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​Building the Future of Food & Farming with Adam White, Head of Agriculture at BarclaysMore People Podcast | Episode RecapIn this episode of the More People Podcast, host Andrew Fitzmaurice, CEO of MorePeople, sits down with Adam White, Head of Agriculture at Barclays UK, for a wide-ranging discussion on the future of agriculture, resilience in the food sector, innovation, and the importance of purpose in careers. From the Ground Up: Meet Adam WhiteAdam White oversees agricultural operations for Barclays UK, a role that connects him directly to about one in five farms across the country. His team supports all aspects of farm businesses, from finance to future proofing, playing a key part in helping the sector grow and adapt.Right out of the gate, Adam sets the tone: "If I really knew where interest rates were going, I’d be on a beach in Barbados." While he may not claim to predict economic futures, his insights into how global events ripple through agriculture are grounded and impactful. Resilience is the New NormalThe conversation opens with a frank look at the barrage of unforeseen challenges the agri-food sector has faced in recent years, from Brexit and COVID-19, to ongoing supply chain disruptions and climate volatility.What’s clear is the industry's remarkable resilience. “Farmers and food producers are very good at adapting and finding ways around things,” Adam says. Agility, being able to test, learn, and change direction swiftly is no longer optional. It’s critical. Farmers Are Founders TooAdam draws a powerful parallel between entrepreneurs in tech and those in agriculture: “If you took a farmer and dropped them into a tech startup, they’d thrive. The skillsets are so aligned, innovation, risk-taking, problem-solving.”Farming is not simply traditional; it's deeply entrepreneurial. And with the help of Barclays’ sector-specific financial tools, including the Eagle Labs initiative, the industry is fast becoming more tech-savvy and innovation-focused than ever. Eagle Labs: Cultivating InnovationBarclays' Eagle Labs programme is a cornerstone of this transformation. Located in partnership with the University of Lincoln (and more recently expanded to Cambridge), these labs are more than just think tanks. They are operational hubs where tech entrepreneurs and agricultural businesses collaborate.The Labs help startups connect with funding, refine their business models, and gain real-world traction, often from within the environment of a working farm. This early collaboration is key: “We want food businesses and tech founders to be working together before the product is finished,” Adam notes. Farm Types & Tech TrendsAdam breaks UK farming into three core categories:Landed Estates: Large, often heritage-rich estates branching into diversification projects like rewilding.Tech-Driven Farms: Highly efficient operations focused on innovation, often producing for supermarkets or large supply chains.Nature-Focused Farms: Medium-sized farms blending sustainable practices with biodiversity and conservation efforts.While every farm has its own rhythm, the tech farms are spearheading the drive for automation, robotics, and AI. From GPS combines to robotic potato grading (parsnips still evade automation, for now!), the advances are transforming how food is grown, sorted, and sold. Food Sovereignty & Sustainable Supply ChainsAndrew and Adam delve into the importance of local production, particularly in light of events like the tomato shortages from Spain. Could vertical farming and UK-based horticulture be part of the solution? Possibly, but the economics must make sense. As Adam points out, “Producing food we typically wouldn’t, and doing it sustainably, presents a real opportunity for farmers and entrepreneurs alike.” Talent With PurposeAttracting the next generation of agricultural professionals is a hot topic and Barclays is ahead of the curve. While agriculture may not seem like an obvious career path for many young professionals, Adam argues the opposite: “If you're interested in tech, nature, or food, there's something here for you.”In fact, many of his team members at Barclays find deep personal pride in working within agriculture. “You walk into a supermarket, see a product, and know you helped make that happen,” Adam reflects. Final Thoughts: What Would Adam Tell His 24-Year-Old Self?“Listen more. Seek out different opinions. You don’t know it all at 24, none of us do.”He also reminds us that learning never stops. “If you’re not developing, you’re standing still. The moment you think you know it all is the moment you stop growing.”​​

Rural Surveying, Estate Management and Utilities are naturally linked to the Food and Agri supply chains where as a business we spend most of our time.Max, Hannah and Miles cover the Rural Professionals desk at MorePeople, a team that is currently gaining momentum. They work with some of the best-known clients in the UK, the team have built strong connections in the rural sector and has an established, strong pool of professionals they speak to daily. Some of the roles we recruit for are; Rural surveyors – Graduate through to director level Agri-business consultants Forestry roles Estate management Farm business consultant Wayleave Valuers Partners Utilities Aquation All of these roles include the management of all elements of land, whether this being real estate property, forestry, fencing, water, public authorities, conservation bodies, estate management, shooting grounds, utility providers, trusts, charities, government agencies etc. As you know, the industry is broad and usually comes with a large love of the countryside and rural interests and sometimes includes the enjoyment of rural pursuits such as riding and shooting - much the same as our team here at MorePeople. We work with large national firms right the way through to the smaller rural firms, whatever your preference on lifestyle we can find something to suit you – many offer generous packages to help with relocation or any issues the candidate may have.QualificationsWe work with both non and qualified candidates, some may be part-way through or have the option to complete qualifications as part of their package. Many rural surveyors become Chartered Surveyors. This is an Assessment of professional practice (APC) qualification completed after university, demonstrating they can perform professional and technical business skills within surveying. Another qualification is the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) which gives rural professionals the ability to act on various litigation matters in rural business around valuation. The rural professionals industry is the perfect industry for graduates, it has amazing career progression if that is what you are looking for. Due to the sheer volume of roles across the country, there will always be something for you. Let MorePeople help you on your first steps into an incredibly exciting career.​For more information about job vacancies visit our website, or contact one of the team on 01780 480 430 or emailinfo@morepeople.co.uk equally, if you have a rural interest or knowledge but a career in anything stated above isn’t for you, contact us to discuss the recruitment side of the rural industry.

​Last weekend MorePeople were a main sponsor at the Northants Young Farmers Club County Rally. ​The Rally is an annual celebration filled with competitions that showcase the best of rural life, agriculture and the skills of the young farming community. One of the many competitions held at the event is the grain sample competition which was sponsored by MorePeople and Hannah Cuthbert, who works on our Rural Professionals desk, also competed!​she comments; "​Young Farmers Rallies happen across the country and is a great day of various competitions that really shows what Young Farmers is all about. Over the years, I’ve been involved to varying degrees and the skills you learn are invaluable – even if your last-minute Victoria sponge doesn’t quite turn out as expected! It’s great that companies such as MorePeople sponsor these events to show their support to young people in the industry."​Miles Davies, another of our Rural Professionals Consultants was also in attendance over the weekend. As a recruitment company, these events give us a unique insight into the industries we service. We're able to meet the next generation of farmers and those looking to work in the rural and agricultural sectors and have conversations that help us understand their pain points and what career aspirations they have for the future. ​If you would like to talk to our Rural Professionals Team or Agriculture Team about how we can help you secure your dream job or help you with your recruitment strategies email info@morepeople.co.uk or call 01780 480 530

​MorePeople recently welcomed Jamie and Emily to the MorePeople Team! ​Jamie is a 2023 graduate, with previous experience in the hospitality industry, he's transferring his people skills to recruitment! He joins our operations team to start his career. After a stint in freelancing in media and working in sales, Emily joins MorePeople to start her career in recruitment. She now works on our Horticulture and Agriculture desk recruiting for a variety of roles within the industry. You can find out more about them here and don't forget to connect with them on LinkedIn ​After a record 2023, we are always looking to expand the team. If you're curious about what MorePeople can offer you, email andrew@morepeople.co.uk or call 01780 480 530

​As a business, we speak to a wide span of people from all corners of the food industry, from poultry to potatoes, all businesses are facing similar issues when it comes to sustainability and the question 'Is the current sustainability model truly sustainable.' One standout moment when talking to various people about this topic was a conversation about the impact of local sourcing versus the carbon footprint of global supply chains. With one of the wettest winters/springs in recent history driving the need for imported produce, it's clear that if we want meaningful change, we need to think about empowering local ecosystems. Investing in vertical farming, hydroponics and aquaponics to grow produce in controlled environments reduces the need for pesticides and minimises land use. Moreover, is there a need to think from the ground up again when thinking about innovation? New innovative ideas are always welcome but where does the electricity/power come from to get these innovations off the ground and how can we integrate sources of natural power such as the sun and rain? The latest series of Clarkson’s Farm shows just how this is being done through the regenerative farming piece. The question of are we innovating fast enough is also one that leaves people stumped. Are we able to keep up with the demands of our planet and people? Alongside myself a lot of people I’ve recently spoken to were in agreement that there is a dire need for the younger generation and a new wave of talent to be exposed to the food industry to keep innovation pushing in the right direction. We recently conducted a poll asking our LinkedIn network who they think should be driving sustainability in the Food/Fresh Produce Sectors, here are the results; 38% agreed that Food/Fresh Produce Businesses should be driving innovation 31% voted for Consumers 23% said Retailers 8% voted for Governing Bodies But how can food and fresh produce businesses drive sustainability without affecting already struggling margins? Really, it needs support from governing bodies from the start of the process so we can get that supply chain transparency. I'm intrigued to take this debate further, who do you think should be the driving force behind innovation in this sector or is each group responsible? You can call me on 01780 480 530 or email me luan@morepeople.co.uk and we can pick this conversation up! If you would like to hear about how we can help you hire an innovative workforce, please contact me.

​Inside Recruitment: Lessons from 20 Years on the Front Line - A Conversation with Richard HanwellWelcome to another edition ofThe MorePeople Podcast, where we unpack the real stories, strategies, and shifting landscapes of the recruitment world. In this episode, CEO Andrew Fitzmaurice sits down with More People's very own Managing Director, Richard Hanwell, to reflect on his nearly 20 year career in recruitment. From navigating technological shifts to coaching the next generation of recruiters, Richard shares candid insights you won’t want to miss. Falling Into Recruitment – And Staying for the RideLike many in the industry, Richard didn’t initially plan on a recruitment career. “I fell into it,” he admits. “I was disillusioned with my own job, looking for fewer hours and ironically found a role that required more!” What began as a “stop-gap” turned into an 18-year journey spanning sectors, borders, and leadership roles.What drew him in? “I'm an extrovert. I love talking to people. And the role allowed me to leverage that every single day while earning money and building a career.” From Job Boards to AI: A Changing LandscapeOver the years, Richard has seen seismic shifts in how recruitment is done. “When LinkedIn came along, I thought, ‘surely this is going to kill agency recruitment,’” he laughs. Instead, it became another tool in the arsenal.But if you ask him, the biggest shift isn’t technology, it’s power dynamics. “It’s very much a candidate-led market now. The first stage of an interview is often seduction. You need to sell the role and the company before grilling the candidate.”And what about AI? Richard doesn’t see it as a threat. “It’s like psychometric testing or automation, it should enhance the process, not replace it. The human element, especially building relationships with passive talent, can’t be replicated.” What Makes a Great Recruiter?When it comes to recruitment success, Richard is clear: resilience, curiosity, and the ability to be uncomfortable. “This job can hit you hard. You get knocked down, and you have to get back up. Like in sport, that bounce-back factor is essential.”He’s also looking for people who want to keep evolving. “You’ve got to be OK with repetition but also crave variety. The role changes over time, from desk work to networking, hosting events, and yes even podcasting.”One trait he values most is curiosity. “We’re naturally curious people. We pause TV shows to Google something. We want to understand what makes people tick. Why someone took a risk, made a move, or changed industries. That drive to ask better questions makes you better at this job.” Staying Ahead of the CurveHow does Richard stay informed in a fast-changing industry?He surrounds himself with smart people: mentors, non-exec directors, and industry peers.He reads widely, follows leaders like Greg Savage, and keeps an ear to the ground through events and networking.He still values the phone and face-to-face interaction above all. “Your phone is your best friend. It’s the best tool we’ve got.”He loved a recent quote from Princess Anne: “If you’re not networking, you’re not working.” For Richard, that line couldn’t ring more true. Final Advice: Get Comfortable Being UncomfortableIf Richard could go back and give advice to his 24-year-old self? “Push yourself outside your comfort zone earlier. Don’t fear the risk. Public speaking used to terrify me. Now I speak in front of MDs, lead debates, and it doesn’t phase me. That’s growth.”Whether it’s moving abroad, hosting meetings, or taking on new challenges, every moment of discomfort has been a stepping stone to success.​​

​On Wednesday 22nd May Lucy and Luan attended the Meat Business Women UK & Ireland Conference: The Power of Us. Meat Business Women is an organisation dedicated to supporting and advancing the roles of women within the meat industry. Their vision is to create a more inclusive and diverse industry, by providing a platform for networking, professional development and mentorship. The organisation aims to address gender disparity and empower women by offering training programmes, workshops and events that highlight career opportunities and celebrate female leadership in the meat business. As a business, we're heavily involved in the food, fresh produce and agriculture industries so forming a relationship with Meat Business Women to promote the amazing work they're doing only seemed right.The morning consisted of industry insights from leaders at the forefront of retail, food service and manufacturing. These included Steve Murrells, CEO of Hilton Food Group and Jane Treasure, Food & Beverage Director at Pizza Express. They shared key leadership lessons and how they've climbed the career ladder. It was then time for a panel session called 'The Power of Collective Change' which included people from outside of the industry sharing how change is achievable for a gender-equitable workplace through their experiences. Followed by another session titled 'Allyship in Action' which allowed the panel speakers to share their experiences as to how they've carved their path of empowerment to reach a leadership position, as well as how they've championed and supported gender inclusion in their industries.After the networking lunch sponsored by MorePeople, delegates were introduced to Personal Impact coach Jodi Goldman. She discussed why women hold themselves back (and how to stop yourself from doing it); how to own your role as a female leader and the 5 steps to SHINE in your career.​Lucy comments;“Another fantastic event from the incredible team at Meat Business Women. We heard from leaders across the industry on market updates, leadership insights, The Power of Collective Change and Allyship in Action. Change is achievable for our vision of a gender-equitable workplace and it was amazing to see the level of energy and enthusiasm from all corners of our industry to make that happen!”Luan continues;"It was a great inspirational day with MBW, hearing from an array of different leaders each with a great story and some top tips for the audience. I have certainly come away from the day feeling empowered.”We would like to thank Meat Business Women for hosting such a valuable event and we look forward to attending the next one very soon!​You can find out more about Meat Business Women by visiting their website here​

​As of last week, coincidently 2024’s Mental Health Awareness Week, we officially have two Mental Health First Aid trained staff members, Rae and Lawrence, to support our wider business. In recent years, mental health has emerged as a critical issue within the workplace. With increasing awareness and understanding, businesses are recognising the importance of supporting their employees' mental well-being. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a vital tool in this effort, providing essential skills and knowledge to help employees manage mental health crises and promote a supportive workplace culture. What is Mental Health First Aid?Everyone has Mental Health, just as we all have Physical Health. Mental Ill Health can strike at any time and can affect anyone, in a magnitude of different ways. There are plenty of different types of support out there, and a Mental Health First Aider can help you access them. To allow people to spot the early signs, open up a dialogue and encourage a culture that enhances these experiences, Mental Health First Aiders can try and break down the stigma around this topic with any environment you might find yourself in. Mental Health First Aiders are a point of contact if you, or someone you are concerned about, are experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress. They are not therapists or psychiatrists but they can give you initial support and signpost you to appropriate help if required. They can help empower those to access the support that is required and available, whether that be Medical professionals, self-help tips and tricks or simply encouraging the conversation around the issues, which can be a great tool in itself. The Importance of Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace1. Early Identification and InterventionEarly identification can prevent the escalation of mental health issues, having dedicated MHFA to sign post their colleagues to where they can get help can stop these issues leading to worsening conditions and effecting their time at work. 2. Reducing StigmaMHFA training promotes understanding and empathy, reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues. We hope it will encourage open discussion and make employees realise it’s ok to ask for help – even if they feel work is affecting them. 3. Crisis ManagementMental health crises, such as severe anxiety attacks, depression, or suicidal thoughts, can occur suddenly and require immediate attention. MHFA training equips employees with the skills to handle such situations effectively, providing immediate support and ensuring the person receives the necessary professional help. 4. Boosting Productivity and Reducing AbsenteeismMental health issues can significantly impact productivity and attendance. Employees struggling with mental health problems may experience difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or maintaining consistent attendance. By addressing mental health proactively, employers can boost productivity, reduce absenteeism, and create a more stable workforce. ​

​GIMA (Garden Industry Manufacturer’s Association) is a membership organisation of around 170 companies representing the majority share of suppliers and manufacturers operating within the UK gardening industry. MorePeople are proud to have been associate members of GIMA for the past 10 years. As part of MorePeople's core industries, we spend a lot of time working within the gardening industry – we have dedicated teams for supporting businesses in; Garden Centre Retail –Ben, Felicity and Michail recruit for garden centres across the UK for a range of roles including GCM’s, Plant Area Managers, department managers and more, including more junior positions. Commercial –Rae and Brian cover all commercial roles within the Gardening industry including buyers, account managers, sales executives and so on. Horticulture –Sarah looks after our more technical horticulture roles in terms of growers, nursery managers, Irrigation specialists for example. GIMA provides a host of events for its members over the year, which the team always enjoy attending to network and learn from industry experts – you can read more about our experience of this year’s day conference, 2023’s day conference and 2022’s day conference.We have been The GIMA Awards Raffle Sponsor for many years now and are pleased to announce our involvement once again with the 2024 Awards! Rae and Brian represented the team last year, enjoying yet another fantastic evening. We look forward to seeing everyone again on the 7th November for the 2024 GIMA Awards!If you’d like to read more of our Garden Centre content, click here. ​