BITE Testimonials

Leonard

I can’t believe it was a year yesterday since I landed back on Australia.   A lot has happened in the last 12 months, with buying a house, getting married, getting a ACL knee reconstruction, and have helped with a new company going it alone without agencies to provide SAS services directly to the customer.  I do owe some gratitude to BITE for the skills that I learnt that I have been able to utilize here in Australia.  With the GFC it has been very difficult to get employment sometimes but the skills of selling your self to agents, and learning about the unadvertised job marketing, and networking have been even more helpful.

Through my networking, I have met some ex SAS employees who have started their own company who I am sub-contracting having greater earning potential then going through agencies.   A bit thank you to Keith and yourself.  While the last few weeks of refresher skills in the office didn’t land me a job in the UK, it did help when I returned.

Again thank you for everything that you did for me back in 2003 when I was fresh off the boat.  If I didn’t have BITE I probably would have run home with my tail between my legs.  The support and coaching helped me have the time that I did in the UK which have provided many memories.

Victoire

Keith just simply gave a MASSIVE KICK to my career and simply also show me/us the way to open this “hidden door” to success, to a new life!!!

After my very first attempt at Bite Consulting Ltd, to meet Keith this day, 21/08/09, he made me understand that I was just not targeting the right market place in regard to my professional experience. Indeed, also considering that English is not my first language, I was ready to look for any positions which would allow me to get into the work market. Thanks to Keith advice I knew that I was all wrong. For me to adjust my thoughts and therefore my job hunting strategy; hanging very tightly to his words as well as to Jennifer and Cathy ones. I have to say that when I arrived at Bite Consulting Ltd it was also much about building my confidence which was quite down. Within a fabulous ambiance and thanks to fantastic workshops, support and guidance, on a daily basis, I learnt how to make my job researches effective and successful. For instance regular updates and notes on spreadsheet, guidance on how to deal with agents via phone and face to face, how to build and maintain a professional network, preparation and advice to get job interview and be successful!... and puff, I get my very first contract within my field and at the market rate!. I have just finished my first week and it is only now that I really realise that it is happening to me. I do not know yet how to really express my gratitude; for now, yes, I can say 1000 MERCIS A KEITH AINSI QU’A TOUTE L’EQUIPE DE BITE CONSULTING LTD!!! Keith is one of those genuine and dedicated people with the perfect word at the right time. The all team vocation/art is to manage to get the quintessence of each individual/contractor, display it to each of us, provide necessary advice and hugs to help us as better as possible through the way that lead to the work.

Keith, Bite Consulting Ltd trusted me; I can not thank him enough for all what he have brought to me. Indeed if it is an exceptional team, I have also met fabulous people/professional from all over the world. Oui, All that is Priceless! And for all that I can definitively not thank you enough Keith.

One evening in front of a glass of white wine Keith also told me that I was a “hatching” flower hum, hum please excuse my lake of vocabulary; that night he explained me that I was like a flower about to open it was very sweet words and knowing him a little bit, I know that those were true words, but difficult to believe. And today, I would like to believe them and Open!

…To be continued!?

Patrick

After 3 years back home in Cape Town I arrived in London for a second and more permanent stint in the capital; this time committed to make contracting my career and determined not be tempted into ultimately dissatisfying permanent jobs. I believe there is a certain personality type that is attracted to contracting and the autonomy and independence that it ultimately provides. If that sounds like you I think Bite can help you. The assistance they gave me in terms of getting my CV contract  fit is something I would not have been able to figure out on my own. But more than that , my association with Bite has given me a deep understanding now of the ins and outs of limited companies, IR35, the importance of a good accountant and the various options available to me as I mature as a contractor.

Thank you Bite!

Sam Mackenzie

Bite’s a great group of people and if you are uncertain about moving to the UK they will support you, while pushing you to achieve your goals.  They have extensive knowledge of the UK job market which is quite different from Australia and this is invaluable in helping you to get the contract and rate that you want.

Michael Sheehy

At the end of the day I understand the job market back in Australia and to a certain extent thought it would be the same in the UK (turns out that it is very different).  Bite helps with your CV (getting is set out correctly), tells you where to post your CV and how to apply for jobs.  They also take you through interview methods and in general get you as prepared as possible for the UK job market.  In my case I had a job within 2 weeks of landing in the UK and all because of Bite (I would hate to think how long it may have taken to get a job).  There is no up front payment which when you first land is a big bonus and the quicker you start earning UK pounds and stop living on Australian dollars the better your experience will be in the UK.

Alex

Before coming over from Oz Bite provided me with very clear expectations about the job market. I was confident of finding work and with BITE's help was able to find a job in my second week here in London.

The first contract I got was for 6 months at Investment Bank ABN Amro. The technical lead at ABN Amro commented after I got the role that the thing that made me stand out from other applicants was the presentation of my CV.  The work BITE did in getting my CV write for the job and the market was invaluable.

When I relocated to London there were so many things to worry about like finding place to live and so on. Bite's help at the start with things like CV preparation, job searching, dealing with agents and understanding the market was and continues be a great help in selling yourself as quality candidate for contract work in the UK.

Peter Kyrannis

Having just arrived, I was optimistic about finding an IT job quickly until the reality of the differing job market hit home. The agents never called me back. I was disregarded for interviews by agents on what seemed like excuses; things like not having UK experience or being unfamiliar with a different piece of software that you can learn in 5 minutes. They would hold a fishing rod out with what sounded like a perfect job and then later you’d find out it didn’t really exist. BITE consulting helped me understand the market, learn the tricks and the ‘secret language’ of the agents and how to not get stung by them, as well as showed me how to construct and optimise my CV. After gaining this wisdom and being around people who were ‘in the same boat’, I became more confident and like a steam train gaining momentum, nothing could stop me from getting a job that I was happy with.

Patrick Ryan

I found that Keith (and the team's) expertise, really helpful in approaching looking for a job in Britain - they have obviously been doing this for some time, and have a wealth of material that was incredibly useful. The offices were in central London - which was great for taking some time off for sight-seeing. Also, I found that it was a very supportive environment, especially in regards to meeting other people looking for work, everyone had some advice to offer or were willing to discuss other (non-work related) issues; for example finding the best place to stay. I really happy with the work Keith and the crew (Cathy, Jennifer) did for me, and look forward to working with them in the future.

Francois Olivier

It's always difficult leaving your comfort zone back home, not knowing what to expect when arriving in the UK.  Will I find a place to stay? Will I find a job? etc.

As most people often have friends over here, they invariably spend the first few weeks with people they know. Finding a job is therefor the main concern for the majority of people. By using BITE's services, finding a job needn't be a worry...and once you've landed a contract, BITE takes care of all the paperwork, and most importanly, you always get paid on time!

Everybody else at BITE's offices will be in the same boat as you are, so looking for work can be fun. I've been using BITE since I arrived here in 2005 and I'm still with them. Why should I go anywhere else?

Wim Coetzee

When I first arrived in the UK I thought I'd use my "connections" to secure a position in the UK.  This failed quickly and I needed a different approach.  I tried - hard - to get a job on my own but didn't get much interest from my CV that was registered on the job boards at that time.  Besides, I wasn't willing(nor able) to dish out money for CV writing services, and after a few months of making no progress at all I came upon Bite.  After rewriting my CV using their templates, and using their technique for chasing after opportunities I started generating interest with the recruitment agencies.  Within 2 weeks I had an interview, got a job offer while I was in the interview and started working the Monday!  8 months later I did it all again and had a job within a week!

I would recommend anybody arriving from overseas in the UK to make use of Bite's services.  They offer the whole package and deliver on their promises.

Geoffrey Dineen

When we were planning to come over to the UK, I was applying for a lot of roles as I needed to show I was actively seeking work for the purposes of obtaining a UK Ancestry Visa.  When I phoned UK IT recruitment staff they often promised to email back a response proving that I'd made contact and was attempting to find work.  However these emails never arrived and I was feeling a little despondent about getting my Visa.

Fortunately a friend who'd been working in the UK for a couple of years was registered with Bite and thoroughly recommended their services.  So one week later, I'd made contact and Bite kindly offered to act as an advocate on my behalf to prove that I was indeed searching for work.  I obtained my Visa, we moved to the UK, and I had a job within three to four weeks of meeting Keith, Jennifer, Trish, and the rest of the team at Bite.

I've been working through Bite for almost two and a half years now and am very appreciative of their continued support and valued advice that they offer for those working in the UK IT market.  They're a team of professionals who know the market very well, and they strive to help you ensure you market yourself effectively in your chosen field.  I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Bite to anyone considering moving to the UK.

Make sure you get along to the Bite Summer parties, as they're a great opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, eat great food, and possibly find your next assignment!

Jacques van Zyl

My first thought of coming to the UK was a scary decision.  I mean, one doesn't just uproot one self in a comfortable environment for the waters of an unknown land, but the decision was made and I think that it was one of the best decisions I made in my life.

Arriving in the UK, a naive man, with thoughts of grandeur at what London in the UK had to offer and how I was going to succeed and make my mark, was quickly snapped into reality of how London operates.  London is not South Africa.

So trying on my own for a month or two to get a job, with no success, I stumbled upon an advertisement in Gumtree for a consulting firm BITE.  I rang them up and so glad I did.  I was met by friendly voices, eager to assist me and getting everything correct to prepare me for the UK Job market.  Everything from how to handle yourself in an Interview,  how to professionally do you CV and how to handle the agents on the other end of the phone trying and see through all the trappings they lay before you.

BITE has been a lifeline for me, they understand me and the needs, that I have, trying to succeed in a country far from home.  They strive only to ensure that you get the Best Advise, Job and Remuniration that you deserve.

All I can say the is that without them, things might not have worked out as would have liked them too.  Thank you.

Stephen Kagiri

I first come to know about BITE consulting when I was in South Africa. I sent my C.V. to them and it was an eye opener on where I stood should I get into the UK job market. After coming into the UK 8 months ago having done my first contract outside the UK, I got in touch with bite and I was invited to visit their offices in London where I met Keith. A jolly fellow I should say. Needless to say after signing up with them, I began going through their training program which was very thorough. For every new contractor coming into the UK, BITE is the place to launch your career.

I got my UK first contract 2 months since joining up with BITE. And the dedication of the staff to see that you succeed is truly amazing. Keith, Jennifer, Trish and Co. are committed to your success. The umbrella benefits that come with BITE guarantee that you are paid on time and I give the accounts team esp. Theresa a thumps up as she make sure the monies owed to you for work done come into your account on time.

Should you need to change to work permit or HSMP then BITE has the expertise and the know how to guide you on that. Their offices are friendly and relaxed. Enabling you to network with fellow contractors to know what happening and tips on how to tap into the hidden job market.

Give BITE a go!

Catherine

I wouldn’t recommend BITE to everyone. For an established contractor, with UK experience, the rates aren’t worth any benefits they would get. However, for a foreigner trying to crack the UK market, it’s more than worthwhile. I’ve spoken to so many people who’ve had the same experience I did before finding BITE – they have the skills and the experience, but feel they’re just sending job applications into a black hole and can’t work out what they’re doing wrong. Most people will eventually find a job, but usually by taking a permanent position for far less than they’re worth. The difference that BITE’s advice and support makes in speed of finding a job, and the rate of pay, more than makes up for the commission taken.

My recommendation to anyone in IT new to the UK would be to spend a week or two looking for a job on your own. Who knows – you might find your dream job. But, when that doesn’t work, give BITE a call. Taking the advice you’ll get can be annoying and time consuming and may seem silly at times, but the consultants know what they’re talking about. After weeks of not even getting rejections, I was having agents calling me within about 3 days.

Even once you’ve had a couple of contracts and can handle finding new work on your own, the help you get with work and holiday visas is worth sticking around for.

BITE isn’t cheap so, if you don’t need these types of services, it probably isn’t the right option. But, if you do, you’ll definitely get everything you pay for.

Ben

I arrived from New Zealand 3 and half years ago and found Bite on the web after looking at a number of options. Right from the outset I have found all the staff friendly and supportive, with a real interest in ensuring that I’m getting the best possible roles and assistance. My CV was radically overhauled and my interview technique improved from the various training modules.

The fact that in 3 years I have always been paid on time with, both through the PAYE and Umbrella company offerings has ensured that they are trustworthy. I was especially impressed with the fact that Bite staff took out their own personal time to assist me with visa applications after working hours in 2006 and re-enforced my view that they are here to have a sustainable, relationship with all the contractors and not just make a quick quid.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Bite Consulting, both to those new to the UK and those who have been here and in the business for some time.

Have a good one!

Andre

I have been in the UK now for almost 4 years and during this time I have been working through Bite Consulting.

I am originally an Australian who moved to London to Work and Travel.

I definitely recommend Bite Consulting to any new person wishing to work in IT and live in the UK.

Regards,

Grant Anderson

I have had an association with BITE since July 2001, firstly with the Wellington New Zealand office which helped me with my Ancestral Entry application.

Then the team in the London office helped me with finding my feet in the UK contract market at a tough time - just after 9/11.
When I first joined I was consulted about what sort of work I wanted to do, my CV was reviewed and my interview techniques improved.

I believe I was one of their longest-term job-seekers, and I got to know Keith, Jennifer and Rhona fairly well.
They have always been positive and encouraging and I owe them a great vote of thanks for their support and friendship.

From the start BITE has provided a combination of excellent facilities and personal service, to go with their in-depth knowlege of the UK recruitment market, and an understanding of expatriate job-seekers.

I have used both their PAYE product and the limited company option with great satisfaction.

I would recommend BITE to any Aussie, Kiwi or SAFFA coming to London.

hope this helps!

Tim Fletcher

I've been a contractor in the UK for the last 6 and half years and have been with Bite for over 4 years.

Compared with the other companies I've dealt with, Bite always pay on time and have a friendly, efficient and most importantly a clued up accounts team.

The career training and CV marketing has been really valuable and would be useful even to veteran contractors.

Bite has also been helpful in dealing with Work Permit and HSMP applications.

Unlike many other companies (which are just glorified accountants) you get the feeling Bite are in it for the long run rather than just trying to
make a quick quid of the contractors being running off into the sunset.

The atmosphere at Bite is chilled out and they tend to attract friendly contractors.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to Bite to any IT contractor looking to work in the UK and also those who have been in the UK for a while.

Cheers,

Tim Prentice

i've been with bite for sometime now, which acted firstly as an umbrella company and then as a limited company. the following services in particular were of very good use to me:

- insurance: where by a dodgy agency apparently goes bust and decides not to pay out your past 2-3+ invoices, bite became actively involved and recovered the funds appropriately me. this was with a contract with cable & wireless

- atmosphere: bite tends to have an informal, relaxed atmosphere whilst also as professional. the familiar faces of jennifer and keith in particular are good to work with.

- consistency: moneys are transferred on-time regularly and there is little hassel with the monthly transactions etc...

- belief: when i first came to the uk i found it very difficult to break into the market. i almost had to go home with nothing, and life was grim to say the least. bite stuck with me in those early days till i secured my first contract.

like anything out there it pays to look around for what suits your requirements. i've been with bite for a number of years now, and they've worked out well for me.

hope this helps,

Richard Alsweiler

When I first came to London I was recommended Bite by a friend that was with them. He said that finding a job in the UK was not the same as back home (NZ) and that Bite were a huge help.

He was exactly right - from the beginning Bite impressed, with excellent facilities and personal service.

When I first joined I was consulted about what sort of work I wanted to do, my CV was reviewed and my interview techniques improved.

Bite was always happy to provide references for such things as my HSMP visa application and leases on new apartments etc. Wages were always paid within 10 days after my timesheet was submitted for the month.

Also, little things like new contracts sent out accompanied with addressed/stamped envelopes and regular newsletters with useful info made the contracting experience that much easier.

In the two years I have been in the UK, it’s the only company that seems to work efficiently and actually care about you and your career.

I have already recommended my friends to Bite (and received the 250 pound referral fee) and would not hesitate recommending Bite to anyone.

Best of luck everyone.