David Smalley, Managing Director

Prior to establishing Daniels Smalley Partnership and Purple Hat, David spent the early part of his career in Accountancy before entering the professional recruitment sector in the late 1980’s.

David has spent the past 27 years advising clients across the private and public sector with the recruitment of Executive Directors and Senior Managers. He has developed a strong reputation in undertaking “difficult to fill assignments” utilising advertised selection and/or confidential executive search assignments

He first became involved in supporting individuals with career transition, when in 2003 he developed two innovative ESF funded initiatives, Purple Hat and the follow on programme Purple Hat Making Rainbows which successfully supported over 300 career break returnees in their desire to re-enter the labour market through a series of inspirational “can do” tailored workshops.

Over the past 8 years, David has assisted over 500 individuals from a wide range of backgrounds to improve their knowledge of modern job search methodology. In additional to the strategic development of Purple Hat, he continues to provide operational "hands on" support to businesses and individuals, providing 1:1 coaching as well as delivering small group workshop events. 

Melanie Squire, Associate HR/Career Coach Specialist

Melanie has a 25 year career history in the field of training, development and education. She specialises in the delivery of executive career coaching and has a proven track record of helping 1000’s of people return to work and recognise their potential.

Her delivery style is engaging, inter-active and motivational. She is driven to help her clients “get that job”. She has experience of working within the private, public and voluntary sectors and has also secured in excess of £1million through an array of funding sources.

Melanie acted as the Project Director to Daniels Smalley Partnership for both of the companies two successful ESF objective 1 “Purple Hat” projects. Her contribution to these sectors was recognised in her nominations for Welsh Woman of the Year.

Her current roles include:

Delivering career coaching and skills development training

Teaching on MBA programme at Cardiff University

Academic supervisor for MBA students at Cardiff Metropolitan University

Providing a consultancy role to Welsh Government