Backdoor hires. Restrictive covenants. Exiting your business without it all falling apart.Most recruiters hope these issues never land on their desk – but when they do, the consequences can be brutal.That’s why in this episode of Amplifying Recruitment we sat down with Barry Cullen, founder of RecLaw and one of the UK’s leading recruitment lawyers. Barry has seen it all from clients claiming they “didn’t know it was the same candidate” to recruiters believing their contracts don’t matter.We cover:What actually counts as a backdoor hire (and how courts view it)The biggest mistakes recruiters make with terms and processesThe myth about restrictive covenants that costs recruiters dearlyHow to spot red-flag clients before they burn youWhy contract management and evidence matter more than bravadoThe legal prep recruiters need to sell their business without losing valueBarry’s straight-talking approach makes the legal side of recruitment feel less like jargon and more like survival skills.If you want to protect your fees, safeguard your business, or just avoid ending up in court, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.Follow the show for more conversations that help you build a smarter, stronger recruitment business.
Buying your mum’s business sounds like a dream but for Laura Clark, it came with pressure she’d never felt before.In this conversation, Laura opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of buying OA through an MBO. She shares how leading with fear nearly broke the business, and the mindset shifts that helped her rebuild confidence and momentum.We get into the realities of hiring and culture, why she lives by “if it’s not a yes, it’s a no” and the brutal truth that sometimes growth means making tough cuts.Laura also talks candidly about juggling four kids with running a recruitment company, the trade-offs she makes daily, and why leaders need to stop pretending you can “have it all.”From the hidden cost of unproductive meetings to the overlooked importance of the candidate journey, this episode is full of unfiltered insights on what it really takes to lead a recruitment business today.Follow the show for more conversations to help you build a smarter, stronger recruitment business.We’ve distilled our most impactful Business Development Training into one focused, fast-paced day so you can unlock client-winning strategies without sacrificing your schedule✅ Proven New Business Development Frameworks✅ Plug & Play Client Engagement Funnels✅ Prospect Conversion Skills You Can Apply Immediately✅ Live Follow-up Q&A for implementation support Click here for all the info.
Most recruiters don’t last seven months without billing. George Wilson did and says it’s the best thing that ever happened to him.In this episode, George shares his journey from 21-year-old resourcer to Sales Director of Principal People all within the same business.He breaks down the mindset and environment that helped him grow, and what he looks for in high performers today.We talk about how the recruitment industry has changed, why hiring hungry grads is harder than it used to be, and why resilience and emotional maturity matter more than ever.George also shares what he's learned from leading the business through transition, how he thinks about leadership now, and why specialist agencies are best placed to thrive over the next 12 months.If you’re building or leading a recruitment team, this episode is a must-listen.We’ve distilled our most impactful Business Development Training into one focused, fast-paced day so you can unlock client-winning strategies without sacrificing your schedule✅ Proven New Business Development Frameworks✅ Plug & Play Client Engagement Funnels✅ Prospect Conversion Skills You Can Apply Immediately✅ Live Follow-up Q&A for implementation support Click here for all the info.
If your recruiters are still only asking for feedback after a placement, you’re missing the point and bleeding revenue.In this episode, we’re joined by Justin Hillier, founder of Recruiter Insider a feedback platform that’s spent years proving how candidate and client experience directly impacts performance.Justin shares the origin story of the business (it started with a terrible cold call), why Net Promoter Score is a broken metric, and the commercial goldmine buried in consultant feedback.We dig into:The one question that’s been letting recruiters down for 7+ yearsHow to link soft skills to hard numbers (like a 134% improvement in fill rates)Why female-led teams consistently outperform on serviceWhat most agencies get wrong about candidate experience and how to fix itThis one’s packed with perspective-shifting insights and zero fluff. If you want your recruiters performing better without relying on “more jobs” or “better candidates,” listen up.
In this episode, we dive into offshore recruitment in South Africa, hiring remote recruiters, and how UK agencies are saving costs and scaling faster.Jamie interviews Elliott Manning, MD of Kayman Recruitment Group and Vertrou Outsourcing, to uncover the real story behind the shift.You’ll learn:Why South African recruiters outperform on mindset and deliveryHow UK recruitment firms are using outsourcing to scaleKey legal differences in employment law (UK vs South Africa)What most recruitment leaders misunderstand about offshoringWhy AI and automation are reshaping the future of hiringThis is a must-watch if you're a founder exploring cost-effective growth, remote teams, or hiring offshore recruiters.📌 Subscribe to Amplifying Recruitment for more insights on scaling your recruitment business.
Most recruiters don’t charge enough. But the problem isn’t your clients. It’s you.In this episode, Jamie sits down with Jon Brooks, the Founder of The Value Advantage and Pricing Consultant to the recruitment industry.They unpack why most agencies still sell with one-size-fits-all pricing, and how that holds them back from higher fees, better clients, and long-term growth.Jon breaks down:Why recruiters often undervalue themselves before a client ever doesHow to build a “menu of services” that reflects your value (and gets you paid properly)Why pricing psychology matters more than market ratesWhat to do when a client says “we only pay 15%”If you want to stop competing on price and start charging based on real value, this episode will show you where to start.Follow the show for more practical conversations to help you build a smarter, more profitable recruitment business.
Too many agencies are throwing tech at the problem and wondering why it’s not working.This week, I’m joined by Saeed Bor, recruitment ops expert and the man behind the “process > tech” mantra.Si’s worked on the tools, scaled ops teams, and now consults with recruitment agencies across the UK to help them fix the stuff that actually matters. No fluff, no hype just smart process, systems thinking, and sharp advice that gets results.We talk about:Why so many recruitment leaders chase tools instead of fixing processThe most undertrained part of the recruitment process (and how it kills deals)A smarter way to use AI note-takers that actually builds your BD pipelineHow to map your real process using just your last 3 placementsWhat tech to ignore, what to lean into, and where AI is actually usefulThis one’s full of hard truths, sharp insights, and practical ideas that could save your business a ton of time, money and wasted automation.
Welcome to the Amplifying Recruitment podcast. Join your host, Jamie Burrows, and Jo Major, the Founder of Diversity in Recruitment, as they discuss the impact that ED&I training can have on recruiters’ services and business outcomes. Jo is a passionate advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion within recruitment, and she has built a career around training other recruiters on the best practices that they can apply to their client work. During the episode, Jo discusses the systemic barriers and unconscious biases that many people face in the workforce, and in particular during the recruitment process. She calls for more awareness of these issues, and suggests ways that recruiters can help their clients reduce these barriers to entry for marginalised people. She also emphasises the importance of leaders’ involvement in ED&I initiatives, particularly for hiring managers. Jo also shares the reasons that ED&I isn’t just an ethical issue; it also has the power to transform your business outcomes as a recruiter. Tune in to find out more about ED&I in recruitment.
Welcome to the Amplifying Recruitment podcast. In this episode, your host, Jamie Burrows, is joined by Leadership Consultant Amy Williams to talk about the qualities that make up a great leader. Amy explains why so many recruiters often fall into leadership roles, often without the right training or experience, and shares her advice for people who find themselves in that situation. Throughout the episode, Amy also emphasises the importance of spotting leadership potential within your team, with a particular focus on a personal desire to be in a leadership position. She also warns about the dangers of promoting someone who is only extrinsically motivated, as this often leads to ineffective progress and short-term development. Amy also touches on her predictions for the future of leadership and the recruitment market, suggesting that we aren’t out of the woods yet. Listen in now to learn how to tap into your own - or your team’s - leadership potential.
Welcome to the Amplifying Recruitment podcast. Your Host, Jamie Burrows, is joined in this episode by Leo Harrison, the Founder of Chapter 2, to talk about his unique business model and innovative take on recruitment practices. During the conversation, Leo shares the three pillars that have led his company to success; an embedded talent model, a solid tech stack and a content creation team. He also highlights the importance of marketing to potential hires who aren’t on the market yet, stating that this will create inbound leads and a thriving talent pool. Leo also shares the story of starting Chapter 2, including the impact that COVID had on the business, and the way that networking defined the company’s early years.He went on to share his advice for other recruiters, in particular when it comes to selling your services in the right way - even touching on his fixed-fee model and the impact it’s had on his success. Tune in now to hear how recruitment can be done differently. We’ve distilled our most impactful Business Development Training into one focused, fast-paced day so you can unlock client-winning strategies without sacrificing your schedule.✅ Proven New Business Development Frameworks ✅ Plug & Play Client Engagement Funnels ✅ Prospect Conversion Skills You Can Apply Immediately ✅ Live Follow-up Q&A for implementation support Click here for all the info.
Welcome to the Amplifying Recruitment podcast. In this episode, your host, Jamie Burrows, and Chris Worden, the Head Problem Solver at Director First, explore why 18% of UK recruitment companies stopped trading in 2024. Chris did a deep dive on all the financial pitfalls that recruitment leaders fall foul of, from not separating tax money for HMRC to not fully understanding their company’s cash flow. Throughout the conversation, Chris shares practical advice for recruiters, but his main point is to pick up the phone before it’s too late. He also highlights common issues like unpaid VAT, PAYE, and corporation tax, which can spell ruin for unprepared directors. Chris also touches on some of the so-called solutions that several business owners have turned to, from personal loans to overdrawn accounts, and suggests healthier financial alternatives. Listen now to find out how to future-proof your company from financial difficulties. We’ve distilled our most impactful Business Development Training into one focused, fast-paced day so you can unlock client-winning strategies without sacrificing your schedule.✅ Proven New Business Development Frameworks ✅ Plug & Play Client Engagement Funnels ✅ Prospect Conversion Skills You Can Apply Immediately ✅ Live Follow-up Q&A for implementation support Click here for all the info.
Welcome to the Amplifying Recruitment podcast. Join me, Jamie Burrows, and Emma Freivogel, the Founder of B-Radical and Radical Recruit, to discuss the impact that her diversity-centred approach to recruitment is having on marginalised people and the workforce as a whole. Emma shared some incredible stories from the people she’s worked with during her time in recruitment, including that of a queer black woman who went from a traumatic childhood and time in prison to becoming a Head Chef at a prestigious restaurant after her release. During the episode, Emma explains how recruiters and companies can make their hiring practices more inclusive, and stresses the need for more inclusive infrastructure before recruiting people from marginalised communities. She also emphasises the need for trauma-informed leadership and a wider understanding of the privileges that impact people in our society. This episode does contain some adult language and potentially upsetting stories, but it’s on a vitally important topic and is well worth a listen. Tune in now to hear from an inspirational recruiter and learn more about how you could improve the inclusivity of your own hiring process. We’ve distilled our most impactful Business Development Training into one focused, fast-paced day so you can unlock client-winning strategies without sacrificing your schedule.✅ Proven New Business Development Frameworks ✅ Plug & Play Client Engagement Funnels ✅ Prospect Conversion Skills You Can Apply Immediately ✅ Live Follow-up Q&A for implementation support Click here for all the info.
Welcome to the Amplifying Recruitment podcast. I’m your host, Jamie Burrows, and this week I was joined by Ben Fielding, the Founder & Email Delivery Specialist at Quinset, to talk about the mistakes most recruiters make when it comes to their email marketing. Ben shares not only the technical aspects of emails, but the importance of creating valuable, personal content for your mailing lists. During the episode, he also sheds light on the benefits of having a reliable and well-established domain to send your emails from, and the things that could have your domain flagged as a spam sender. Ben also touches on the value that a strong email marketing system can add to your business, including its role in helping you exit your company successfully. This episode is also packed with tips, tricks and tools that you can use to improve your email marketing, no matter what your budget. Listen now to learn more about what makes a recruiter’s emails successful!
Welcome to the Amplifying Recruitment podcast. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build and develop a successful boutique recruitment company, this conversation between me, Jamie Burrows, and this week’s guest, Alex Dover is for you. Alex is the Founder of Prism Digital, a London-based recruitment firm that’s been going from strength to strength for the last 12 years thanks to its focus on face-to-face business and the London DevOps group it sponsors. During the episode, Alex told me what makes his firm so successful - and according to him, it’s all about relationships, both inside and outside the business. Alex also touched on his vegan, tee-total lifestyle and the impact that it’s had on his health, mindset and business. Listen in now to learn Alex’s secrets for building a successful boutique firm.
Welcome to the Amplifying Recruitment podcast. Find out how training and development could transform your recruitment career in this episode, featuring Chris Shields, the Global Head of Talent Development at nGAGE Talent. Chris joined me, your host, Jamie Burrows, to share his tips for training new starters in recruitment, and explain the benefits of continual learning. Throughout the conversation, Chris mentions the role of technology in learning, from the future of bite-sized lessons you can take on-the-go, to the role of AI in our classrooms. You can also hear him exploring the impact of COVID on recruiters’ business development skills, and what we can do to bring them back in line with pre-COVID levels. Tune in now to find out more about training and development in the recruitment industry.
Welcome to the Amplifying Recruitment podcast. This episode is all about embracing marketing in recruitment. I, your host, Jamie Burrows, was joined by Jade Brar-Haase, the Founder of Branded by Aquila, to discuss the importance of personal branding, how having a commercial strategy can transform your marketing efforts, and much, much more. Jade explained the importance of purpose and understanding a company’s needs when you create a marketing strategy, whether you’re working as a consultant like she is or you’re an in-house marketing professional. During the conversation, she also advocated for more training for consultants when it comes to personal branding, saying that it’s unfair to expect them to do highly skilled work with no support or guidance from the marketing team. Listen in now to find out more about how marketing and sales people can work together to create truly impactful change for your business.
Welcome to the Amplifying Recruitment podcast. This week, you can tune into Chris Peace, the exited Founder of Peace Recruitment, Independent Business Coach and Co-Founder of Unbound, and me, your host, Jamie Burrows, as we talked about what goes into setting up a successful recruitment company that will outlast you. Chris shared a huge amount of value, from the importance of working backwards from your goal exit to the benefits of creating an engaged, motivated and purpose-driven team. Throughout the episode, he talked about the impact that transparent communication has had on his team at Peace Recruitment, to the point that he’s been able to hand over his business with full faith in the management team to continue his legacy without him. We also touched on Chris’s involvement in the Unbound business network and the influence he’s been able to have on another generation of entrepreneurs. Whether you’re ready to exit your business or just want to keep growing and improving your team, this episode is a must-listen.
Welcome to the Amplifying Recruitment podcast. I’m your host, Jamie Burrows, and I’m excited to introduce you to Nicholas Thomas, the Founder of EverHire, to look inside his company and the incredible growth that he’s driven there. Nicholas has only been in recruitment for five years, but he’s already building a name as an international business owner, with plans to open branches in two more countries in the coming months. During this episode, he shared the story behind his success, including the advice that got him here and the role that confidence and an unstoppable work ethic have played in his career. We also talked about his approach to building and onboarding a team of high-performers, and how Nicholas motivates them to achieve the same successes that he does. This episode is packed with advice for recruiters and business owners, so make sure you tune in now!
Welcome to the Amplifying Recruitment podcast. I’m your host, Jamie Burrows, and in this episode, I was joined by none other than Holly Langley, the Founder of RE:STACK, to talk about how recruiters can create the perfect tech stack. Holly gave us some great advice on how to trim down our stacks and get rid of anything that isn’t helping you be a better recruiter, as well as her tips on what to look for when you’re buying a new tool. We also got into AI, with Holly telling us how automation can help us streamline our processes rather than take over our jobs. This episode is full of action points that you can immediately apply to your own company. Listen in to find out how to perfect your tech stack today!
Welcome to the Amplifying Recruitment podcast. I’m your host, Jamie Burrows, and in this episode, I’m delighted to introduce you to Ben Pearce, the Co-Founder and CEO of Apsida Life Science. We talked about the challenges of working in recruitment and how much bravado often covers the human reality of maintaining a business during and after the pandemic. Ben shared some really vulnerable stories that touch on the heart of our industry. We also touched on Ben’s plans for the future of Apsida, including their expansion to London and the US. Ben also told us what habits make his company successful; consistency, ethical practices and a personal touch. Join us to find out how you can amplify recruitment in your own company.