Following an early apprenticeship with Plessey designing and manufacturing electrical components, Henry Wilson pursued a career in sales at SmithKline Beecham. He then moved into business consultancy and, over the years, he has been instrumental in forming a number of companies in the car, advertising and property sectors.

This experience drew his attention to the increasing shortage of skilled tradesmen, particularly in the construction business: "I soon realised that one of the major problems facing an expanding economy was the shortfall of skilled professionals." This lead him to form Wilson Recruitment to source skilled workers from central Europe for UK based companies.