2024 Winners

THE Liquid Friday business services team of the year

Judges praised Morgan Hunt for their effective use of dashboards, and transformation into a data-centric business, led by a dedicated Business Optimisation Manager. This has enabled strong performance metrics, including turnover growth, impressive retention rates, and improved consultant productivity.

THE Sourcewhale CLIENT SERVICE AWARD

Xcede Group were praised for their innovative solutions and client impact, evidenced by strong profitability. Judges commended their successful promotion scheme, effective mentorship program, and impressive performance metrics, including increases in contractor revenue and revenue per fee earner.

THE Bullhorn best use of technology award

Judges praised Engage Partners for their tech solutions driven by employee feedback, their innovative use of engaging, self-service tech to meet candidates’ needs, and operating seamlessly as both an agency and an online platform. Their impressive achievement of doubling the number of candidates onboarded over the year further highlighted their effective use of technology.

THE FORE:TWO GROUP CANDIDATE experience AWARD

Judges praised Tile Hill for how their training, headcount growth, and automated feedback platform have created a strong candidate experience. This has also been enhanced by their Employee Value Proposition, and a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion through an ED&I health checker and a candidate-driven website design.

THE scale up recruitment company of the year

Judges praised Bridge of Hope Careers as a standout in the category, recognising their innovative model and approach to service delivery with an array of impressive supporting metrics. Judges expressed admiration for their employee experience, and felt this was a company they would love to work with themselves based on what they do for the people they represent.

THE Ascen INNOVATION AWARD

Morgan Hunt were praised for their innovative, data-driven focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, and partnership with the Black Leadership Group to create an inclusive job board. Judges recognised their impact in helping clients adopt inclusive hiring practices and maximising their ATS, making them stand out with innovation around inclusive recruitment.

THE qdos growth recruitment company of the year

Judges praised Amoria Group for achieving impressive metrics during a challenging period for the industry and demonstrating the power of their talent strategy. Judges were particularly impressed by how they aligned purpose with profit with their initiatives to support ex-offenders, veterans, and disadvantaged populations, their commitment to corporate social responsibility, and a comprehensive DE&I strategy, which set them apart.

THE Workwell international recruitment company of the year

VHR were recognised for their innovative approach and exceptional international growth. Judges were impressed by excellent metrics, including standout independent ratings from Gallup and Glassdoor. Despite economic challenges, VHR have made timely investments to enhance their systems and processes, adapting to client demands and achieving remarkable financial performance.

The specialist recruitment company of the year (Up to £50M)

Judges recognised VHR for their exceptional innovation, particularly in their tailored service offerings to niche market sectors, which go well beyond the scope of traditional recruitment. VHR’s strong commitment to ethical recruitment practices on a global scale was clearly evident, proving their dedication to living and upholding core values aligning purpose and profit.

THE GRANT THORNTON SPECIALIST RECRUITMENT COMPANY OF THE YEAR (over £50M)

TeacherActive were recognised for their clear strategy and deep understanding of the sector. Judges praised their commitment to service quality, employee wellbeing, and empowerment, which has driven strong organic growth and financial performance. They also showcased effective leadership, a focus on DE&I with measurable impacts, and innovative practices supported by positive candidate feedback.

THE PARASOL TEMPORARY RECRUITMENT COMPANY OF THE YEAR

Judges praised Engage Partners for their innovative use of technology to enhance processes and differentiate their service, creating a strong client and candidate journey. Engage Partners’ emphasis on educating and upskilling recruiters through safeguarding courses demonstrated their commitment to understanding client and contractor needs as well as social responsibility in education recruitment.

THE Trowers & Hamlins LLP BEST RECRUITMENT COMPANY TO WORK FOR (£5M TO £50M)

Judges praised Signify Technology for their clear vision and significant investment in their people, with impressive benefits and strong DE&I metrics; which have supported an increase in female developers and numerous promotions. Signify’s focus on employee needs, innovative offerings, and dedication to supporting the community exemplify their exceptional service and leadership in fostering a positive work environment.

THE Saffery BEST RECRUITMENT COMPANY TO WORK FOR (£50M - £100M)

Judges praised Source Group International for their heartfelt business success stories, with a well-presented submission that clearly showcased why it’s a great company to work for. SGI effectively highlighted key initiatives, supported by strong testimonials, and demonstrated a comprehensive approach to learning and development, talent growth, DE&I, and career progression.

THE Blackwood Capital BEST RECRUITMENT COMPANY TO WORK FOR (Over £100m)

Judges praised Amoria Group for its consistent investment in their employees against the backdrop of a challenging recruitment market. Judges were impressed by a wealth of compelling metrics, clearly demonstrating how investing in talent delivers profitable growth with purpose. It’s clear their leadership has had an impact in building a great employer and partner brand.

The Mishcon de reya Recruitment Leader of the Year

Judges unanimously agreed that Matthew is a truly transformational leader, and were impressed by the breadth and speed of his impact as a CEO in a large organisation. As a humble, effective, people centric leader, Matt embodies Gattaca’s employer brand and has proved the ROI on a range of employee initiatives. This is clearly demonstrated by the loyalty of long-serving employees and those that have returned to Gattaca over the last year.

2024 Finalists
Lorna Conn, Chief Executive Officer, Cpl
Tim Millward, CEO & Founder, Extrastaff Ltd
Ollie Whiting, CEO, La Fosse
Sasza Bandiera, CEO, Oyster Partnership
Carmen Watson, Chair, Pertemps Network Group
Nicholas Barton, Founder & CEO, The Barton Partnership

The Mercury Hall of Fame Award

This Award honours an individual with a distinguished career in the recruitment sector who has had a major impact on the industry and achieved exceptional success as a business leader.

The 2024 recipient is Mark Cahill for his distinguished career at ManpowerGroup.