In this episode of Recruiting Alchemy, Andy Simpson sits down with Dan Taylor, a veteran recruitment leader and current Director at Morgan Hunt. Dan shares his fascinating journey from the coal-delivery towns of Lancashire to leading high-performing teams across the UK public sector.

They dive deep into what it takes to succeed in recruitment, the challenges of leading through downturns, how AI and technology are reshaping the recruitment landscape, and why the public sector requires a different approach than the private sector.

From reflections on being the outsider as a kid, to building billion-pound partnerships in the public sector. This episode is packed with valuable insights for recruiters, leaders, and anyone navigating career growth in uncertain times.

🎙 Key Topics:

🔹 Why high-performing teams start with values
 🔹 The shift from large corporates to boutique agility
 🔹 Public sector recruitment vs. private sector
 🔹 Managing redundancies, growth, and resilience
 🔹 Leveraging AI, offshoring, and automation in recruitment

Show Notes & Timestamps

[00:00] – Introduction & Early Life

• Dan’s roots in Lancashire and early transitions
• How culture shock and cricket shaped his communication skills

[07:00] – From Bands to Banks: The Path to Recruitment

• Starting out at TSB and finding his path
• How a chance opportunity led to a career at Montrose and Hayes

[14:00] – Big Wins, Burnout & Becoming a Leader

• The high-pressure world of high-volume temp placements
• Growing into leadership and building successful teams

[18:00] – Fixing Broken Businesses

• The traits of underperforming teams
• Why mindset and culture are everything in turnarounds

[23:00] – The Hayes Exit & the Rise of Boutique Agencies

• Leaving corporate rigidity for boutique flexibility
• Joining Morgan Hunt and rediscovering purpose

[27:00] – Public Sector Strategy & Growth

• Navigating frameworks, funding cycles, and politics
• Finding success in niches and adapting with agility

[34:00] – AI, Automation & the Consultant's Future

• What technology is (and isn’t) changing in recruitment
• Offshoring, CRM shifts, and freeing up consultants to do better work

[42:00] – The Vision for Morgan Hunt

• Why staying focused beats global expansion
• Commitment to service, delivery, and making a difference

[45:00] – Final Thoughts & Looking Ahead

• Green shoots, cautious optimism, and the future of public sector hiring
• Why recruiters still matter more than ever