Conversations about things that matter

John is passionate about providing a level playing field for all people looking for employment.

An engaging speaker whose working life has spanned a naval career, being a much sought after sales and marketing advisor, then expanding into recruitment and training in 2007, with a keen eye on Aboriginal and disability services.  In December 2011 John established Circle Recruitment and Training, to focus on providing employment and training to Aboriginal Australians, Mature Age persons , candidates with a disability, job seekers from non-English speaking backgrounds and refugees. John's presentations are essential listening for those tasked with implementing and encouraging true diversity in the workplace.

John Allan Cooper was born in Newport, Gwent, UK and after leaving High School joined the Royal Navy in 1965. He progressed through the ranks to join the Royal Naval College Dartmouth as a Midshipman in September 1972. On completing his Naval officer training John served in a number of ships eventually Commanding HMS Laleston in 1978/9, SNV AL Nejah in 1979/81 based in Muscat Oman and HMAS Launceston based out of Darwin, Australia in 1989/1991. He was decorated on three occasions and received a commendation for bravery.

John completed his Naval service in the rank of Lieutenant Commander in 1991 and set up NT Leisure Pty Ltd (Now NTL Group Pty Ltd) in February 1991 and returned to the UK for 18 months to complete his MBA in Sales and Marketing before settling back in Sydney Australia in 1993.

On returning to Sydney John quickly established a number of clients requiring marketing and sales advice and went on to become a consultant to a number of well known property marketing companies, increasing their property sales and providing marketing advice and call centre services. He also provided marketing and sales services to several recruitment companies from September 1996 and continues to do so.

In 2002 John set up the first of his mortgage lending and finance businesses, Central Home Loans, adding a second finance company, National Lending, in 2005.

John is currently:

The Chairman and Managing Director of NTL Group Pty Ltd
Managing Director of Circle Recruitment and Training
Director of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business Association Ltd
Member of the NSW's Aboriginal Job Compacts Steering Committee
Advisor on the NSW National Seniors Policy Committee
Committee Member of the National Dental Health Council
Fellow of the Recruitment and Consulting Services Association of Australia (RCSA)
Chairperson of the Recruitment and Consulting Services Association of Australia Diversity Committee
Accredited Professional of the Information Technology Contact and Recruitment Association Ltd (ITCRA)
The NSW and ACT State President of the Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA)