We have dedicated, expert teams covering the following business functions

Fresh Produce

Fresh Produce

Fresh Produce Recruitment Experts You Can Rely On Over 25 years supporting the Fresh Produce industry. At MorePeople, we’ve spent more than 25 years working alongside some of the UK’s most innovative and respected fresh produce businesses. From growers and suppliers to retailers and distributors, our in-depth sector knowledge makes us true experts in fresh produce, not just recruitment.We understand the fast-paced, seasonal, and ever-evolving nature of the fresh produce world. That’s why companies across the UK and beyond trust us to deliver tailored fresh produce recruitment solutions that keep their businesses growing. Dedicated Recruitment Across the Whole Supply ChainOur team is structured to reflect the full spectrum of roles found in fresh produce businesses. Whether you're looking to hire or searching for your next career move, we’ve got the expertise to help. We recruit for roles in: Operations & Supply Chain – from packhouse supervisors to supply chain directors Engineering & Maintenance – skilled engineers with fresh produce experience Growing & Agronomy – from junior growers to experienced agronomists Commercial & Sales – account managers, commercial directors, and everything in between Technical & Quality – food safety, technical managers, and QA professionals HR & Business Support - HR assistants to People Directors, and admin assistants to PA's.Finance - Finance Directors, Accountants, Financial Controllers and everything else!Whether you're filling one role or building an entire team, we’re ready to support you. Looking for Jobs in Fresh Produce? If you’re looking for your next opportunity in fresh produce, you're in the right place. We work with a wide range of businesses across the UK, from family-run growers to global brands. Our consultants take the time to understand your background, aspirations, and career goals—because we know that finding the right fit is about more than just a job title. Browse our latest jobs in fresh produce or speak to one of our expert consultants today. Why Choose MorePeople? 25+ years of fresh produce recruitment experience Specialist consultants with real industry knowledge National and international client base A proven track record of successful placements We’re not generalists. We’re fresh produce recruitment specialists—trusted by the industry and backed by decades of results. Ready to Grow Your Team? Whether you need short-term support or long-term hires, our dedicated consultants are here to help. Get in touch today and discover how MorePeople can deliver recruitment that really works for your business.

Food Manufacturing

Food Manufacturing

Food Manufacturing Recruitment Experts Over 25 years of proven success in Food Manufacturing recruitment.At MorePeople, we’ve been connecting top talent with the UK’s leading food manufacturing businesses for over 25 years. Whether you're a global food brand, a fast-growing SME, or a specialist producer, we understand the pressures and pace of this ever-evolving industry. ​We’re not generalists. We’re food manufacturing recruitment experts. That means we speak your language — from factory floor to boardroom. ​Covering Every Function in Your Business​Our dedicated consultants work in specialist teams to ensure every part of your business is supported by recruiters who truly understand your needs. We cover roles across: ​Operations & Production – Site Managers, Production Planners, Factory Managers Engineering – Maintenance Engineers, Project Managers, Engineering Leads Commercial – Account Managers, Commercial Directors, Category Managers Technical & Quality – Technical Managers, QA, Food Safety HR & People – HR Business Partners, L&D Managers, People Directors Finance – Management Accountants, FDs, Financial Controllers From permanent placements to executive search, we deliver the right people to keep your operation running smoothly and successfully. ​​Why Work With MorePeople? 25+ years' experience in food recruitment Deep knowledge of the food manufacturing sector A wide network of industry professionals actively looking for jobs in food manufacturing Tailored, consultative approach with a focus on long-term partnerships ​Whether you're hiring for today or planning for tomorrow, let us help you find the people who will drive your business forward. ​​Looking for the best people in food manufacturing? Speak to the experts. Contact us today. ​

Technical, Quality & NPD

Technical, Quality & NPD

​Expert Technical Recruitment for Food & Fresh Produce At MorePeople, we have a team that specialises in technical recruitment, connecting the best talent with leading businesses across Food Manufacturing, Fresh Produce, and the wider Agri-Food supply chain. Whether you’re a business looking for experienced technical professionals or a candidate searching for your next technical job, we have the expertise, network, and industry insight to help you succeed. Recruiting Across All Technical RolesOur specialist Technical Recruitment team covers a wide range of roles, including: Technical Directors & Technical Managers – Leading food safety, compliance, and quality strategies. Quality Controllers & Quality Auditors – Ensuring products meet strict industry and retailer standards. Food Technologists & Process Technologists – Driving innovation, efficiency, and compliance. Hygiene & Compliance Managers – Maintaining the highest food safety and regulatory standards. Auditors & Compliance Officers – Conducting assessments to uphold best practices across supply chains. We work with start-ups, SMEs, and global brands, ensuring they have access to the best technical talent in the industry. Why Choose MorePeople?Industry Specialists – Over 20 years of expertise in food and fresh produce recruitment. Extensive Network – A strong talent pool of technical professionals ready for their next move. Tailored Approach – We take the time to understand your specific recruitment needs. Looking for Top Technical Talent or Your Next Role? Get in Touch! ​​​​

Finance

Finance

Finance Recruitment Experts for the Food, Fresh Produce, Agriculture & Horticulture Sectors At MorePeople, we understand the critical role finance professionals play in driving business performance — especially in fast-paced, product-driven sectors like fresh produce, food manufacturing, horticulture, and agriculture. ​Whether you're a business looking for exceptional talent or a candidate seeking your next role, our dedicated Finance recruitment team is here to help. ​​Specialised Finance Recruitment For Your Sector We don’t just understand finance — we understand your industry. Our consultants work exclusively across the food and agri supply chain, which means we know what makes a great Finance Manager in a food factory, or the type of Finance Business Partner that can really add value in a growing produce business. ​We recruit across all levels of seniority, including: Assistant / Junior Accountant Management Accountant Finance Business Partner Finance Manager Financial Controller Head of Finance Finance Director From SMEs to large-scale operations, our tailored approach ensures we match the right finance professionals to the right opportunities — every time. ​Why Work With MorePeople? With over 20 years of experience in finance recruitment, we’re proud to offer: A specialist team with in-depth sector knowledge A strong network of finance professionals across the UK A personalised, consultative service for both clients and candidates A proven track record of filling finance jobs in the food industry and beyond ​Whether you're hiring a Finance Director to lead strategic growth or looking to make your first step into the industry as a Junior Accountant, we’ll support you every step of the way. ​Looking for Finance Jobs in the Food Industry? Check out our latest finance vacancies in the food, fresh produce, horticulture, and agriculture sectors — or speak to our team today to find the perfect fit for your business. ​MorePeople — Recruitment Experts for Finance in the Food & Agri Supply Chain

Engineering

Engineering

​Engineering Careers Across Food, Agriculture & HorticultureAt MorePeople, we take pride in having an expert engineering recruitment team with a deep understanding of the food manufacturing, fresh produce, agriculture and horticulture industries. We understand that Engineering is the backbone of the Food, Horticulture and Agriculture industry. From cutting-edge food production facilities to advanced agricultural machinery, skilled engineers keep these industries moving forward. That’s why our dedicated Engineering recruitment team specialises in connecting the right talent with businesses across the sector. Specialists in Food & Agriculture Engineering Unlike generalist recruiters, our Engineering team focuses exclusively on roles within Food, Fresh Produce, Horticulture, Agriculture, and related supply chains. We know the industry inside out—its challenges, innovations, and the technical expertise required to drive success. Whether you’re looking for maintenance engineers in food factories, automation specialists in packaging, or agricultural machinery experts in the field, we have the network and insight to match top talent with the right opportunities. Roles We Recruit ForWe work with businesses of all sizes, from SMEs to multinational corporations, filling a wide range of engineering roles, including: Maintenance & Reliability Engineers Automation & Controls Engineers Project Engineers & Managers Process & Continuous Improvement Engineers Technical & Design Engineers Agricultural & Horticultural Machinery Specialists Why MorePeople?Industry Expertise – Our team understands the unique challenges of food and agricultural engineering. Extensive Network – We connect businesses with skilled professionals across the UK and beyond. Tailored Approach – We take the time to understand your needs and find the right fit, not just the first available candidate. If you’re looking for engineering talent or your next opportunity in the Food, Agriculture or Horticulture industries, explore the possibilities with MorePeople's engineering recruitment services. ​​​​​

Operations

Operations

​MorePeople Operations Recruitment – Keeping the Industry MovingAt MorePeople, our Operations recruitment team plays a crucial role in connecting top talent with leading businesses across the Food Manufacturing, Fresh Produce, Agriculture, and Horticulture sectors. We understand that operational efficiency is the backbone of any successful business, and we’re here to help you build teams that keep everything running smoothly.Covering Every Corner of OperationsOur specialist recruiters have deep industry knowledge and a proven track record in placing skilled professionals across a wide range of operational roles, including:Production & Manufacturing – From Production Managers to Factory Operatives, we find the right people to keep your lines running efficiently.Warehousing & Logistics – Skilled candidates who ensure seamless storage, handling, and distribution of goods.Planning & Supply Chain – Experts in demand planning, inventory management, and procurement to optimise efficiency.Transport & Distribution – From Fleet Managers to Transport Planners, we help businesses move products with precision.Health & Safety – Compliance and workplace safety specialists who protect people and processes.Why Choose MorePeople?✔ Industry Specialists – We live and breathe these sectors, giving us unique insight into the challenges and opportunities you face.✔ Extensive Network – Our deep-rooted connections mean we can source the best talent, fast.✔ Tailored Approach – Every business is different, and we take the time to understand your specific needs before matching you with top candidates.Whether you're looking to hire or take the next step in your career, MorePeople’s Operations recruitment team is here to help. Get in touch today and let’s build something great together.Talk to Our Experts​​​​

Horticulture

Horticulture

Your Trusted Partner in Horticulture Recruitment At MorePeople, we understand that horticulture is more than just growing. It's science, strategy, and innovation. That's why our horticulture recruitment team is made up of specialists who truly get the complexity and variety this fascinating sector brings.Partner with the recruitment specialists who live and breathe horticulture. Whether you're a skilled grower ready for your next role, a vineyard manager seeking a new vintage or a researcher at the forefront of plant science, we will help you take the next step in your career. If you're looking to add the best people to your business, we're here to help you grow.Specialists in Every Corner of the Industry From propagation to post-harvest, our team works across the full horticultural and fresh produce supply chain. We recruit for all jobs in horticulture, supporting businesses of all sizes, from family-run nurseries to large-scale growing operations. We cover a wide range of roles, from graduates to directors, including:Ornamental GrowingAgronomy and Technical SalesVines, Soft Fruit, Top Fruit and Vegetable ProductionCrop and Farm ManagersPropagationTrialsResearch and DevelopmentForestryGarden and Grounds MaintenanceLandscaping, Contracting and EstimatingAmenity... and many more! If you’re involved in horticulture, we’ve got you covered. Why Choose MorePeople? With over 25 years of experience in horticulture recruitment, we’ve built strong relationships with candidates and employers across the UK and beyond. Our consultants come from the industry, so they speak your language and understand the challenges and opportunities you face. Deep sector knowledge: The whole team works hard to stay up to date, and ahead of, industry news. We're at trade shows, events and conferences every month to ensure we are truly specialists in what we do.A proven track record: We've got over 25 years of successful placements across the horticulture and fresh produce industry, being a key part of business expansion and career journeys.Tailored support for both clients and candidates: We're working with small, family-run businesses of less than 10 people, through to global brands, and know that one size does not fit all. We offer unique, tailored support for clients through every step of the process. A genuine passion for the industry: Our founder, Guy Moreton, comes from a horticulture background and this passion shines through to our team. They truly love what they do. Sarah sits on the Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) and the British Ornamentals Association (BOA) committees, whilst Kieran is actively involved in NextGen food group.Looking for Jobs in Horticulture? Whether you're a skilled grower ready for your next role, a vineyard manager seeking a new vintage, or a researcher at the forefront of plant science, we’ll help you take the next step in your career. Partner with the recruitment specialists who live and breathe horticulture. Contact our team today.​​​​

Garden Centre

Garden Centre

Garden Centre Recruitment Experts : Helping You Grow Careers in Garden Retail At MorePeople, we understand the unique rhythm of the garden retail world. Whether you’re a candidate looking for your next move or a business searching for top talent, our dedicated Garden Centre recruitment team is here to help. With years of industry insight and deep sector connections, we work across the full spectrum of jobs in garden centres – from shop floor to boardroom. We Cover Every Corner of Garden Retail Garden centres are diverse businesses, and so are the roles within them. That’s why we recruit for a wide variety of positions across all departments, including: General Managers – leading teams, driving strategy, and ensuring commercial success Department Managers & Team Leaders – from garden sundries to furniture to food halls Planteria Managers & Horticulture Specialists – hands-on roles requiring technical knowledge and a passion for plants Visual Merchandisers – crafting engaging spaces that drive footfall and sales Restaurant & Café Managers – delivering exceptional service and operational excellence in hospitality Commercial, HR & Finance Professionals – keeping garden centre businesses running behind the scenes Whether it’s a large multi-site group or an independent garden centre, we partner with businesses of all shapes and sizes across the UK. Looking for Your Next Role? We work with talented individuals who love the garden retail environment. If you’re looking for your next challenge – whether you’re an experienced Planteria Manager or a retail leader looking to specialise – we’d love to help. Hiring for Your Garden Centre? From seasonal staffing to senior leadership, we know what makes a great hire in garden retail. We don’t just send CVs – we consult, advise and match the right people with the right businesses. ​​​

ESG & Sustainability

ESG & Sustainability

ESG & Sustainability Recruitment SpecialistsAt MorePeople, we are specialist ESG and sustainability recruitment consultants, connecting high-calibre professionals with leading organisations across the UK.Our team works across the full spectrum of environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainability roles, supporting businesses ranging from independent consultancies to large-scale operations. Our sustainability division works closely with these businesses to navigate environmental, ethical and regulatory changes across the full supply chain.Whether you’re hiring talent or searching for your next role in sustainability, we provide tailored recruitment solutions built on deep sector knowledge and an extensive professional network. What We CoverSustainability ManagersESG ManagersResponsible Sourcing ManagersEcologistsRenewable Energy Project ManagersEnvironmental ConsultantsCSR ManagersDirector-Level AppointmentsWhether you need niche expertise or high-impact leadership, we know where to find the right people.For Employers: We deliver targeted ESG talent acquisition strategies, helping you build teams that can meet regulatory requirements and deliver long-term sustainability goals.For Candidates: We support professionals looking for ESG jobs, sustainability careers, and environmental roles across the UK, connecting you with top employers in the sector.Why Choose MorePeople?MorePeople has been committed to offering recruitment solutions for over 25 years, and our team are truly passionate about the sector. We don’t just recruit for the ESG & Sustainability sectors, we’re deeply rooted in them! Our consultants regularly attend key sustainability and environmental events, contribute to industry insights such as salary surveys and succession planning, and remain at the forefront of ESG trends and developments. Our passion for sustainability, combined with our established network, ensures we deliver exceptional outcomes for both clients and candidates.

Rural Professionals

Rural Professionals

Specialist Recruitment for Rural Professionals: Experts in Rural Surveyor Recruitment, Estate Management, and Farm Consultancy Jobs ​At MorePeople, we understand the rural sector inside and out. With over 25 years of experience in specialist recruitment, our dedicated Rural Professionals team works closely with businesses and candidates across the UK countryside — from large estates to niche consultancies, national firms, and everything in between. ​A Diverse Sector. A Specialist Team. ​Whether you're a client looking to grow your team or a candidate searching for your next move, we cover a broad range of roles in the rural and land-based sector, including: ​Rural SurveyingEstate ManagementLand ManagementFarm ConsultancyEnvironmental StewardshipRenewable Energy ProjectsUtility SurveyorsRural Business Advisory…and many more. ​We recruit at all levels — from graduates looking for their first job in farm consultancy to experienced professionals ready to step into leadership roles in estate management or rural surveying. ​Why Choose MorePeople for Rural Sector Recruitment? Deep industry knowledge from recruiters who specialise in rural careers A strong network of employers across private estates, land agents, agri-businesses, and environmental bodies Support with permanent, interim, and executive roles Career guidance tailored to rural professionals ​For Clients Looking for the right talent? Whether you need a rural surveyor, a farm business consultant, or someone with niche expertise in utilities or renewables, our team can help you find the right people — fast. ​For Candidates We’re here to connect you with the best jobs for rural professionals — from land agent roles and RICS-accredited surveying positions to consultancy jobs in sustainability, biodiversity net gain, and more. Let's Talk Rural! Looking for trusted partners in rural surveyor recruitment or estate management recruitment? Ready to explore exciting jobs in farm consultancy or land management?​​​​​​

Agriculture

Agriculture

Farming & Agriculture Recruitment ExpertsConnecting Top Talent with Leading Agricultural Businesses At MorePeople, we are trusted experts in farming and agriculture recruitment. With a dedicated team of four consultants, we bring industry experience, market insight, and an unrivalled network to help both candidates and employers thrive in this ever-evolving sector. Whether you’re a graduate looking for your first job in farming, a skilled professional aiming for a leadership role, or a business seeking the right talent, our team understands the unique demands of the farming industry. Industry Experts: Our team has deep-rooted experience in farming, agribusiness, and food production, allowing us to be advocates for the industry and match top talent with the right opportunities. All Career Levels: From entry-level roles to senior director positions, we recruit across all levels and many locations, ensuring a strong talent pipeline for businesses. Innovative Approach: Agriculture is evolving, with cutting-edge farming innovations shaping the sector. We stay ahead of trends to connect you with forward-thinking employers and candidates. Proven Track Record: Trusted by leading agricultural businesses, we have successfully placed candidates in roles across arable, livestock and rural enterprises. Looking for Jobs in Farming?We work with some of the biggest names in UK agriculture, offering opportunities in farm management, precision farming, renewables and beyond. Whether you're looking for your next challenge or your first step in the industry, we can help. We fill a wide range of agriculture roles, including: Trials Officer Crop Manager Farm Manager - Farms Director Estate Manager Farm Business Consultants Seed Specialists Hiring the Best Agricultural Talent? Finding the right people is crucial to success in farming and agribusiness. Our agriculture recruitment experts understand the sector’s challenges and opportunities, ensuring we match businesses with skilled professionals who drive growth and innovation.​​​

HR and Business Support

HR and Business Support

HR & Business Support Recruitment Experts in Food, Fresh Produce, Horticulture & Agriculture At MorePeople, we specialise in HR and Business Support recruitment across the food industry, fresh produce, horticulture, and agriculture sectors. Whether you're looking to hire a strategic People Director or an experienced PA, we connect businesses with top-tier professionals who understand the unique demands of these fast-paced, dynamic environments. ​​Recruitment Areas We Cover: We recruit for a wide range of HR and support roles, including: HR: People Directors, HR Business Partners, HR Managers, HR Advisors, HR Assistants IT & Data: Heads of IT, IT Support Technicians, Business Analysts, Data Analysts Business Support: Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants, Office Managers, Administrative Assistants Finance & Commercial Support: Finance Assistants, Payroll Administrators, Junior Analysts, and more Our dedicated team works closely with clients to understand not just the job brief, but the culture, pace, and values of your business, ensuring every placement is a strong and lasting fit. ​Why Work With MorePeople? With over 25 years of experience recruiting into our specialist industries, we know what good looks like. As HR recruitment specialists, we understand how critical people, systems, and support functions are to operational success — especially in sectors where seasonal peaks, regulatory pressures, and talent shortages are common. ​We don’t just fill vacancies. We partner with clients to provide insight-driven, strategic support that adds real value, from salary benchmarking and succession planning to employer branding advice. ​For Candidates Looking for your next move in HR or business support? We work with businesses of all sizes — from family-run farms to national food groups — and offer a wide range of opportunities across the UK. ​​Whether you're searching for: HR jobs in the food industry Finance jobs in the food industry Or specialist roles in admin, IT or data support …our team is here to help you find a role that aligns with your skills and ambitions. ​Ready to talk?Whether you're hiring or job-hunting, our team is here to help. Get in touch today to speak with one of our specialist HR & Business Support consultants.

Home & Garden

Home & Garden

​Home & Garden Recruitment SpecialistsAt MorePeople, we connect talented commercial professionals with ambitious businesses across the Home and Garden industries.​From garden sundries and outdoor living products to tools, DIY and housewares, we understand the pace, seasonality and innovation that define this diverse sector. Whether you’re growing your team or exploring your next career move, our specialist consultants bring deep networks, sector expertise and a long track record of supporting suppliers, brands and retailers across the UK.What We CoverGarden & Outdoor LivingWe partner with manufacturers, distributors and suppliers across the core garden and outdoor categories. This includes everything from pots, compost and fertilisers to outdoor furniture, fire pits, barbecues, gazebos, sheds, fencing and wider leisure products.Tool, Machinery & DIYOur expertise covers hand tools, power tools, garden machinery, ride‑on mowers, lawncare and the full spectrum of DIY and home improvement ranges. Home, Housewares & GiftingFrom kitchenware and home accessories to seasonal gifting and lifestyle products, we partner with brands bringing innovation and inspiration into homes across the UK.The Roles We RecruitWe recruit across all functions and levels, including:Area Sales Managers, Business Development Managers & National Account Managers Buyers, Category Managers & Procurement Specialists Marketing Managers, Digital Experts & Brand Managers Operations, Supply Chain & Logistics HR, Finance & Business Support Product, Quality & Technical Specialists Service Engineers, Field Technicians & After‑Sales Support Leadership & Director‑Level AppointmentsWhether you need niche expertise or high-impact leadership, we know where to find the right people.Why Choose MorePeople?We don’t just recruit for the Home and Garden industries, we’re deeply rooted in them!MorePeople was founded by horticulturalist Guy Moreton, whose decades of hands-on industry experience set the foundations for our specialist approach.Today, our expertise is reinforced through long-standing partnerships with leading industry bodies including GIMA, GCA, HTA, LOFA and others. You’ll regularly see us at industry events, including Glee, Spring Fair, Four Oaks and Solex. This keeps us connected to the businesses, trends and people shaping the market and gives our clients and candidates a genuine, competitive advantage. Whether you’re expanding your team, searching for specialist skills, or planning your next move, MorePeople brings unrivalled sector insight, credibility and results across the Home and Garden industries.​​

Commercial

Commercial

Experts in Commercial Recruitment Across the Food, Fresh Produce, Agriculture & Horticulture Sectors At MorePeople, our Commercial team specialises in connecting top commercial talent with leading businesses across the Food Manufacturing, Fresh Produce, Agriculture, Horticulture, and Garden Retail industries. ​From dynamic start-ups to global brands, we work with businesses of all shapes and sizes to recruit for a wide variety of commercial roles – helping them grow and thrive in competitive markets. ​What We CoverOur expertise spans the full commercial spectrum, including: Buying & Procurement Sales & Business Development National & Key Account Management Category Management & Insights Marketing & Brand Product Management Commercial Leadership & Strategy ​Whether you're looking for your next role or hiring for a critical position, our team understands the nuances of commercial functions within fast-moving, supply-chain-driven industries. ​Jobs in the Food Industry & Beyond We don’t just fill jobs – we build careers and long-term partnerships. Our commercial recruiters have deep industry knowledge, and many come from commercial roles themselves. That means we speak your language and know what ‘good’ looks like – whether you're in fresh produce procurement, managing a garden centre’s buying strategy, or leading sales for a food manufacturer. ​From junior commercial executives to commercial directors, we match talented people with the right opportunities at every level. ​Why Choose MorePeople?25+ years of recruitment expertise Specialists in commercial recruitment across niche, high-growth sectors Separate teams that specialise in Food Manufacturing, Fresh Produce, Horticulture, Agriculture and Garden Retail. Deep networks in the food industry, fresh produce, agri-business and beyond Honest, consultative approach – we care about getting it right, not just making a placement ​Looking for Your Next Commercial Job?Explore our latest jobs in the food industry, agri-food, horticulture and more – or get in touch with our commercial team to discuss your next move.​​​​

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About us

MorePeople is a market leader for professional recruitment across the UK and internationally

We are a specialist recruitment business providing permanent and interim recruitment solutions for businesses operating in the food, horticulture, agriculture and garden industry supply chains. Our clients range from 'own label' suppliers to blue chip brands.

More about usWhy work with us

Testimonials

Hear from our Clients & Candidates

Michelle Miller

​Adam has been a fantastic supplier, providing top-quality candidates and excellent service. His attention to detail, responsiveness and understanding of our needs have made recruitment a seamless process. If you're looking for a reliable and professional recruiter. I highly recommend Adam!

Michelle Miller

Jess Batterbee

I started working with MorePeople around a year ago as we were finding recruitment hard, especially for those more skilled roles where we needed horticultural knowledge, the team worked really hard and promptly started sending through candidates that matched the skill set we required, I really appreciated the visit to our site so they could see the size of our plant area and centre. This meant the team could really start to understand the sort of candidate we were looking for; we will continue to work with MorePeople on our future Garden Centre roles due to always receiving a great service

Jess Batterbee

Vicky Murphy

Our relationship with MorePeople has been ongoing for some years. We have had the pleasure of working across many functions that their business has to offer, whilst building existing and brand-new teams. MorePeople have always provided us with a good calibre of candidates and are very clear with their communication throughout processes. MorePeople genuinely integrate themselves within our business, showing sincere interest, and are always willing to guide and provide advice when we shape our recruitment strategies. MorePeople understand the culture we are building, and all candidates have a great understanding of the business operation, culture and expectations prior to the initial recruitment stages, which proves invaluable. MorePeople are an impressive, dedicated team that deliver with drive, energy, integrity and passion!

Vicky Murphy

HR Assistant, Berry Gardens

“It was really timely that I caught up with MorePeople at the careers fair as they immediately thought of a candidate who would be a great fit for our business. From here the process was very straightforward as the interview went well and we were very happy to offer her the role.”

HR Assistant, Berry Gardens

William Burgess

"​MorePeople conducted a very thorough executive search and managed the project very well. We had some excellent candidates and the whole process was smooth and efficient. We enjoyed working with MorePeople"

William Burgess

Mark Crawford

​I have greatly enjoyed working with MorePeople on finding a talented developer for Blue Skies. Always quick to respond (and quick to chase when I am being slow) they have really come up trumps with a number of excellent candidates – leading to a future star joining us. Having worked in the sector, the team's knowledge of the challenges and requirements are superb, giving us insight into the type of person we needed but also helping us to refine and perfect the process right the way from brief through to appointment.

Mark Crawford

Phil Taylor

​​I worked with Sarah for the first time on what was a tricky enough brief. It has been a long time since I collaborated with a recruiter that really understood the brief, quickly created a shortlist of high calibre candidates that were all on spec, and led to an offer being made in less than six weeks start to finish. A truly outstanding result from an exceptional recruitment professional.

Phil Taylor

Simon Willis

​“I’ve now twice used MorePeople to recruit a Non-Executive Director for the Camgrain board. On both occasions MorePeople were able to source high quality candidates who fitted not only the job specification but also the culture of our business and on both occasions, we have made successful appointments from within their talent pool.

I find MorePeople to be professional, thorough, and easy to work with and would recommend their recruitment services to anyone in the marketplace for a Non-Executive Director.”

Simon Willis

Thom Harrington

​“I have had a really good experience using MorePeople. Our contact has been very helpful. It's been lovely to not be pushed into interviewing candidates. We have adored the relaxed/softer approach of working together. We are, and will be, using MorePeople again to look for more agronomy candidates as our business grows!”

Thom Harrington

Richard Cundall

​J O Sims Limited have found More People a joy to work with on a number of occasions. Most recently, we have worked with Sandra to recruit a Management Accountant, and she was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Sandra probed to understand our requirements initially and then provided us with various high-quality candidates to consider. We look forward to one of these candidates joining us in the coming weeks and also to working with Sandra and the impressive More People team again in the future

Richard Cundall

Amelia Mackrill

MorePeople have been a great recruitment partner to us as we have grown and scaled as a business. They provided us with a seamless service, a great shortlist of candidates for a number of vacancies, and kept both ourselves and candidates regularly updated throughout the process. They are a pleasure to deal with and provide great insights into the candidate’s expertise, as well as the broader market. We look forward to continuing the partnership with them on vacancies we need support on in future.

Amelia Mackrill

Mike Panteli

​Working with Emily Wood from MorePeople was a highly professional and value-adding experience throughout the recruitment process. Emily demonstrated strong organisation and communication at every stage, from coordinating interviews and managing timelines through to sharing detailed candidate materials and ensuring we had the right information to make informed decisions. She maintained consistent engagement with both us and the candidates, helping keep momentum and clarity throughout what can often be a complex process. Emily is obviously an experienced recruitment consultant and is very proactive.

Most importantly, Emily successfully supported the recruitment of a Senior Commercial Agronomist, who has proven to be an excellent fit for our team. Her ability to understand our technical and cultural requirements and align these with the right candidate was clear throughout.

I would have no hesitation in recommending Emily to any business looking for a recruiter who is professional, responsive, and genuinely invested in achieving the right outcome.

Mike Panteli

Olivia Dove

After MorePeople placed me in my role, we continued our relationship on the client side of things. It has been so easy working with the Finance & Professional Services Team . Not only do they know and understand the needs of the industry, but they also get to know you as a person which makes the process relaxed, effortless and fun. Thanks again for all your support.

Olivia Dove

Chris Grainge

I’ve used more people several times both at March Foods and other businesses.  They get the brief, not just from what the business needs but also from what’s important to me as the hirer.  More people really take the hard work out of hiring by supplying those candidates that meet the brief, we were quickly able to move from the candidate list to the shortlist and offer.  Even when the candidate had a wobble at the last minute Lucy went above and beyond working on her holiday to secure my new hire.

Chris Grainge

Daniel Crossley

We have worked with MorePeople in various areas of the business, but we had never worked with their HR team. We had a requirement, and gave them a go, and from the off they didn’t disappoint. Natalie was upfront and honest at every step of the way, and the candidate she provided has been successful and hit the ground running, making waves still now. We couldn’t be happier. I can’t recommend them enough, and if you use them in Technical or Operations, I encourage you to use them in all aspects, they won’t disappoint.

Daniel Crossley

Paul Garrod

​Great service from MorePeople - they understood the brief well, put a cracking advert out and I interviewed some good people. They gave a good overview of all the candidates and kept me in the loop as the process evolved. We used video conferencing to speed up the process and got someone on board from start to finish in 25 days. I would thoroughly recommend the MorePeople team.

Paul Garrod

Chelsea Dow

Really wonderful working with Tom and the wider team at MorePeople. They were friendly, easy to talk to, ambitious and delivered fantastic results for us. If you need a role filled in the AgriTech space, they're great people to work with!

Chelsea Dow

Bryn Saysell

​I Have been working with MorePeople for the last two years and in that time Felicity has provided me with excellent service. Recruitment can be challenging and time consuming but Felicity had made the process seamless with excellent communication, providing great candidates first time and managing all the required admin. I would highly recommend MorePeople and Felicity for any of your recruitment needs.

Bryn Saysell

Viliana Ignateva

​“At Hall Hunter people are our greatest asset and we need passionate people who share our values. MorePeople first placed a candidate with us in 2014 and, since then, have gone on to fill many more vacancies. I know that I can rely on the team to find the right people for our business.”

Viliana Ignateva

Wayne Eady

We’ve worked with Guy and the team at MorePeople for a long time and trust them to take care of some of our more senior recruitment needs. When a new and senior position was identified with very sensitive disclosure demands, we were very happy that Sarah was assigned to the project. Sarah was thorough in gaining the correct information to research candidates and sensitive to the contextual needs of the project. Over a long period of many discussions and interviews, the shortlisting process went very well and communications were strong the whole way through, resulting in what we believe to be a very good appointment and outcome, with the right candidate in place for that long-term position.

Wayne Eady

Mante

​I can't recommend Stanley enough! He was an absolute star during my recent job search. The process was incredibly fast and smooth, and he genuinely felt more like a friend than a consultant. Thanks for all your help!

Mante

Amy Barnacle

Having regular correspondence with Rachel and other individuals of MorePeople, Rachel provided invaluable advice and insights into conveying my skills and expertise to hiring companies. Discussing in detail job roles and allowing a discussion to be held with patience and professionalism. It is thanks to Rachel that I was able to find my dream career and secure a job role that ticked all the boxes. During the job search, she was honest and upfront about details, allowing me to make an informed decision without feeling pressured. I highly recommend Rachel and the recruitment company MorePeople to anyone wishing to find a new career or advice on next steps.

Amy Barnacle

Roxana

​My experience with Luan at MorePeople was excellent from initial phone call about a role I was interested in to accepting an offer and starting work. She took the time to actually listen to me regarding my experience and what I was looking for and put me forward for a great opportunity. It was a very streamlined application and interview process and she checked in with me before and after each interview to make sure everyone was still aligned.

I've dealt with a lot of recruiters before and always just felt like another number, but Luan actually takes the time to listen and found the perfect fit for me. Would absolutely recommend Luan and MorePeople for helping find a suitable role for anyone in this industry.

Roxana

Jamie

Ryan at MorePeople was brilliant throughout my job search process. He soon sourced a position that suited me very well, and his advice throughout the interview process was very efficient and professional. 

Thank you very much for your help in finding me a great new role. 

 

Jamie

Nick Dolby

​"Luan was a star from start to finish, even messaging me a good luck message when I was due to start. She is a credit to the business."

Nick Dolby

Abbie Sands

"​Luan was a great help with finding me my new position, we had regular phone calls and she chased up on documents and interview feedback quickly. I’m so appreciative of the help Luan gave me, even phoning me on the day of interview to check if I needed any help and after my interview to see how it went. An all round lovely and helpful person."

Abbie Sands

Mark Spurdens

​Lawrence puts matching the individual to the business first. You can trust him and his team to do the right thing. He is always a pleasure to work with as a recruiting business or candidate.

Mark Spurdens

Damon

Joe was absolutely first-class from his first point of contact with me to the very last.

He genuinely came across as one of the nicest people I’ve ever had to speak to. At no point has he been pushy or unhelpful; quite the opposite! Anything I’ve asked of him has been done effectively, going above and beyond.

Joe is an absolute credit to the company, and I wish him nothing but the best for the future.

Damon

Jenisa Egerton

​I came across MorePeople when I saw a position advertised. I was contacted by Lucy who provided me with excellent support & communication throughout the process, taking into account my needs and preferences for a company to work for, and Lucy listened!  Lucy proved to be professional, and matched both the candidate and employer very well!  I would highly recommend Lucy and MorePeople as one of the best in their field of expertise! 

 

Jenisa Egerton

Mark Lythgoe

"​I would like to thank Max for his help and support in successfully securing my position as Land Consents Officer with Savills UK. From the beginning, Max kept me regularly updated and still keeps in touch to see how I'm getting along, after starting the role. I also enjoyed our chats about the England rugby team's performance in the 2023 Rugby World Cup! Thanks, Max for your help and support."

Mark Lythgoe

Ryan Lewis

​"Tom Edmondson-Mathews went above and beyond in my job search. Checked in with me regularly and kept me in mind when opportunities came up several months apart."

Ryan Lewis

Helen W

​Max helped guide me to a position which suits my current circumstances, yet leaves my options open. He negotiated on my behalf to secure a tailor-made role, giving me a chance to rescue a hard-fought-for career. Thank you, Max, for your emotional support, and encouragement, and for obtaining a salary that reflects my worth.

Helen W

Ross

​MorePeople has been forthright at every turn, with full clarity on what’s been happening behind the scenes, making the process very easy and clear. I cannot thank the team enough for helping me find my new role. They remained extremely professional and helpful throughout. I now have a fantastic role, with a great company, and it’s all down to the help and time the team put in. I cannot stress enough, the gratitude I have for this.

Ross

Charles

Alesha was incredibly professional and supportive throughout my recruitment journey. From start to finish, she provided timely feedback, valuable tips, and clear guidance at every stage of the process. Her insight and encouragement played a key role in my successful appointment as Maintenance Manager. Alesha is an outstanding recruiter, and I highly recommend her to anyone seeking their next career move.

Charles

Lawrence Brackstone

​"Luan has been talking to me for many years, and over that time has understood my needs as a professional exceptionally well. Her determination in making the role right for both parties has been appreciated."

Lawrence Brackstone

Nigel Walters

​I’ve always been interested in working at a Garden Centre. A few months ago Michail called me about a position at Holt Garden Centre. All the way through the selection process, he was available to support me and prepare me for the interviews whilst he also spoke regularly with the Garden Centre. I got the job, but it didn’t stop there, Michail has checked in on a number of occasions (including the day before I started and during the first week). The support from Michail has been faultless in helping me get the job I’ve been looking for, for years. I highly recommend him and the company. I’ve nothing negative to say. Thankyou so much.

Nigel Walters

Quinlan McNamara

"​Given the difficulty with finding entry-level jobs in the current market, Miranda was really helpful. It was evident that she had taken great care in listening to what I wanted to achieve and through her network managed to identify a very suitable role. I would recommend Miranda to anyone in the surveying industry as she has such a friendly approach and gets the job done!"

Quinlan McNamara

Mark Clark

​“Nobody gets a 10 out of 10, so I’ve rated MorePeople as 9, which is outstanding for me!”

Mark Clark

Megan

​I met Sarah through the Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) and also knew that she worked at MorePeople. When I started looking for a new job, I reached out to her. Initially, I was unsure about what I wanted, but Sarah patiently listened to my requirements and preferences for a new role. She made an effort to find roles suited to what I was looking for.

I worked closely with Sarah for a long time, and she was always friendly and supportive. Whenever I was uncertain, she provided valuable advice without making me feel pressured. When searches fell short, she came up with new approaches that motivated me and kept my spirits up. Sarah consistently kept me updated, arranged interviews and facilitated communication between different companies, which was very reassuring. Sarah also provided helpful interview and presentation tips and advice, which proved to be invaluable when I interviewed for potential roles. Thanks to Sarah I was able to find a new exciting role which I don’t think I could have found without her help and advice.

Megan

Josh Crown

​I found Jake and Ben to be very professional, positive and prompt in their efforts. Their communication, encouragement and guidance throughout the process was excellent and I have no hesitation in recommending either of them.

Josh Crown

Operations | Technical | HR | Rural Professionals | Growing & Agronomy | Farming | Engineering | Garden Retail | Finance

Operations | Technical | HR | Rural Professionals | Growing & Agronomy | Farming | Engineering | Garden Retail | Finance

The MorePeople podcast

Step into the world of career opportunities with The MorePeople Podcast.

Mark Kitson (1)
When Things Go Wrong: What Failure, Conflict and Coaching Can Teach Us About Leadership

​The hardest moments in a career often become the most valuable. From navigating business crises to having uncomfortable conversations, great leaders learn to face problems rather than avoid them.In the latest episode of The MorePeople Podcast, Andrew Fitzmaurice is joined by Mark Kitson, an experienced business leader and consultant who spent much of his career in the food and hospitality sector, including senior roles at Whitbread and Costa Coffee.Today, Mark works with leadership teams across sectors, helping organisations navigate change, conflict, strategy and some of the difficult conversations that come with them.And one theme runs through much of his experience: Sometimes the biggest lessons come from the moments when things don't go according to plan. You don't have to have all the answersMark's career has taken him through periods of significant growth, change and, inevitably, challenges.One particularly formative experience came during his time leading Costa Coffee's business in Russia. A model that had initially worked well began to struggle as the business expanded. Mark found himself in the difficult position of being the person who had to tell his Managing Director that the strategy wasn't working and that the business was going to lose significant amounts of money.That's not an easy conversation for anyone.But it also became one of the most valuable experiences of his career.He wasn't just responsible for delivering the bad news. He then had to help work through the options, make difficult decisions and ultimately lead the business through a turnaround before selling it back to its Russian partner. Those experiences now shape how Mark works with clients facing their own challenges. Because when you're sitting across the table from a leadership team that feels like everything is falling apart, experience matters.Knowing that you've been through something difficult before and come out the other side, can change the way you approach the next crisis. The isolation of leadership isn't talked about enoughSuccess tends to be very visible.The promotion. The board position. The big presentation. The growth figures. The announcement that everyone celebrates.What isn't quite so visible is what happens when things aren't going well.Mark describes some of those moments as bringing feelings of fear and isolation. When you're succeeding, people want to be around you. When things start to go wrong, people can become more distant. And suddenly, the conversations that you most need to have become the conversations everyone is trying to avoid.That's where leadership really gets tested. Because difficult conversations rarely become easier by waiting. The uncomfortable conversation might be the most important oneA major part of Mark's work now involves helping leadership teams have better conversations. That might mean addressing conflict, discussing poor performance, challenging an existing strategy or acknowledging that something simply isn't working.Our natural instinct is often to avoid these conversations.We look for an easier solution. We delay the meeting. We soften the message. We hope the problem resolves itself. Usually, it doesn't. Instead, Mark advocates getting the problems out on the table and reframing them. Rather than making the conversation:"What have you done wrong?"it becomes:"What has happened, what has changed and how do we solve this together?"That distinction can be powerful.When people feel personally responsible for a problem, they can become defensive. But when you can separate the individual from the circumstances surrounding the problem, you create more space to actually solve it. The question stops being "Who is to blame?" and becomes "What do we do next?" Change doesn't happen at the same speed for everyoneAnother challenge for leadership teams is that people respond to change differently. Some people embrace it immediately. Others need time to process what it means before they are ready to engage. Neither response is necessarily right or wrong.Understanding those differences can help leaders communicate more effectively and avoid expecting everyone to move through change at exactly the same pace. Mark uses personality profiling and one-to-one coaching as tools to help teams understand these differences. Sometimes the most effective intervention isn't to push harder.It's simply to pause.Give someone the space to process. Allow them to ask questions. Let them work through their concerns away from the pressure of the wider group. Because processing something privately can often be much easier than trying to do it in front of everyone else. Coaching isn't always about giving adviceOne of the most interesting parts of the conversation is Mark's perspective on coaching. He recalls a manager earlier in his career who was willing to give him the unvarnished truth - both about what he was doing well and where he needed to improve. That experience had a significant impact on his career.Today, Mark is a strong advocate for coaching, but his approach isn't necessarily about having all the answers. In fact, increasingly, he sees coaching as creating the space for someone else to find their own answers. That might mean asking the right question. It might mean challenging an assumption. Or it might simply mean listening.Sometimes people don't need someone to tell them what to do. They need an opportunity to step away from the noise, articulate what they're thinking and make sense of it for themselves. The power of actually listeningIt sounds simple, but genuinely listening is harder than it looks.We're often listening while simultaneously preparing our response. We're thinking about what we're going to say next, what advice we're going to give or what question we're going to ask. Mark's advice is to resist that instinct.Be present.Don't be afraid of silence. A pause doesn't necessarily mean the conversation has stalled. Sometimes it gives someone the space they need to say what they actually mean. And perhaps most importantly, don't listen simply to respond. Listen to understand. That principle is particularly important in leadership, where the person in the room with the most authority isn't necessarily the person with the best answer. Find someone a few steps ahead of youCoaching doesn't necessarily have to mean hiring an executive coach. For people earlier in their careers, Mark suggests finding someone who is simply a few steps ahead. That could be a colleague, a former manager, someone within your wider network or even a friend of a friend. They don't need to have all the answers.They just need to be willing to give you an hour every month to talk, challenge your thinking and help you look at things from a different perspective. And there's a benefit for the person doing the coaching too. As Mark explains, when you coach someone else, you're learning at the same time. The questions you ask other people can often make you reflect on your own career and decisions.Development isn't one-way traffic. What separates high performers?Towards the end of the conversation, Andrew asks Mark what distinguishes the people who go on to become high performers. His answer is surprisingly straightforward:Focus and an ecosystem of support.High performers tend to know what they're trying to achieve and have a clear sense of the steps needed to get there. But they also invest heavily outside of work. That might mean family, relationships, fitness, hobbies or other interests. The specifics vary, but the principle remains the same: high performance doesn't necessarily mean making work your entire life.In fact, being able to switch off and invest in other areas can help people return to work with more energy and clarity. It's about finding the balance that works for you and being able to switch between different areas of life with the same level of commitment. Failure isn't the opposite of successPerhaps the biggest takeaway from Mark's career is that difficult experiences aren't necessarily setbacks. The moments where things went wrong; the failed strategies, the uncomfortable conversations, the crises and the uncertaintybecame some of the most valuable experiences he could take forward.Leadership isn't about avoiding problems. It's about developing the confidence and resilience to face them. And sometimes, the most important thing a leader can do is simply acknowledge:"This isn't working. Let's work out what we're going to do about it."Because the difficult conversation you're avoiding today might just be the one that unlocks tomorrow's solution.Listen to the full episode for more insights from Mark's career and his experience working with leadership teams navigating change and challenging situations.​​

Sean Sankey Square
Beyond the Boardroom: Why Great Leaders Struggle to Be Heard

​Great leadership isn't just about having the right answers. It's about being able to communicate, challenge, influence and bring people with you - particularly when the stakes are high.In the latest episode of The MorePeople Podcast, Andrew Fitzmaurice is joined by Sean Sankey, who leads MorePeople’s Executive Development work with senior teams across the agriculture, food and horticulture sectors.Over the past 12 months, Sean has worked with leadership teams on everything from conflict resolution and performance management to developing talent and helping senior professionals communicate more effectively.And despite the very different organisations involved, he has noticed one striking common thread - highly capable people can still struggle to make their message land.Whether you're presenting to a CEO, navigating disagreement around a boardroom table, defending your team's performance or trying to get colleagues behind a new idea, technical expertise alone isn't enough. When the stakes are high, confidence mattersOne of the biggest themes Sean sees in his work is what happens when people find themselves in a "high-stakes moment". That might mean presenting to the CEO, speaking at a conference or walking into a meeting knowing that everyone around the table is likely to disagree.In these moments, two things matter: confidence and skill.Confidence isn't necessarily about feeling completely comfortable. It's about being able to regulate yourself, remain intentional and communicate effectively despite the pressure. The skill comes from knowing how to structure a message, understand your audience and communicate in a way that actually lands - the two go hand in hand.You can have the best idea in the room, but if you can't communicate it effectively, it may never get the traction it deserves. Great boards don't always agreeIt can be tempting to think that a successful leadership team is one where everyone gets along and reaches agreement quickly.In reality, healthy disagreement can be one of the most valuable things a leadership team has. Different perspectives expose blind spots. Challenge forces people to examine assumptions. And disagreement can ultimately lead to better decisions.The important distinction is how people disagree.The goal isn't to have the loudest voice win. It's to create an environment where people can challenge one another, explore different perspectives and ultimately leave the room aligned on the way forward. That requires confidence, trust and, perhaps most importantly, good communication. Don't wait until communication breaks downA recurring question in executive development is whether organisations are investing early enough. Sean sees roughly a 50/50 split between organisations seeking support proactively and those calling when things have already gone wrong. Both situations can benefit from intervention, but the lesson is clear: prevention is usually better than repair.Preparing someone to present confidently before their first major presentation goes badly is preferable to rebuilding their confidence afterwards.Helping a leadership team develop the skills to navigate conflict is better than waiting until relationships have completely broken down.And equipping people to communicate effectively before they reach senior positions means they are better prepared when the stakes inevitably rise.As Sean puts it, it's about "killing the monster whilst it's a baby." The workplace has changed - and so has how we learnOne reason communication development has become increasingly important is the changing nature of work. Before the pandemic, many of the softer skills people developed happened almost by accident. You watched how experienced colleagues handled difficult conversations. You sat in meetings and observed how people presented. You saw how disagreement was managed. You learned through simply being around other people. That "learning by osmosis" is harder to replicate in a hybrid working environment.At the same time, technical skills are becoming easier to develop. There are more training programmes, more resources and increasingly sophisticated technology and AI tools available. But the human skills, particularly those required when there isn't a straightforward right answer, remain much harder to develop.How do you disagree well? How do you challenge someone more senior than you? How do you bring people around to an idea without forcing it upon them?Those skills take practice. Stop trying to persuade peopleOne of the most interesting points from the conversation is the idea that effective communication isn't necessarily about persuasion. When people become too attached to their solution, it can create friction. Instead, Sean suggests framing ideas around the audience.Rather than:"Here's my solution and why you should agree with me."It's about creating enough relevance and understanding that people can engage with the idea themselves. That doesn't mean abandoning your position. It means being open enough to invite other perspectives. And often, that produces something even better than the original idea.The best communicators aren't necessarily the people who can convince everyone to agree with them. They're the people who create enough space for better ideas to emerge. Performance frameworks are only useful if they lead somewhereThe conversation also turns to the growing use of performance frameworks, including the nine-box model. These tools can be controversial. There is understandable concern about reducing people to a box or attaching a label to someone's career. But Sean's view is that the tool itself isn't necessarily the problem.It's how you use it.A nine-box assessment should be a snapshot, not a permanent label. The real value comes from what happens afterwards. If someone is identified as needing development, what happens next?What projects will they work on? What support will they receive? What skills do they need to develop? Who will mentor them? Where could they be in six or twelve months?If everyone is still talking about which box someone was placed in months later, the process has probably missed the point. If they're talking about their progression plan, that's where the real value lies. Healthy organisations create movementThat idea of progression leads to another important point: talent needs movement. Progression doesn't necessarily mean a promotion. It could mean moving into another part of the business, taking responsibility for a new project, developing a new skill or gaining exposure to a different team. What matters is that people can see themselves moving forward.When employees can see opportunities to develop and can see their colleagues progressing too, it creates a sense of momentum. When there is no movement, businesses can quickly become stagnant. For organisations operating in sectors where retaining talented people is increasingly important, creating that sense of movement isn't just a nice-to-have. It's a strategic priority. The best leaders aren't necessarily the loudestUltimately, the conversation comes back to communication. Leadership isn't simply about having the most senior job title or the strongest technical knowledge. It's about being able to bring people with you. That means being able to challenge constructively, listen properly, communicate clearly and create an environment where other people feel confident enough to contribute.And sometimes, great leadership means knowing when not to have the answer.The strongest leaders create the conditions for other people to contribute their expertise, challenge assumptions and come up with better solutions. Because leadership isn't just about what you say.It's about what people hear, what they do with it, and what happens as a result. Listen to the full episode to hear the conversation in more detail.​​

Kersten Catella
What Nobody Tells You About Leadership: Fear, Failure & the Reality of Success

​What Nobody Tells You About Leadership: Fear, Failure & the Reality of SuccessLeadership is often presented as confidence, decisiveness and having all the answers. But what happens behind the scenes?In the latest episode of The MorePeople Podcast, Richard Hanwell sits down with Kirsten Catella, Sales & Marketing Director at Wyvale Nurseries and BALI Board Director, for an honest conversation about leadership, career progression, failure and the realities that come with being responsible for others.With 26 years in horticulture, Kirsten has experienced leadership from both sides of the table - learning from the good, the bad and the very ugly along the way. Her approach to leadership has been shaped by a simple ambition: to leave things in a better place than she found them.You don't have to be ready to take the next stepKirsten's career wasn't mapped out through a series of perfectly timed promotions. Instead, some of her biggest opportunities came from simply being willing to say yes before she felt ready.“It’s just being willing to make a risk on myself and keep going forward.”It's a powerful reminder that career progression doesn't always come from having every box ticked. Sometimes, it's about recognising that you're capable of more than the role or expectations currently placed around you and having the confidence to take the next step.Great leaders don't play the blame gameOne of the clearest distinctions Kirsten makes between average and great leaders is how they respond when things go wrong.Great leaders don't look for someone to blame. They take ownership, look at what can be learned and focus on what happens next.That doesn't mean falling on your sword or believing you're a failure because you've made a mistake. It means acknowledging what happened, learning from it and moving forward.As Richard puts it, “fail” can be viewed as the first attempt in learning.And that's particularly important when you're leading others. If people are afraid to make mistakes, they become afraid to make decisions. And without decisions, there is very little progress.Leadership isn't about having all the answersThe traditional idea of management has changed significantly.Kirsten describes the difference between the management culture of years gone by, where people were given KPIs, told what to do and expected to get on with it, and the leadership culture needed today.Modern leadership is about empowering people to think for themselves.When someone comes to Kirsten with a problem, her first response isn't necessarily to give them the answer. Instead, she'll ask: “How do you think it's best to resolve that?” Sometimes she'll steer them towards another option. Sometimes she'll let them try their own idea and be there to catch them if it doesn't work.That's the difference between doing a job for someone and helping them develop the confidence to do it themselves.The part of success people don't seePerhaps one of the most powerful parts of the conversation is Kirsten's description of what leadership looks like away from the boardroom.People see the job title.They see the presentation.They see the board position.They see the successful outcome.What they don't see are the tears of frustration, the self-talk on the drive into work, the hours of preparation and the constant questioning about whether you could have done something better.And most importantly, they don't see the fear. “The fear never goes away. You just learn to do things despite the fear.”It's an important distinction. Confidence isn't necessarily the absence of doubt. Sometimes it's simply the ability to acknowledge that doubt and keep moving anyway.The power of being 1% betterThe conversation also explores MorePeople's familiar idea of being 1% better.For Kirsten, this isn't about working longer hours or pushing yourself harder. It's about taking that extra step.Ask the additional question.Speak up when you have an idea.Give something a go.Ask the question you think might be a stupid one.Put yourself slightly outside your comfort zone.Those small improvements might not feel significant at the time, but over five, ten or twenty years, they compound into something much bigger.As Kirsten explains, you can underestimate how much you can learn over ten years while simultaneously overestimating what you can achieve in ten days.Progress takes time, and that's okay.Staying curious is what keeps you growingFor Kirsten, one of the biggest differences between people who continue to grow and those who plateau is curiosity.The people who continue to develop remain hungry for knowledge. They look outside their immediate role, ask questions, seek new experiences and stay open to learning from others.Those who plateau can become protective of what they already know.And that's particularly relevant in an industry as diverse and fast-moving as horticulture, where there are constantly new technologies, ideas, businesses and challenges to understand.You don't have to know everything.You just have to remain willing to learn.Creating more opportunities for women in horticultureKirsten also reflects on how much the industry has changed during her career, particularly when it comes to opportunities for women in leadership.There is still work to do, but the landscape is changing. More women are taking positions on boards, leading businesses and becoming influential voices across the horticulture industry.Kirsten points to organisations such as Women in Horticulture as an example of the growing community and support available to women working across the sector.For Kirsten, the answer isn't complicated: keep showing up, keep creating opportunities and keep talking about the progress being made. Visibility matters. Representation matters. And so does demonstrating to the next generation that leadership roles are genuinely open to them.You don't need a job title to be a leaderPerhaps the biggest takeaway from the conversation is that leadership isn't something you suddenly acquire when you become a manager or director.You can lead from anywhere.You can improve a process.You can challenge the way something is done.You can support a colleague.You can ask better questions.You can influence the people around you through the way you communicate and behave.As Kirsten puts it, “You don't need to be a manager or a director to lead.”Ultimately, leadership comes down to consistency, authenticity and the impact you have on other people.Your personal brand isn't simply what you post on LinkedIn. It's what people say about you when you're not in the room and, perhaps more importantly, how you've made people feel when they've been around you.Leaving things better than you found themFor Kirsten, that is what motivates her now. Earlier in her career, success was about managing her own career, time and results. Today, it's about helping other people do the same for themselves. It's about developing people who can go on to achieve more. It's about creating lasting change. And it's about leaving things in a better place than she found them.That might just be one of the simplest, and most powerful, definitions of leadership.Listen to the latest episode of the MorePeople Podcast to hear the full conversation with Kirsten Catella and discover what leadership really looks like behind the scenes.​​

Square Podcast Image (4)
What Really Separates Good Recruiters From Great Ones

​What Does It Really Take to Succeed in Recruitment?At MorePeople, we spend a lot of time talking about careers, talent, and the industries we support, but in this episode of The MorePeople Podcast, the focus turned inward.Richard Hanwell and Andrew Fitzmaurice sat down to talk about something just as important: what it actually means to build a career in recruitment, what makes someone successful in the role, and why MorePeople continues to grow. Recruitment: More Than Meets the EyeRecruitment is often misunderstood. From the outside, it can look like a transactional job - filling vacancies and making placements. In reality, it’s far more complex.At its core, recruitment is about:Building relationshipsUnderstanding people and businesses deeplyBecoming a trusted partner within a specialist marketAnd that’s exactly why MorePeople focuses on being a specialist rather than a generalist. By working within specific sectors, the team can develop real expertise, build meaningful networks, and genuinely impact the industries they serve. What Makes a Great Recruiter?There’s no single “type” of person who succeeds in recruitment. At MorePeople, successful hires have come from all kinds of backgrounds - graduates, industry professionals, and experienced recruiters alike.But there are a few key traits that consistently stand out.1. CuriosityCuriosity is non-negotiable.Great recruiters ask questions - lots of them. They want to understand how industries work, what drives businesses, and what motivates candidates. That curiosity builds knowledge, and that knowledge builds credibility.Whether it’s understanding supply chains, production challenges, or niche technical roles, curiosity is what turns a recruiter into a true specialist. 2. ResilienceRecruitment comes with highs and lows.You won’t fill every role. You won’t place every candidate. Deals fall through, and things don’t always go to plan.The key is learning from those moments and moving forward. Mistakes aren’t the problem, failing to learn from them is. 3. Discipline Over MotivationMotivation comes and goes. Discipline is what drives long-term success.There are always parts of the job that are less exciting - difficult conversations, tough feedback, or chasing answers you might not want to hear. The best recruiters lean into those moments rather than avoiding them.As discussed in the episode, sometimes you just have to “eat the frog”, tackle the hardest task first and move forward. A Career That EvolvesOne of the biggest misconceptions about recruitment is that it becomes repetitive. At MorePeople, the opposite is true.The role evolves constantly:New industries and marketsNew people and businessesNew challenges and opportunitiesAs Andrew put it, no two years should ever feel the same. Otherwise, you’re not progressing, you’re repeating.That evolution is what keeps the role engaging and creates long-term career growth. The Power of ExposureA standout benefit of working at MorePeople is the level of exposure.From early on, consultants are given access to:Senior industry leadersInfluential organisations and trade bodiesHigh-level strategic conversationsIt’s not unusual to go from an introduction call to sitting across the table from decision-makers shaping entire sectors.That kind of exposure accelerates learning, builds confidence, and opens doors that simply wouldn’t exist in many other environments. A Culture Built on GrowthGrowth at MorePeople isn’t just about headcount - it’s about impact.The business invests heavily in:Training and developmentIndustry engagementMarketing and brand buildingNew ideas and initiativesThere’s a clear structure and support system in place, but there’s also room for creativity. New ideas are encouraged, tested, and when they work, scaled.Importantly, the business isn’t afraid of mistakes. Trying something new, learning quickly, and improving is part of the DNA. Making a Difference in the IndustryUltimately, recruitment at MorePeople is about more than just placements.It’s about:Helping businesses grow with the right peopleSupporting individuals in building meaningful careersContributing to the long-term success of key industriesWhen done well, the impact is significant and lasting. Thinking About a Career in Recruitment?Whether you’re just starting out or considering a change, recruitment offers a unique mix of:Commercial challengePersonal developmentIndustry exposureCareer progressionAnd at MorePeople, you’ll be part of a team that values curiosity, encourages ambition, and supports you every step of the way.If you’re interested in joining the team, head over to the MorePeople website or get in touch directly. We’re always keen to speak to people who are ready to make an impact.​

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