Unlocking Success in Recruitment: A Conversation with Andrew Fitzmaurice, CEO of MorePeople
Welcome to The MorePeople Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of recruitment, leadership, and business growth. In this episode, Managing Director Richard Hanwell sits down with MorePeople’s very own CEO, Andrew Fitzmaurice, to explore his journey into recruitment, building a scalable business, and what it takes to thrive in today’s competitive talent market.
From Chemistry to Culture: A Unique Journey into Recruitment
Andrew’s route into recruitment wasn’t exactly traditional. With a degree in chemistry, he initially started his career in account management within the electrical wholesale sector. But it wasn’t long before the allure of London and the performance-based nature of recruitment led him to make the leap.
“In recruitment, you get out what you put in - that really appealed to me.”
His path eventually brought him to MorePeople, where he was initially turned down for not having an industry background. Persistence paid off, however, and 14 years later, Andrew is now CEO, having played a crucial role in shaping the company’s growth and future-readiness.
Building a Business with Scalability at Its Core
When Andrew joined MorePeople, the team was just six or seven strong. Today, the company boasts a headcount of 35. A testament to the long-term investment in infrastructure, culture, and systems.
“We’ve worked hard to lay the right foundations. If we doubled in size tomorrow, we wouldn’t need to change much. The infrastructure is there.”
But scaling isn’t without its challenges, especially in a candidate-short market. As Andrew points out, recruiters face the same talent shortages their clients do. That’s why internal hiring is just as rigorous and value led as the service they provide to clients.
The Power of Employer Branding
In a world where candidates have more choice than ever, employer branding has never been more critical. It's not just about flashy websites or mission statements on the wall, it’s about how people feel about your business.
“You’re always representing your brand, even outside of work. Employer branding is about how people think, feel, and act because of what you’ve created.”
Authenticity, visibility, and emotional engagement are key. It's about cultivating an environment where people feel proud to be part of the brand, or as Andrew puts it, “bleed purple.”
Creating a Memorable Candidate Journey
From the first handshake to the interview room coffee, every interaction matters. Andrew emphasises that candidate experience is an extension of employer branding.
“Proactivity is what sets candidates apart. Doing the research, following up, making thoughtful connections. It shows who they are and what they value.”
Candidates who go the extra mile, not just in what they say, but in how they behave across digital and in-person touchpoints, are more likely to stand out.
Lifelong Learning: Why Development Never Stops
Andrew makes a compelling case for ongoing learning and development. With more resources than ever available online and in-person, recruiters have no excuse not to continuously improve.
“The goal is to be a better version of yourself tomorrow than you were yesterday.”
At MorePeople, this philosophy has been embedded into the culture. From training on marginal gains to habit stacking. The aim is simple: small improvements, compounded daily, lead to exceptional results.
Advice to a 24-Year-Old Self: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
In one of the podcast’s most personal reflections, Andrew shares the advice he’d give his younger self:
“I used to think it was more noble to figure things out on my own. Now, I know the smartest move is to ask for help. It saves time, energy, and opens doors.”
It’s a powerful reminder that leveraging your network is a sign of strength, not weakness. A mindset shift that can accelerate both personal and professional growth.
Final Thoughts
The episode offers a masterclass in leadership, recruitment strategy, and cultural excellence. Whether you're a job seeker, hiring manager, or budding recruiter, the insights from Andrew Fitzmaurice provide a blueprint for long-term success in a people-first business.
