EP309: Patrick Flanagan, Founder of Clarence George - Why choosing the right recruitment niche is key to your success

This week Patrick Flanagan the Founder of Clarence George joins the podcast, to unpack nearly two decades in recruitment and the long-term strategy behind building a high-performing specialist agency.Patrick’s journey started with a business degree and graduate scheme before he fell into recruitment - initially working in Accounting & Finance, then pivoting into the actuarial market back in 2010. He shares what it was really like navigating the credit crunch, a period that rocked the recruitment industry and reshaped how he thought about resilience, risk, and specialism.Founded in 2019, Clarence George was always built with a clear end goal: to create a super-niche, high-end recruitment business focused on fully qualified professionals who remain in demand regardless of market cycles.Six years on, Patrick reflects on:Scaling a small-to-medium specialist agency from startup to £1m annual turnoverExpanding into overseas markets while remaining London-basedOperating a hybrid working model with flexibility at its coreWhy top-end contingency recruitment still works when done properlyThe conversation also dives into:Why choosing the right niche is critical for long-term successHow to research and pivot strategically without losing momentumWays to future-proof your recruitment career or businessWhy face-to-face relationship building is still the OG move in a digital-first worldConnect with Patrick here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pbflanagan/-----------The Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast is proudly sponsored by Paiger and partners to Needi, Keybridge IT, Bristol & Hardy and Diversity and Inclusion .Our Sponsor:Paiger - Making Recruiters Smarter and Faster. Paiger helps recruiters build personal brands, identify new business opportunities, attract candidates, and have better conversations.Find out more details on Paiger here - https:// paiger.co/?utm_source=podcast..Our Partners:Needi is a concierge gift-matching service using psychology and AI, to pinpoint the perfect gifts and experiences for your recipient, from the best, local independent businesses. Their team of expert gift finders, save companies time and money, with their complimentary corporate gifting service . Find out more here -https:// needi.co.uk/Diversity in Recruitment helps recruitment businesses understand diversity, equity, and inclusion in a way that makes sense. Our training and advisory work is designed anidence to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.Keybridge IT Solutions is a London-based Fully Managed IT Support and solutions Provider - Providing 24×7 Support to all Customers. Specialities include Microsoft Cloud, including Office 365, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Security, Internet Connectivity, VoIP, and much...

Allicia Birch is the founder of 4tify, a specialist recruitment agency serving the new-build residential construction market across the UK and US.Allicia shares her journey of launching an agency in a challenging market, offering pragmatic, no-nonsense advice for anyone who’s thinking about starting a business, or trying to gain traction when conditions aren’t easy.We dive into:How Allicia has intentionally protected her mindset as a founderThe role of leadership, resilience, and self-awareness in building something sustainableWhy friendship and strong relationships sit at the heart of her successThis episode is packed with honest insights for founders, recruiters, and leaders navigating uncertainty—especially those building businesses from the ground up.🔗 Connect with Allicia:https://www.linkedin.com/in/allicia-birch/-----------The Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast is proudly sponsored by Paiger and partners to Needi, Keybridge IT, Bristol & Hardy and Diversity and Inclusion .Our Sponsor:Paiger - Making Recruiters Smarter and Faster. Paiger helps recruiters build personal brands, identify new business opportunities, attract candidates, and have better conversations.Find out more details on Paiger here - https:// paiger.co/?utm_source=podcast..Our Partners:Needi is a concierge gift-matching service using psychology and AI, to pinpoint the perfect gifts and experiences for your recipient, from the best, local independent businesses. Their team of expert gift finders, save companies time and money, with their complimentary corporate gifting service . Find out more here -https:// needi.co.uk/Diversity in Recruitment helps recruitment businesses understand diversity, equity, and inclusion in a way that makes sense. Our training and advisory work is designed anidence to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.Keybridge IT Solutions is a London-based Fully Managed IT Support and solutions Provider - Providing 24×7 Support to all Customers. Specialities include Microsoft Cloud, including Office 365, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Security, Internet Connectivity, VoIP, and much more didence to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.Bristow & Hardy partners with SME recruitment agencies to accelerate growth through sales enablement and recruitment marketing. With over 7 years’ experience, we specialise exclusively in the recruitment sector, delivering strategy, branding, websites, marketing campaigns, and sales support. Our proven growth suite of products helps agencies attract more clients, win more business, and scale efficiently. Find out more here – https:// bristowandhardy.co.uk

This week, we’re joined by Louise Davey, founder and owner of White Label Recruitment—engineering and manufacturing recruitment specialists since day dot. From the very beginning, Lou has stayed true to her niche while intelligently pivoting across markets when needed, building a business that’s both focused and resilient.Based in Manchester (with seriously impressive offices), Lou leads a team of 20 of whom have been with the business between four and thirteen years. Her approach to people, culture, and leadership clearly works.In this episode, Lou shares:• Her strategy for creating a strong, values-led culture• How she looks after her people and why low attrition isn’t accidental• What it really takes to retain a team long-term in a high-pressure industry• Why focus matters when building a specialist recruitment businessThis is an inspiring, practical conversation with a business owner who has built something sustainable by putting people, clarity, and culture at the heart of everything she does. A must-listen for recruitment founders and leaders who want to grow without burning out their teams, or themselves.Connect with Louise here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-davey-0573647/

This week, we’re joined by Marie Pegram - Managing Partner at TC Group - one of the UK’s top 20 accountancy firms and a specialist advisor to the recruitment sector. Leading offices across Letchworth, Huntingdon, and Cambridge, Marie brings a rare combination of deep financial expertise and real, hands-on understanding of how recruitment businesses actually operate.In this episode, Marie breaks down what the past year has really looked like behind the numbers, what TC East does differently for recruitment businesses, and why “real-life finance” matters more than ever in a challenging market.We cover:• The current state of the recruitment market- what the numbers are telling us versus the headlines• Predictions for 2026 and what financially resilient recruitment businesses will be doing differently• Benchmarking days and practical financial insight - why context matters more than spreadsheets• What recruiters and business leaders can do right now to strengthen performance, margins, and decision-makingIf you’re a recruitment founder or leader who wants clarity, control, and confidence in your finances - and insight you can actually act on—this episode is essential listening.Connect with Marie here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariepegram/-----------The Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast is proudly sponsored by Paiger and partners to Needi, Keybridge IT, Bristol & Hardy and Diversity and Inclusion .Our Sponsor:Paiger - Making Recruiters Smarter and Faster. Paiger helps recruiters build personal brands, identify new business opportunities, attract candidates, and have better conversations.Find out more details on Paiger here - https:// paiger.co/?utm_source=podcast..Our Partners:Needi is a concierge gift-matching service using psychology and AI, to pinpoint the perfect gifts and experiences for your recipient, from the best, local independent businesses. Their team of expert gift finders, save companies time and money, with their complimentary corporate gifting service . Find out more here -https:// needi.co.uk/Diversity in Recruitment helps recruitment businesses understand diversity, equity, and inclusion in a way that makes sense. Our training and advisory work is designed anidence to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.Keybridge IT Solutions is a London-based Fully Managed IT Support and solutions Provider - Providing 24×7 Support to all Customers. Specialities include Microsoft Cloud, including Office 365, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Security, Internet Connectivity, VoIP, and much more didence to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.Bristow & Hardy partners with SME recruitment agencies to accelerate growth through sales enablement and recruitment marketing. With over 7 years’ experience, we specialise exclusively in the recruitment sector, delivering strategy, branding, websites, marketing campaigns, and sales support. Our proven growth suite of products helps agencies attract more clients, win more business, and scale efficiently. Find out more here – https:// bristowandhardy.co.uk

This Week’s Episode: How I Achieved an Ultra-Processed and Refined Sugar-Free LifeKicking off the new year with personal solo episode from the host herself. Lysha shares her journey to becoming ultra-processed food (UPF) and refined sugar free. This isn’t about perfection, fads, or quick fixes - it’s an honest reflection on what prompted the change, how the transition really felt, and what it’s taught her along the way.In this episode, Lysha opens up about her personal journey, the mindset shifts required to change long-standing habits, and the realities of adopting a lifestyle that goes against much of modern food culture. She talks through what she eats, how she navigates everyday choices, and the lessons learned from removing UPFs and refined sugar from her diet.Whether you’re curious about making small changes, considering a full reset, or simply want to hear a real, unfiltered experience, this episode offers practical insight, encouragement, and perspective for starting the year with intention.Are you on the same journey?

Welcome, all the way from New York City, Adam Posner, Founder of NHP Talent Group and host of #thePOZcast. Adam shares his journey from a 15-year career in marketing to becoming a boutique staffing firm owner and seasoned recruiter. He discusses the power of leveraging industry expertise, integrating AI tools like Newt for workflow automation and the evolving role of recruiters in the age of technology.Lysha and Adam explore how emotional agility, active listening and evaluating problem solving skills are key in both recruitment and personal development. They also touch on the concept of “lifequakes,” sharing personal stories of resilience and transformation. Rounding out the episode, Adam offers insights into his podcasting success, stressing preparation, consistency, and authentic connection. This conversation is a rich blend of industry expertise, human insight and forward looking advice for recruitment professionals.Connect with Adam here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjposner/www.thePOZcast.com-----------The Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast is proudly sponsored by Paiger and partners to Needi, Keybridge IT, Bristol & Hardy and Diversity and Inclusion .Our Sponsor: Paiger -  Making Recruiters Smarter and Faster. Paiger helps recruiters build personal brands, identify new business opportunities, attract candidates, and have better conversations.Find out more details on Paiger here - https:// paiger.co/?utm_source=podcast...Our Partners: Needi is a concierge gift-matching service using psychology and AI, to pinpoint the perfect gifts and experiences for your recipient, from the best, local independent businesses. Their team of expert gift finders, save companies time and money, with their complimentary corporate gifting service . Find out more here -https:// needi.co.uk/Diversity in Recruitment helps recruitment businesses understand diversity, equity, and inclusion in a way that makes sense. Our training and advisory work is designed anidence to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.Keybridge IT Solutions is a London-based Fully Managed IT Support and solutions Provider -  Providing 24×7 Support to all Customers. Specialities include Microsoft Cloud, including Office 365, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Security, Internet Connectivity, VoIP, and much more didence to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality...

To entertain you all over the Christmas break, we thought we should bring back some popular episodes, from Season 5...Greg Savage is making his THIRD entrance back on the show- his first was back in 2020 which put our podcast on the global map; and he is BACK, bringing his knowledge of the recruitment industry to every single recruiter listening.Board adviser, Speaker around the world, even an Author - with an audience of 350k followers on LinkedIn; Greg delves into the topic of creating and keeping target audiences on LinkedIn as a recruiter - whether that being as a leader or all the way to being a starter/newbie recruiter. Advising to steer away from the "likes" obsession and "viral" achieving posts if that doesn't get you the engagement from your wanted audience. It is all about ROI! Lysha asks Greg in this episode: what does a top biller look like to YOU in 2025? The question is - What do you think Greg's views are?...The understanding of AI in Recruitment can be misunderstood; "it will replace recruiters", "AI can do it all". Greg proves in this episode the good can't be replaced, if you adapt, make the changes & don't hide behind the digital. AI can do it "all" but finding what humans can do better is the key.Greg is visiting the UK soon and hosting a few REC master classes in Edinburgh, Manchester and London. Mastering How we balance AI & Recruitment with human influencing skills. If you are interested to attend the event, link to Book is here - https://bit.ly/42gI6Qw  and remember to mention the Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast if you do:)To conclude, this episode is full of everything you need to know and has much to learn from. Delving into hiring strategies, how to build plans for success and in Greg's book with what works and the mistakes of starting a new business. There is absolutely no-one like Greg in the industry, and he is a total legend, Enjoy... Connect with Greg here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregpsavage/-----------The Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast is proudly sponsored by Paiger and partners to Needi, Keybridge IT, Bristol & Hardy and Diversity and Inclusion .Our Sponsor: Paiger -  Making Recruiters Smarter and Faster. Paiger helps recruiters build personal brands, identify new business opportunities, attract candidates, and have better conversations.Find out more details on Paiger here - https:// paiger.co/?utm_source=podcast...Our Partners: Needi is a concierge gift-matching service using psychology and AI, to pinpoint the perfect gifts and experiences for your recipient, from the best, local independent businesses. Their team of expert gift finders, save companies time and money, with their complimentary corporate gifting service . Find out more here -https://...

This week, we’re joined by fellow Northerner Paul Sharpe of NorthStar People— Business Coach, Business Mentor, RPO Consultant, NED. Trusteeand one of the most respected voices in recruitment and leadership. Paul’s journey into recruitment wasn’t planned; after starting out in retail back in 2002, he found his way into an industry he’s since helped shape from the inside out.In this conversation, Paul brings clarity, perspective, and straight-talk to a sector navigating constant change. Drawing on decades of experience advising businesses at board level, he shares what leaders should really be focusing on right now to protect their future.We cover:• Who we should be spotting for the future talent pool- and what potential really looks like today• The current recruitment landscape and which companies are setting themselves up to win long-term• Paul’s honest take on RecTech - what adds value and what’s just noise• How to build and maintain a positive mindset in high-pressure environments• Why training still isn’t being prioritised - and the cost of getting it wrongThis episode is a must-listen for recruitment leaders, founders, and managers who want to think beyond short-term wins and build resilient, people-first businesses that lastConnect with Paul here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-sharpe-business-advisor/----------The Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast is proudly sponsored by Paiger and partners to Needi, Keybridge IT, Bristol & Hardy and Diversity and Inclusion .Our Sponsor: Paiger - Making Recruiters Smarter and Faster. Paiger helps recruiters build personal brands, identify new business opportunities, attract candidates, and have better conversations.Find out more details on Paiger here - https:// paiger.co/?utm_source=podcast...Our Partners: Needi is a concierge gift-matching service using psychology and AI, to pinpoint the perfect gifts and experiences for your recipient, from the best, local independent businesses. Their team of expert gift finders, save companies time and money, with their complimentary corporate gifting service . Find out more here -https:// needi.co.uk/Diversity in Recruitment helps recruitment businesses understand diversity, equity, and inclusion in a way that makes sense. Our training and advisory work is designed anidence to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.Keybridge IT Solutions is a London-based Fully Managed IT Support and solutions Provider - Providing 24×7 Support to all Customers. Specialities include Microsoft Cloud, including Office 365, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Security, Internet Connectivity, VoIP, and much more didence to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.Bristow & Hardy partners with SME recruitment agencies to accelerate growth through sales enablement and recruitment marketing. With over 7 years’ experience, we specialise exclusively in the recruitment sector, delivering strategy, branding, websites, marketing campaigns, and sales support. Our proven growth suite of products helps agencies attract more clients, win more business, and scale efficiently. Find out more here – https:// bristowandhardy.co.uk

This Week’s Episode: Predictions for 2026 from an Exited Female Founder with Wendy McDougallThis week's episode is with the incredible Wendy McDougall, founder, trailblazer, and the powerhouse behind Firefish, one of the most respected CRMs in the recruitment industry. Wendy has built, scaled, and successfully exited a business in a space where few female founders have paved the way, and in this episode, she opens up about the realities behind that journey.We dive into Wendy’s story, how she built Firefish by putting data at the heart of the recruitment process, and why a CRM isn’t just software, but the engine that drives a modern recruitment business.Key topics we explore:• Buying behaviours in RecTech• The true value of data - and why most agencies still aren’t leveraging even half of what they have• What the cost of candidate acquisition really is - and what recruiters overlook when calculating ROI• Predictions for a successful 2026Connect with Wendy here https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendymcdougall/----------The Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast is proudly sponsored by Paiger and partners to Needi, Keybridge IT, Bristol & Hardy and Diversity and Inclusion .Our Sponsor: Paiger - Making Recruiters Smarter and Faster. Paiger helps recruiters build personal brands, identify new business opportunities, attract candidates, and have better conversations.Find out more details on Paiger here - https:// paiger.co/?utm_source=podcast...Our Partners: Needi is a concierge gift-matching service using psychology and AI, to pinpoint the perfect gifts and experiences for your recipient, from the best, local independent businesses. Their team of expert gift finders, save companies time and money, with their complimentary corporate gifting service . Find out more here -https:// needi.co.uk/Diversity in Recruitment helps recruitment businesses understand diversity, equity, and inclusion in a way that makes sense. Our training and advisory work is designed anidence to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.Keybridge IT Solutions is a London-based Fully Managed IT Support and solutions Provider - Providing 24×7 Support to all Customers. Specialities include Microsoft Cloud, including Office 365, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Security, Internet Connectivity, VoIP, and much more didence to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.Bristow & Hardy partners with SME recruitment agencies to accelerate growth through sales enablement and recruitment marketing. With over 7 years’ experience, we specialise exclusively in the recruitment sector, delivering strategy, branding, websites, marketing campaigns, and sales support. Our proven growth suite of products helps agencies attract more clients, win more business, and scale efficiently. Find out more here – https:// bristowandhardy.co.uk

Revealing How to Win on LinkedIn AND Beat the Algorithm with Jem BevanThis week, the brilliant Jem Bevan joins the podcast for the second time! Jem is the founder of SocialJems and the go-to expert for all things LinkedIn - joins us to break down what’s really happening on the platform right now. She's lifting the lid on the strategies that still work, the ones that don’t, and how to stay ahead of LinkedIn’s constant changes.This week's episode covers: • The truth about LinkedIn’s current algorithm - what’s changed, what’s tanking reach, and how to rise above the noise• Personal branding• Upcoming LinkedIn verification changes—what’s coming, what it means, and how creators and businesses should prepareIf you want to show up smarter, get seen by the right people, and finally understand how to play the LinkedIn game properly, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. connect with Jem here https://www.linkedin.com/in/jem-bevansocialjems/----------The Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast is proudly sponsored by Paiger and partners to Needi, Keybridge IT, Bristol & Hardy and Diversity and Inclusion .Our Sponsor: Paiger - Making Recruiters Smarter and Faster. Paiger helps recruiters build personal brands, identify new business opportunities, attract candidates, and have better conversations.Find out more details on Paiger here - https:// paiger.co/?utm_source=podcast...Our Partners: Needi is a concierge gift-matching service using psychology and AI, to pinpoint the perfect gifts and experiences for your recipient, from the best, local independent businesses. Their team of expert gift finders, save companies time and money, with their complimentary corporate gifting service . Find out more here -https:// needi.co.uk/Diversity in Recruitment helps recruitment businesses understand diversity, equity, and inclusion in a way that makes sense. Our training and advisory work is designed anidence to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.Keybridge IT Solutions is a London-based Fully Managed IT Support and solutions Provider - Providing 24×7 Support to all Customers. Specialities include Microsoft Cloud, including Office 365, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Security, Internet Connectivity, VoIP, and much more didence to attract diverse talent, recruit inclusively, improve your candidate journey and confidently partner with their clients. DE&I doesn’t have to be complicated and scary - it’s simply about fair, ethical and high-quality recruitment.Bristow & Hardy partners with SME recruitment agencies to accelerate growth through sales enablement and recruitment marketing. With over 7 years’ experience, we specialise exclusively in the recruitment sector, delivering strategy, branding, websites, marketing campaigns, and sales support. Our proven growth suite of products helps agencies attract more clients, win more business, and scale efficiently. Find out more here – https:// bristowandhardy.co.uk