​Reaching 14 years at MorePeople feels like a bit of a milestone - and definitely not something I expected when I first started!

How It All Began

My journey with MorePeople actually started as a candidate. They had previously placed me in roles, and after being made redundant, I was back in touch and looking for my next opportunity. At the time, Andrew suggested I consider recruitment. Honestly, it wasn’t something I’d ever thought about doing - but I decided to give it a go. Fast forward 14 years, and here I am!

Did I Think I’d Still Be Here?

Probably not, if I’m honest. At the beginning, I thought it would be a great place to be while I figured out my next move - especially as I’d have visibility of all the roles coming in. But as time went on, I realised I was in exactly the right place.

How My Role Has Evolved

I started out on the procurement desk before moving across to technical recruitment as a consultant. Since then, my role has grown alongside the business, and I’m now an Associate Director covering Technical, Quality, and NPD roles. It’s been a really rewarding journey, and I’ve been lucky to work with some fantastic clients and candidates along the way.

What’s Changed Over the Years?

One of the biggest shifts I’ve seen is in candidate expectations. Flexibility is a huge factor now. Candidates are much more focused on work-life balance, company culture, and progression - not just salary. It’s changed the way businesses need to position themselves when attracting talent.

Changing Client Expectations

It’s not just candidates that have evolved - clients have too. There’s now a much stronger focus on cultural fit, adaptability, and commercial awareness, alongside technical ability. Clients are looking for well-rounded individuals who can influence the wider business and build strong relationships with retailers and customers.

In-Demand Roles and Skills

There has always been demand for strong Technical Managers, but in recent years I’ve seen a growing need for specialists—particularly in areas like compliance, sustainability, and retailer-facing technical roles.

Core skills like HACCP and food safety are still essential, but there’s increasing importance placed on:

• Sustainability

• Data awareness

• Managing audits across multiple standards, such as BRC and retailer schemes

My Advice for Clients and Candidates

For companies struggling to attract technical talent, my advice is simple: be clear on your proposition. Candidates have options, so it’s important to sell the opportunity - not just the role, but the culture, development opportunities, and long-term career path. For candidates, it’s all about being specific. Don’t just list your responsibilities - highlight your achievements. Show how you’ve added value, improved processes, or driven standards forward.

Considering a Career in Recruitment?

If you’re thinking about getting into recruitment, be prepared to be resilient and proactive. It’s a people-focused role where the effort you put in really does impact your success. It can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

14 Years Later…

Looking back, what started as something I hadn’t even considered has turned into a career I’ve been part of for over a decade. It’s been a journey of growth, change, and opportunity - and I’m excited to see what comes next.