About 3 years ago I did my 135 and IR with Bond at Gloucester, they are very good, it's all high quality instruction. The courses and staff are also top class.
The chief pilot for the Hems work, is an ex British army pilot and ,as I saw it happen in front of my eyes, as his friends that have just retired from the army go through the course to get their civilian license if there is an opening they are the first ones to get the job.
I suppose it normal human behavior, I would also probably hire my friends or people I have worked with for a long time rather than someone new.
Luckily I still work as a helicopter pilot some where else but my ir and 135 rating expired a few years ago.