Margery Hurst stands as a towering figure in British business history, a woman who, through sheer determination and business acumen, built one of the UK’s leading secretarial employment agencies. Her creation, Brook Street Bureau, wasn’t just a company; it was a testament to her unwavering self-belief and a revolutionary approach to the staffing industry. At 51, and already recognized as one of Britain’s wealthiest women, Hurst’s Brook Street Bureau was poised to make a significant move, offering 540,000 shares to the public, valued at over $1,000,000. This bold step in 1946, just after its humble beginnings with a mere $200 loan, underlined the remarkable journey of Brook Street Bureau and its founder. Even after going public, Hurst and her family retained a firm grip, holding 73% control, proving her long-term vision for the company.
The success of Brook Street Bureau is undeniable, placing over a quarter of a million women in jobs annually. This impressive feat is attributed to the agency’s innovative advertising strategies and its strong reputation for treating its candidates with respect and consideration. Brook Street Bureau boasts an enviable client list, featuring industry giants like Philips, Monsanto, Woolworth, Pan American, and Bendix. These corporations willingly pay a premium for what Mrs. Hurst proudly calls “the Rolls-Royce of employment agencies,” highlighting the high-quality service and caliber of staff provided by Brook Street Bureau.
What sets Brook Street Bureau apart is its rigorous selection process. The agency meticulously assesses candidates not only for their professional skills but also for their personality and overall presentation. This commitment to excellence is evident in their acceptance rate – only one in three applicants are chosen to represent Brook Street Bureau. Furthermore, the agency maintains stringent standards, refusing to place shorthand typists without a minimum of three years of prior experience. Mrs. Hurst’s personal drive for perfection was initially so high that she demanded applicants match her own typing prowess. She later humorously admitted, “no one was likely to be as good as I, so I had to put up with 95% perfection,” showcasing her unwavering commitment to quality at Brook Street Bureau.
This relentless pursuit of excellence has fueled the extraordinary financial growth of Brook Street Bureau. From a profit of $55,000 in 1955, the agency’s earnings surged to over half a million dollars in the following years. This financial success is mirrored in the physical expansion of Brook Street Bureau, growing from a single London office to a network of 46 branches, with five new locations opening just last year. Recognizing the global demand for skilled secretarial staff, Brook Street Bureau extended its reach internationally, establishing offices in key cities like New York, San Francisco, and Sydney, Australia. These overseas branches facilitate a thriving two-way exchange, placing British secretaries in American and Australian firms and vice versa, further cementing Brook Street Bureau’s global presence in the employment market.
Margery Hurst’s dedication and hard work have undoubtedly paid off, bringing her the success and lifestyle she believes she has rightfully earned. Her opulent lifestyle, including a 22-room country estate in Surrey, a Mayfair apartment, a Bentley, a swimming pool, and a full domestic staff, reflects her business achievements. Yet, amidst these symbols of wealth, her proudest accomplishment remains Brook Street Bureau. As she herself states, “I have built up this business on my own. Absolutely on my own. It is a one-woman show,” encapsulating the powerful entrepreneurial spirit that drove the phenomenal success of Brook Street Bureau.
