The Recruitment Entrepreneur Podcast
Welcome to Recruitment Entrepreneur’s Podcast. We share insight, knowledge and expertise from our experience as the UK’s #1Investors for start-up recruitment businesses. Join us and our special guests to talk about entrepreneurial topics, success stories and more.
Episodes
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Welcome back to The Recruitment Entrepreneur Podcast, in today's episode, we are joined by Sophie Morris, Recruitment Entrepreneur’s Learning and Development manager.
Sophie always had a passion for learning and development but decided to start her journey within recruitment at Reed. Reed had their own in-house L&D program and after experiencing life as a recruiter for 2 years, Sophie decided to take the plunge and move into the Learning & Development team.
Sophie joined the Recruitment Entrepreneur team in October 2022 to support our portfolio partners with their L&D Strategies. She joins us today to talk about the value of Learning and Development in recruitment businesses.
Episode Overview:[01:05] How Sophie get into Learning & Development (L&D) in the recruitment sector[04:06] Qualifications to become a L&D Manager[05:02] Difference between in-house L&D to external L&D[07:54] Seeing the difference between those who want to learn to those who had to[09:55] Evolution in L&D post Covid & different ways of learning[12:48] Sophie's roles during and after Reed Recruitment[14:44] The impact of introducing L&D to larger recruitment businesses[15:57] How the RE partners received the new L&D offering[18:33] How has the performance changed with the RE partners since she started this program [22:23] Sophie's experience within her L&D roles[24:32] Sophie's advice about having L&D in your recruitment business
Links
Sophie Morris' LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophietmorris/Recruitment Entrepreneur's Website - https://recruitmententrepreneur.com/
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Welcome back to the Recruitment Entrepreneur Podcast. We are joined today by Rohit Kapoor, Co-Founder of Paiger.
Paiger was born when the co-founders noticed a shift in the way people prospected, communicated & built their businesses and brands.
Like other great businesses, Paiger started off small, but fast forward 5 years, they now have 700 clients, a team of 37 and a global presence
Recruitment Entrepreneur is proud to call Paiger a partner with a large share of our portfolio business using Paiger on a daily basis, with more businesses looking to work with them this year to help build their brands.
Rohit joins us today to discuss the importance of LinkedIn and time management.
Episode Overview:
[01:07] How Rohit got into recruitment and his experience
[09:34] Rohit's key highlights of his experience within recruitment
[13:45] Moving on to Broadbean and working in tech sales
[15:11] Co-founding Paiger with Darren, CEO
[17:43] What Paiger does for their
[18:17] What was the uptake on Paiger when it first went to market
[21:48] A look into the development path for Paiger for this year clients
[22:40] Paiger's partnership with LinkedIn
[24:11] Time management with technology
[29:11] Growth expectations for Paiger in 2023
[31:05] Bringing in personal touches and in person training
[32:35] Final thoughts and future launches with Paiger
Links & Resources
Paiger's Website - https://paiger.co/
Paiger's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/paigerco/
Rohit's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohit-kapoor-/
Paiger Blog - https://paiger.co/blog/
Tuesday May 02, 2023
Tuesday May 02, 2023
Welcome back to The Recruitment Entrepreneur Podcast.
In this episode, we are joined by The Resilient Coach, Mark Whitby, to talk to us about what coaching and mentoring can do for you and your business. Mark always knew he wanted to work in sales, and after travelling to the UK from Canada and speaking with a number of recruiters, he decided to take the plunge and became a recruiter himself. Mark worked hard in the industry but would find himself struggling to keep up. But being incredibly driven, Mark decided to search for a coach and mentor to help improve his skills and to move up the leaderboard. From his experience of working with the coach, Mark decided his true passion was actually learning and development within the recruitment industry.
Since then, Mark has set up The Recruitment Coach in 2001 and the very successful podcast, The Resilient Recruiter to do just that.
Episode Overview:
[01:35] Journey of starting his first podcast
[04:02] How Mark started off in recruitment and discovering his passion in L&D
[06:50] Experience and learnings of starting The Recruitment Coach
[10:26] Differences between being self-employed and an entrepreneur
[12:39] Aiming big with his Podcast launch and continued guests
[14:46] Focusing on digital marketing and his business model
[16:59] What sets Mark's Podcast apart from others
[18:41] Mark's advice to recruitment businesses on how to stand out
[24:27] How much value Mark has seen off the back of The Recruitment Coach
[27:33] Mark's focus for 2023
[31:32] Lesson's learnt along the way of producing a podcast
Resources and Links:
Mark Whitby LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwhitby/
The Resilient Recruiter Podcast - https://bit.ly/42hdivG
The Recruitment Coach Website - https://recruitmentcoach.com/
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023
Welcome back to The Recruitment Entrepreneur Podcast. In this episode, we are joined by Venatrix's CEO and Founder, Elaine Tyler.
After graduating from Leeds University in 2008, studying business management, Elaine knew she wanted to do something business-based and customer-focused and became a recruiter within the sales industry.
In 2015, Elaine saw a gap in the market to focus on SDR recruitment into leading SaaS firms and then had the opportunity to pitch her business ideas to Recruitment Entrepreneur's Chairman, James Caan CBE.
Venatrix has been a partner of Recruitment Entrepreneur for almost 8 years and is London's leading provider of SDR candidates to fast-growth SaaS companies.
In this episode, Elaine takes us through how the landscape of the recruitment market and the SaaS market is evolving.
Episode Overview
[01:06]Elaine's experience prior to Venatrix
[02:46] Venatrix culture and ethics
[03:32] Elaine's drive to become an entrepreneur
[05:48] Ideas of how to stand out from competitors within the market & maintaining it
[08:15] Venatrix's journey and evolution in their brand
[10:12] The SaaS market expectations in 2023 and the effect on candidates
[15:14] Venatrix's Assessment Centers and training opportunities
[18:55] The ratio in 2023 (Q1) of candidates to SDR roles
[19:53] Future plans for Venatrix and Global expansion
[22:40] Elaine's advice to someone looking to setting up a business alone
[24:41] Being a leader and being in partnership with Recruitment Entrepreneur
[27:49] Closing thoughts
Elaine Tyler: Links and Resources:
LinkedIn
Venatrix LinkedIn
Venatrix Website
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Welcome back to The Recruitment Entrepreneur Podcast. In this episode, we are joined by Co-Founder and CEO of Roi AI, Chris South.
Chris started his career as a recruitment consultant working in the oil and gas industry globally for 8 years whilst living in America.
In 2012, Chris decided to launch his first business, Prominence, a marketing agency to support recruiters and recruitment businesses. Since 2012, Prominence has seen fantastic growth, now operating globally with 14 heads.
However, it was Chris’s dream to start up a software company. He saw pain points from recruiters and it was clear to the other founders that there were plenty of opportunities for technological improvements.
Chris takes us through the importance of automation and how it should be seen as a support function and not a replacement tool in recruitment.
Ep Overview
[02:01] Introduction to Chris South and Roi AI
[03:45] Chris' experience moving from recruitment to running his first marketing agency, Prominence
[05:42] Lessons learnt opening up Prominence
[07:43] Seeing pain points and looking at how software and AI can support
[09:02] Chris’ view on using automation whilst not replacing consultants
[10:29] Overview of what Roi AI does for recruiters
[14:19] How Chris sees automation in the recruitment sector progressing this year
[20:20] How AI helps with what Roi can do
[25:11] Chris’ experience with negative aspects of automation
[32:19] Competitors within the AI market
Chris South LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismsouth/
Roi AI LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/roi-ai/
Roi AI Website - https://roi-ai.com/
Wednesday Mar 15, 2023
Wednesday Mar 15, 2023
Welcome back to The Recruitment Entrepreneur Podcast! In episode 5, we were joined by Sarah McGrath, Partner at 360 Search, an executive search specialist in the areas of insurance, life pensions, accountancy and compliance, based in Dublin, Ireland.
Sarah is an experienced director with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services recruitment industry, headhunting and recruiting senior financial service professionals.
Sarah and her business partner, Lynda Barnes, launched 360 Search in 2010 with the goal to be Ireland’s industry-leading financial services recruitment consultancy. Sarah takes us through the challenges and opportunities of building a successful recruitment company in Ireland with Recruitment Entrepreneur’s CFO, Angus McDowell.
Episode Overview
[00:20] Introduction to Sarah and 360 Search
[01:20] Sarah’s start in recruitment
[02:34] The early days of 360 Search and the journey into partnering with RE
[04:14] What challenges did 360 Search and Sarah found before and after the partnership
[05:38] Why 360 Search prefer “home-grown” recruiters
[06:55] What makes 360 Search stand out from the crowd and differentiate themselves
[08:46] 360 Search’s podcast – The CEO Corner
[11:33] Sarah’s experience of becoming a new mum and managing the role of Director at 360 Search
[15:34] How is the insurance and finance sector changed since the pandemic in Ireland and how 360 Search is adapting to that change
[18:42] What are 360 Search’s goals for 2023
[19:37] What advice would Sarah give to her younger self
Sarah McGrath and 360 Search
Sarah McGrath LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mcgrath/
360 Search LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/360-search/?viewAsMember=true
360 Search Website - https://360search.ie/
CEO Corner - https://www.youtube.com/@sarahmcgrathceocorner3851
Tuesday Feb 28, 2023
Tuesday Feb 28, 2023
Welcome back to Episode 4 of The Recruitment Entrepreneur Podcast! This week, we are featuring Helen Plumridge, CEO of King Recruit and King Exec. Helen shares her expertise on maximising motivation and creating success with our Marketing Director, Tom Burkinshaw.
Helen started in the recruitment industry in 2002 and has experience working for smaller start-up recruitment businesses to larger corporations. In 2008, Helen launched her first recruitment business but due to the economy at the time, she decided to close the doors in 2010 and focus on her family and expanding her knowledge & skill set.
With her experience and knowledge in the management and executive market, she launched King Recruit in 2015. Her aim was to partner with the best talent in the Southwest and match their skill set to the fastest-growing Southwest companies.
Tune in this week to hear Helen’s journey and her insights on maximising motivation and creating success.
Episode Overview:
[00:43] Helen’s start to the recruitment industry & inspiration
[02:19] How does Helen stand out from others
[03:24] Experience from working in a corporate environment
[04:44] The importance and value of branding
[06:45] The launch of Helen’s first recruitment business and what came after
[08:21] Journey after her first business and going back to corporate
[09:39] Taking a break from the recruitment industry and Helen’s journey back in
[11:47] Confidence of launching King Recruit and King Executive
[13:04] Staying motivated to run and manage your own business
[17:31] Decision to seek investment and a business partner within Recruitment Entrepreneur
[20:17] On target for another successful year
[23:04] Keeping a healthy work and lifestyle mentality
[24:14] Securing a new office space and hybrid working
Helen Plumridge LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenplumridge1/
King Recruit LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kingrecruit/?viewAsMember=true
King Exec LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/king-executive/?viewAsMember=true
King Recruit YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@kingrecruit9713
Tuesday Feb 14, 2023
Tuesday Feb 14, 2023
Welcome back to The Recruitment Entrepreneur Podcast. Episode 3 features GKR London’s Director, Grant Kaveney, to talk to us on “How to Scale Your Business to Become a Global Company”.
Grant started his recruitment journey in South Africa after finishing University and completing his Bachelor of Commerce. He was approached by a UK property recruitment company that was opening their offices in Cape Town and become their Sales Manager until 2010.
Grant has always had a passion for building and developing teams and decided to take the plunge in the summer of 2010 to relocate to London and launch GKR London after his previous employer decided to go in a different direction.
Grant’s journey to becoming the leading expert in his recruitment sector is incredibly impressive, with highs and lows that come from becoming an entrepreneur, he excelled in his business and partnered with Recruitment Entrepreneur in 2014 to help it expand globally.
Listen to the full episode now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and iTunes to go through his journey, and take in Grant’s experience and advice to future entrepreneurs looking to start their businesses.
Episode Overview
[00:59] How did Grant get into Recruitment
[02:38] Grant’s journey on becoming an entrepreneur and launching GKR London
[03:44] External mentors and moving to London in 2010
[04:44] How did Grant structure your launch in 2014?
[05:31] Early stages of GKR London. First 2 years and surviving the recession in 2008
[06:22] Decision to start scaling GKR London
[07:36] What year did Grant meet James Caan CBE, Chairman of Recruitment Entrepreneur
[09:13] Decision of becoming a Recruitment Entrepreneur partner
[13:46] Journey into global expansion post-pandemic
[15:13] International plans for 2023
[15:59] Grant’s thoughts of going through tougher times alone
[16:59] GKR London’s success in scaling the business
[18:16] Training and development at GKR London
[19:37] Grant’s advice for someone looking to start-up a recruitment business through his experience
[20:56] Importance of positive reviews and client & candidate relationships
[22:14] Reflection over the past 12 years at GKR London
[24:11] Best practice to retain and develop top talent
[24:48] Where will GKR London be in 3 years
[26:00] How has the partnership with Recruitment Entrepreneur helped with Grant’s expansion plans
[27:34] Grant’s advice to anyone looking to start or scale a business
Grant Kaveney and GKR London:
Grant’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantkaveney/
GKR London’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/1179335
GKR London’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gkrlondon/
GKR London’s Website - https://gkrlondon.com/
Tuesday Jan 31, 2023
Tuesday Jan 31, 2023
Welcome back to the Recruitment Entrepreneur Podcast!
Join us for episode 2 for 30 minutes with Recruitment Entrepreneur’s Chief Finance Officer Angus McDowell, who will share his journey into finance, and what success looks like from a leading CFO.
Originally from Northern Ireland, Angus attended Newcastle university in 2004 to complete his accounting degree. He started his finance career in 2012 as a Capital Accountant for Stagecoach.
Angus then went on to complete his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2017 which led him to join Recruitment Entrepreneur as our Investment Director. Shortly after, he was promoted to Recruitment Entrepreneur's Chief Finance Officer.
Angus works closely with our 24 portfolio CEO partners on a daily basis aiding their growth and scale strategies, eventually leading them to an exit event.
We discuss with Angus his journey into finance and accounting, what he looks for when meeting new businesses for investment and what success looks like for a new or mature recruitment company.
Don't miss out on this insightful episode, as Angus provides invaluable insight into the recruitment industry from a financial point of view.
Episode Outline:
[00:54] Angus’ journey coming into finance
[03:33] Opportunities after University
[07:16] Mentors and advice at the start of Angus’s career
[10:24] Next steps after qualifying as an accountant
[14:04] Angus’ thoughts on work/lifestyle balance
[16:44] What success looks like for a new or mature company
[20:49] What Angus looks for when meeting new businesses for investment
[25:33] Seeing the growth from entrepreneurs over the years from Recruitment Entrepreneur’s advice
Angus McDowell:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angusjmcdowell/
Website - https://recruitmententrepreneur.com/
Tuesday Jan 10, 2023
Tuesday Jan 10, 2023
Join us for episode 1 for 30 minutes with our Chairman and serial entrepreneur, James Caan CBE where he shares his insights on how to build a better business within recruitment.
James started out his career in recruitment in the mid-eighties when he launched Alexander Mann. He successfully scaled the business which led to an exit in 2002.
James then went on to co-found the executive headhunting firm Humana. Today he is currently chairman of Recruitment Entrepreneur and equity firm Hamilton Bradshaw.
James is a seasoned entrepreneur and is also known as a TV personality for his time on Dragons Den. With the launch, scale and exits of many businesses over the years and being chairman of two large and rapidly expanding global companies - we talk to James about how he launched and scaled his businesses, led them to a successful exit and how, in today’s market, to improve your recruitment business.
Episode Outline
[01:00] James Caan CBE’s experience in building a business to scale.
[06:27] How James’ experience influenced launching Recruitment Entrepreneur.
[08:16] Knowledge gained from launching Alexander Mann.
[09:40] Investing in people and their visions.
[11:37] Is recruitment more competitive today than when James started.
[14:45] How to stand out in a competitive market.
[17:31] What James looks for when making an investment decision.
[20:56] How James defines success within business.
[24:48] How has Recruitment Entrepreneur expanded.
[26:55] How long it takes to scale a business with Recruitment Entrepreneur.
[28:23] James’ advice to those looking for investment in their recruitment business.
James Caan CBE:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescaancbe/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/jamescaan
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jamescaanonline/
Website - https://www.james-caan.com/
Resources & Publications - https://www.james-caan.com/all-resources-publications/