The Growth Bites Podcast

 Big legislative changes are coming, and they’re set to shake up the recruitment world. Paul Chamberlain, Partner and Head of Employment at JMW Solicitors LLP, joins us to unpack the Employment Rights Bill and what it means for recruitment businesses. From day-one unfair dismissal rights to zero-hours contracts, Paul explains the key changes and offers practical advice on how to prepare without hitting the panic button.

Tune in for a detailed analysis of how these changes could impact your business and how to stay one step ahead. This is essential listening for recruitment leaders looking to tackle what’s next with confidence.

Big legislative changes are coming, and they’re set to shake up the recruitment world. Paul Chamberlain, Partner and Head of Employment at JMW Solicitors LLP, joins us to unpack the Employment Rights Bill and what it means for recruitment businesses. From day-one unfair dismissal rights to zero-hours contracts, Paul explains the key changes and offers practical advice on how to prepare without hitting the panic button.

Tune in for a detailed analysis of how these changes could impact your business and how to stay one step ahead. This is essential listening for recruitment leaders looking to tackle what’s next with confidence.

This week on Growth Bites, Jo sits down with Duncan Swainsbury, Managing Director of Bounceback Food, to discuss the incredible mission and evolution of this not-for-profit tackling food poverty. From their innovative buy-one-give-one model to opening community kitchens and teaching cooking skills, Duncan shares how Bounceback is creating long-term solutions for those in need.

Duncan also dives into the challenges of running a sustainable food organisation, the vital role partnerships play in their success, and their ambitious plans to scale nationally.

Ever feel like you’re scrolling through hundreds of metres of content daily? Adam Oldfield, CEO and founder of Force24, shares how brands can stand out in a crowded digital landscape. In this episode, Adam reveals the secrets to making automation work smarter (not harder) for recruitment companies. He dives into how to nurture contacts, personalise your marketing, and build a brand presence that doesn’t just compete – it resonates.

Tune in to hear why Adam believes automation isn’t just a tool but a way to empower marketers to work strategically, leverage data, and connect on a personal level.

In this episode of Growth Bites, Jo chats with Dougie Loan, CRO at SourceWhale, about how technology can empower recruiters to work smarter, not harder. Dougie shares the core features that set SourceWhale apart, from data accuracy and CRM integration to Campaign AI, a game-changer for outreach personalisation. 

Dougie brings years of experience in recruitment tech to the conversation, sharing insider tips on why SourceWhale’s approach to automation is changing the game. From Campaign AI to CRM integrations, he shares the tools that actually help recruiters to work smarter and not harder.

Is your recruitment tech actually working for you? After this episode, you’ll know exactly how to find out! 

In this episode of Growth Bites, Jo sits down with Simon Brown, Founder of Digital 51, a recruitment agency that breaks the traditional mould. Simon shares his unique journey in recruitment - how he went from working in-house to building Digital 51 with a focus on community and genuine partnerships.

Tune in to hear about the challenges Simon faced, including his experience with a failed MBO, and how he eventually grew and regained control of his brand. Simon also gives his thoughts on doom-mongering in the recruitment industry, why being niche is powerful, and how businesses can leverage technology and resilience to thrive in today’s market. 

If you want real-world advice on building a people-first recruitment business and surviving turbulent times, this is a must-listen.

Entering a new market? It’s not just about finding clients, it’s about finding the right clients, understanding the market, and avoiding costly mistakes.

In this episode, Jo sits down with Karen De-Merist, who shares her approach to building a solid client acquisition strategy, researching new territories, and validating demand before taking the plunge. From leveraging niche expertise and industry knowledge to using data to validate market fit, Karen explains why it’s crucial to have both internal expertise and external insights to make informed decisions.

Jo and Karen also discuss what data you need to research a new market properly, the legal traps to avoid, and how to use your CRM to build relationships that really stick.

If you’re a recruitment leader looking to expand regionally or globally, don’t miss this one - Karen’s practical advice could save you time, money, and a lot of headaches!

AI Won’t replace you, but it can make you better - if you use it right.

In this episode, Jo sits down with Bradley Placks, a recruitment veteran with 30 years in the game. Bradley talks about the real difference between AI and automation, and why recruitment leaders need to stop chasing every shiny new tool. He also shares why the tech stack graveyard is filled with under-used investments, and how to avoid falling into the same trap.

Tune in for no-nonsense advice on scaling your business, hiring smart, and why building relationships still trumps tech when it comes to recruitment success. There’s plenty of chat about how fractional work is changing the game too.

Want to know Bradley’s golden rule for running a business? Listen until the end - you won’t be disappointed.

In this fresh episode of Growth Bites, join Janan Gok from Xcede Group as she unpacks her early days as a marketing exec right through to spearheading the department. Jan discusses the impact of mentorship and professional development on her career, the challenges of expanding a recruitment business globally, the influence of AI and technology on recruitment practices, and more!

In the latest episode of the Growth Bites podcast, Jo sits down with William Jacques, the mastermind behind Xcede's impressive growth. They explore the key elements of navigating a company merger, the challenge of aligning diverse cultures, and the bold strategies that took Xcede to new heights. William doesn't hold back, sharing golden nuggets on adapting leadership styles, the art of attracting and retaining top talent, and giving a pep talk for aspiring entrepreneurs that comes straight from his extensive experience in the industry.