporting others and creating a future her family can be proud of.
