Mark Kitchen

Are you drowning in applications but struggling to find candidates with the right specialised skills for your roles? In today’s challenging recruitment landscape, 87% of companies report experiencing skills gaps in key areas, while professional services sectors identify sourcing and retaining talent as their top challenge. The competition for qualified talent has never been fiercer. My team delivers: • Targeted candidate sourcing that cuts through the noise of unqualified applications • Proven placement success with a track record of filling hard-to-fill positions One client recently shared: “Their understanding of our sector helped us fill three senior positions that had been vacant for months, completely transforming our delivery capabilities and team productivity.” Ready to overcome the widening skills gap affecting your business? Contact me here or on rachel@constantrecruitment.co.uk to discuss how we can solve your talent challenges.

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In London's competitive interim HR market, C-suite leaders are increasingly turning to specialised contractors for high-stakes projects like HR system implementations (e.g., Workday or SuccessFactors rollouts) and optimisations, delivering faster ROI than permanent hires. Yet, BAU senior HR cover remains a blind spot: maternity leaves, sudden exits, or regulatory shifts, it leave gaps that erode productivity. Why interim experts excel here: - Project speed: Seasoned interims hit the ground running, bypassing the typical 3-6 month ramp-up for perms. - Risk mitigation: Day rate contracts align with volatile markets, no long-term commitments during economic uncertainty. - Specialised edge: From TUPE transfers to DEI audits, they bring battle-tested playbooks tailored to London's FTSE 250 and scale-ups. I've seen a huge uptick in senior interims placements in the past year for clients in the FS, PE/VC space, from fintech scale-ups to portfolio companies navigating rapid growth and acquisitions. C-suite question: Facing a HR project or leadership void? What's your biggest interim challenge right now? DM me, let's connect you with proven talent ASAP. #InterimHR #LondonHR #HROptimisation #SystemImplementation #HRLeadership

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There are several options available to employers when it comes to offering contracts to new employers. Some of these include periods of increased monitoring to ensure that the successful candidate or candidates are up to the task. In deciding which option is most suitable for you and your needs, here are some key points to keep in mind! #OurBobsJobs #OurBobsBlogs

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Our client is a retained executive search firm partnering with global Energy and Industrial leaders to appoint C-Suite / C-1 Execs. Due to continued growth, they are expanding across both practice areas in London and Miami.

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An interesting read on the journey to becoming a Non-Executive Director (NED) and what to do and consider to facilitate the move into an NED role

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'Is Executive Coaching Becoming a Dealbreaker for Investors?' Day 3 of the London Life Sciences Week kicked off with a brilliant roundtable event this morning hosted by Stuart Rose, OBN (UK) Ltd and team BDO. Thank you Angela Hobbs, Peter Dines and Melissa Bruno for leading the discussion. Founding teams already benefit from informal coaching through advisors and the support from the Board- especially the Chair. Formalised executive coaching can take the learning to a next level, where embraced. That said, too many advisors or accepting all the advice in the room can create the opposite effect for budding Founders growing into their executive positions. Finally, that lessons can be derived from piloting the Starship Enterprise, or the benefitting from the Yoda effect depending on which sci-fi universe you prefer!

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On a quarterly basis Angela Lopes and I share our insights on the business support recruitment market covering the topics and trends we are asked about by clients and candidates a daily basis. If you would like a deeper dive or any additional information, feel free to get in touch.

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The way organisations approach transformation is changing, and Ben Cowan and Dave Phillips share exactly why in this feature available in today’s Raconteur distributed inside The Times. We’re seeing shorter transformation cycles, sharper delivery, and a growing demand for trusted partners via interim-led consulting. I’m proud that the Eton Bridge Partners Ltd own transformation specialists are at the forefront of this shift, working side-by-side with our clients to deliver complex programmes at pace. It’s a fantastic read and a sign of where transformation is heading next. https://lnkd.in/eiiZpGKa

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Are you making the most of the interim talent market? Interim leaders deliver immediate impact—but the process to secure them is very different from permanent hires. Here, we break down how the interim talent pool operates, why speed and agility are essential, and what both clients and candidates can expect from a successful interim search. Discover how to secure top interim talent and ensure a smooth, impactful transition.

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Insightful episode on navigating global expansion through trusted EOR partnerships, and a great conversation led by my colleague Tony Davies. His practical perspective on global hiring and compliance makes this a must-listen for HR leaders building cross-border teams. #GlobalExpansion #EOR #HRInsights #GlobalHiring #Compliance #Leadership

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Catch up with the latest episode of The Search Podcast today 🔊🔊 In this edition, I'm joined by Buddy Arthur, USA Director at Conrad Consulting, as we discussed why he chose to pursue recruitment in the States, UK firms expanding to the US, regional business development strategies and much more 🔊 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞👇 Spotify - https://lnkd.in/ehx9EHQ6 YouTube - https://lnkd.in/e24zEBwX Apple - https://lnkd.in/egqnAizZ Amazon - https://lnkd.in/e5iuABbp - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - THE SEARCH PODCAST is proudly sponsored by Ascen. Ascen's all-in-one platform is fully white-labelled and handles onboarding, payroll, invoicing, insurance, benefits, and optional embedded payroll funding.

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Michael Stull, Managing Director, joined Sally Bundock on the BBC Business Today show to discuss the latest ONS Labour Market Report. From rising unemployment and steady wage growth to cautious hiring and the ongoing productivity challenge, Michael explored how these trends are shaping workforce strategies and what both employers and jobseekers should be thinking about as we head into 2026. 🎧 Listen to the full discussion beginning at 16:35: https://bbc.in/4qaas7B #BBCBusinessToday #ONS

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What does an effective NHS Bank partnership look like - especially under winter pressures? Our latest Insight Paper explores how NHS Trusts evolve from transactional outsourcing models to strategic workforce partnerships. With real case studies, it outlines a 4-stage maturity model and offers a 10-point playbook for success. The top 5 takeaways: 1. Partnership goals must align with NHS workforce targets. 2. Agility and sustainability are key to future-proofing flexible staffing. 3. Data-driven decisions improve workforce planning and cost control. 4. Mature Banks treat flexible staff as extensions of the substantive workforce. 5. Strategic collaboration unlocks regional efficiencies and savings. Why it matters now: As winter pressures approach, strong workforce partnerships are essential to making the NHS more responsive and resilient. Mature NHS Banks enable Trusts to flex staffing quickly, reduce reliance on external agencies and maintain safe staffing levels. Learn more about how strategic workforce partnerships are transforming NHS workforce delivery: https://bit.ly/462U16f

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Last week I had the pleasure of hosting and facilitating a panel at the APSCo Trusted Partner Forum in London, and what really struck me was just how aligned the challenges and opportunities are on both sides of the table right now. Recruitment businesses are operating in an increasingly complex, cost-pressured and uncertain market. That reality is fundamentally reshaping what they expect from their suppliers. A few clear themes came through loud and clear for anyone supplying into the APSCo membership: 🎯 The shift towards solution-based, outcome-focused services is no longer optional. Buyers want tangible value and a clear ROI, not just capability statements. 🎯 Growth looks very different across businesses. Some are expanding internationally, others are diversifying services, and many are doubling down on a strong niche. One size definitely does not fit all. 🎯 Legislation, regulation and AI are creating real pressure points. Knowing when and how to lean on trusted partners is becoming a critical part of risk management. 🎯 Propositions need to be simpler, clearer and more accessible and suppliers must consistently deliver what they promise. 🎯 Above all, understanding customer goals in this “new normal”, communicating clearly, and offering practical, outcome-driven support is what builds long-term trust. As the APSCo Rep Committee member representing Trusted Partners, this is exactly where the opportunity sits for suppliers. Those who truly understand the commercial pressures their recruitment clients are under and can align their services to real outcomes will stand out. A huge thank you to our brilliant panel for such an open and honest discussion: • Barry Pactor, CEO, Inspiring Teaching • Nick Bradley, Co-Founder and Director, Adepto Technical Recruitment Limited • Stephen Shorter, Group CEO, Cobalt Recruitment. And thank you to Trowers & Hamlins for hosting us so well along with the APSCo team for organising. Philip Cohen Moya Rylands Joanna R. Nicola Fisher Sarah Wincott

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In 2025, talent pipelines aren’t just about filling vacancies—they’re about driving sustained growth for both Healthcare comapnies and Law firms. At Amplify Hire Tech, we specialise in these areas, using our AI-driven systems and human expertise to build lasting pipelines for exceptional candidates and high-intent sales leads, tailored to the unique challenges of each sector. In Healthcare, we understand the strain of nurse shortages—up 15% this year, per NHS data—having tackled it at Forefront Care Solutions Ltd since 2018. Our AI scours data to source clinicians with the precise skills needed, while our UK-based team ensures they fit the culture of hospitals and mental health facilities. In Law, firms face the challenge of finding solicitors and barristers who combine niche expertise with client rapport; our technology identifies these rare talents, sparing practices the slog of endless CV reviews. Whether it’s placing a nurse, a legal expert, or booking high-value sales meetings, our approach delivers results at 70% less cost than traditional agencies. We don’t offer quick fixes; we build systems that keep you ahead for the long haul. What’s one strategy you’re using to future-proof your talent pipeline in your sector? 💡

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Boyden has partnered with Altis in the recruitment of two, key leadership roles: Chief Information Officer >> https://lnkd.in/euji9FBs Vice President, Sales >> https://lnkd.in/e4ARzDqV #Altis is a leading Canadian firm specializing in staffing, technology, and professional services. With a strong commitment to connecting top talent with purpose-driven organizations across the country, they continue to shape the future of work in Canada. Andie Andreou ICD.D Kathryn Tremblay (She/Her)Kristina Irvine (She/Her) Vicki Mann Erin Campbell, CHRL Claire Leroux

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Application volumes are rising fast 📈 and with AI now part of how many candidates apply, recruiting teams are under more pressure than ever to identify real potential fairly and efficiently. That’s why it’s fantastic to see the BBC spotlight the work Mishcon de Reya has been doing with Bright Apply - link in the comments. Progress in this space is built on collaboration. We’re proud to work closely with forward-thinking partners like Mishcon de Reya who are committed to continually improving how they identify and engage future talent. Together, we’re helping ensure technology is applied in a way that strengthens candidate experience while supporting more consistent, insight-led hiring decisions. Tom Wicksteed Ffion Hopkins Olivia Sanchez Tom Brightwell As application numbers continue to grow, the opportunity is clear: used thoughtfully, technology can help employers spend less time filtering and more time identifying future talent ✨ If you’re exploring how to manage volume while maintaining a high-quality candidate experience, it’s a conversation well worth having. #TalentAcquisition #HRTech #CandidateExperience 

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Well........ an interesting start to the year to say the least. Q1 has brought a noticeable pause in volumes of CFO and FD hiring, but the underlying demand has not gone anywhere. It feels more like a moment of reflection for businesses, with confidence and momentum slowly returning. The Yorkshire and Midlands market remains incredibly resilient, with strong fundamentals and continued investment activity. There is a real sense that this is a pause, not a shift, and that momentum will build steadily as the year progresses. One to keep a close eye on over the coming months.

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