For those of you that scan an eye over my monthly musings you will no doubt be sensitive to my more than passing interest in all matters sport (we will quickly gloss over the English cricket tour as that did not appear to be sport for the English team!). As we approach Christmas each year I must admit to a schoolboy enthusiasm to the annual SPOTY and the review of the sporting events and participants of the year. In many ways it is an uplifting exercise especially when you consider the number of unexpected and tragic events of 2016. So I hope you do not mind my use of SPOTY and sport to put a positive spin on a surprising year.

It’s been an exciting year for sport; cast your memory back to the beginning half of the year, when Leicester City shocked Britain (the world of football!) by beating all the odds and winning the Premier League – I’m pretty sure if you go into Leicester today the celebration party is still going on. Then consider Eddie Jones’ transformation of England’s rugby team, leading them to have a strong and successful season of victories. And of course, we must not forget GB’s sporting achievements while away in Rio at the summer Olympics. Whether they were in the pool, track or field, our athletes once again made us proud of our sporting stars.

Of course, these leading lights are celebrated at one particular event: the Sports Personality of the Year. This year, the likes of Mo, Peaty, Murray, Bale and Brownlee were all contenders to join those others who have been honoured with this award, such as Wiggins and Flintoff. On the 18th, Britain TV viewing public gathered to award Andy Murray the accolade in 2016 again, due to his exceptional performance across his field of endeavour and for his dedication and passion for Britain and sport.

However, the point I always reflect upon of the winner of SPOTY is the word “Personality” defined in the Oxford English dictionary “The combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual’s distinctive character”.  I wholly accept and recognise that all nominees are undoubtedly sporting greats but are we the voting public, voting on sporting achievement for the year or the personality. In Andy Murray’s case I do believe he is both a personality and in 2016 achieved more than he could have hoped for on the tennis courts so a worthy winner.

Naturally I reflect upon recruitment and the importance in defining either the role you seek or hire. This will determine the success of the appointment and career development. Get it wrong and the expense will be disproportionately high to the original investment. Thus we wish to support those who show their commitment and love to the field in which they work, and thus they thrive and excel as they go from strength to strength. Here at ABPM, we invest as much of our effort and expertise at the start of the process as we do to the conclusion of our service to you. The upfront expertise you receive is dedicated to helping you to find the career that will inspire you to be the best, and pursue you goals. I and my team are on hand to support you and look forward to hearing from you.

Finally, let me and my team wish you a Merry Christmas and we hope you have a peaceful and productive 2017.

Rej Abraham Managing Director