Phillips & Carpenter was formed on 1st January 1973 by Dick Phillips FCII ACIS and Paul Carpenter FCA FCMA ACIS FCMI with the intention of offering a highly personalised service as selection consultants specialising (but not exclusively) in the recruitment of financial management. Subsequently, links were established with associates in New York and Paris, so that the firm could offer a truly international service.

By combining extensive recruitment experience with a sense of commitment to the solution of clients' problems, Phillips & Carpenter has developed a reputation which has led to a steadily widening circle of clients. These range from small private companies to major multi-national groups, and have included:
- American Express
- Dunhill
- IBM
- ICI
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales
- Lex
- New Look
- Plessey
- Rank Xerox
- Reuters
- Time Warner Books
- Vickers
- Virgin Atlantic Airways
- Willis

Today Phillips & Carpenter, which is still run by Paul Carpenter, is part of the recruitment division of Management Inspirations Limited, specialising not only in the recruitment of financial management but in all levels of senior management.

The recruitment process is either through advertisement or by headhunting. The consultancy process is individual for each client and the fee (which will include a non-refundable retainer up front) will be agreed before each assignment. The cost of advertising is charged separately.

All fees are negotiated with each client individually, with VAT added at the current rate.