Rec Scale Up Podcast

In this episode of Talking Recruitment, Neil Carberry is joined by Paul Chamberlain (JMW Solicitors), David Johnson (PayStream) and Lewis Gosling (Liquid Friday) to discuss what the Employment Rights Act means for recruitment businesses right now and how agencies can prepare for the changes coming into force from April 2026. The conversation focuses on the immediate operational challenges around day-one Statutory Sick Pay, supply-chain accountability and the creation of the Fair Work Agency, as well as the wider shift toward greater transparency and compliance across the temporary labour market. While the panel highlights the risks and uncertainty that remain as details of the legislation continue to emerge, they also emphasise the opportunity for recruitment businesses to strengthen client relationships, demonstrate expertise and differentiate themselves through compliant and transparent supply chains. The panel explores: • Why the Employment Rights Act will be implemented in stages and why many details a

In this episode of Talking Recruitment, Neil Carberry is joined by Daniel Haslam (Giant Group), Rob Leake (NumberMill) and Sebastien Sauca (SafeRec) to unpack what compliance risk looks like in 2026 and why this moment represents both a threat and an opportunity. The panel explores: > The compliance risks recruiters may be underestimating, from umbrella expense practices to solvency risk > Why joint and several liability should be seen as a business-critical risk > How HMRC enforcement mechanisms could play out in practice > Whether “quick and cheap” supply models are becoming unsustainable > Why strong compliance can now be a commercial advantage > How a level playing field could reshape parts of the temporary labour market However, alongside the risk is opportunity: recruiters who get this right can reposition as professional services businesses, using compliance not just as protection, but as a differentiator. Guests: Rob Leake, Commercial Director, NumberMill Rob is a director at Num

In Episode 75 of the Talking Recruitment Podcast, REC Chief Executive, Neil Carberry OBE, is joined by the REC’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award winner Kate Allen, Founder of Allen Associates. Kate shares the story behind building a relationship-led recruitment business in Oxfordshire – from launching solo in 1998 to creating a debt-free, specialist consultancy service that engages the community and builds long-term client trust. The conversation explores: > Why relationship-focused consultancy beats transactional recruitment > The power of market transparency through insight and research > Why curiosity, integrity and marketing investment remain critical in a tougher market At a time when the industry is navigating legal reform, technological change and fragile confidence, Kate makes a compelling case: the fundamentals still matter, but leaders must stay curious and keep evolving. Guest: Kate Allen is Founder, Executive Chair and Marketing Director for Allen Associates Limited based in Oxford

In this episode of Talking Recruitment, REC Chief Executive Neil Carberry OBE is joined by recruitment reformer and tech innovator Keith Langbo to explore how hiring is being reshaped by AI, shifting workforce expectations, and growing skills uncertainty. They argue recruitment needs to move beyond CV and skills-based matching towards “signal-based” hiring that focuses on behaviours, adaptability, and culture fit. The conversation explores the risks of automating broken processes, and the opportunity for agencies to add more value by asking better questions, improving role definition, and building trusted candidate communities. Guest: • Keith Langbo is Founder and CEO of Kelaca and leads RGH Global’s expansion across the Americas

In this episode of Talking Recruitment, REC Chief Executive Neil Carberry OBE is joined by James Osborne, Founder of The Recruitment Network (TRN), to explore how the role of recruiters is evolving in a complex and fast-changing market. The conversation looks at the shift away from purely transactional recruitment towards deeper client partnerships, with Neil and James discussing how the strongest recruiters are increasingly acting as consultants, helping organisations understand skills shortages, workforce planning and long-term talent strategy. In a market shaped by hesitation, cost pressures and uneven demand, this advisory role is becoming a clear differentiator. The episode also looks ahead at how recruitment models are changing, including the impact of technology, data and AI on how agencies operate and deliver value. Neil and James discuss what recruiters need to stay ahead of that change, from skills and mindset to the support structures around them. The new partnership between REC and TRN is design

In the final Talking Recruitment podcast of the year Neil Carberry OBE, REC Chief Executive, is joined by Maxine Bligh, REC Chief Membership & Innovation Officer, to reflect on a challenging but pivotal year for recruitment. They explore what’s held hiring back in 2025, where confidence is starting to return, and how recruiters are adapting their business models, skills and use of technology to prepare for growth in 2026. The discussion covers market resilience, the growing importance of trusted client partnerships, the practical role of AI in improving productivity, and why recruiters will be central to navigating labour market change in the year ahead. Guest: Maxine Bligh, Chief Membership & Innovation Officer, REC

In this episode, REC Chief Executive Neil Carberry OBE is joined by three industry specialists: Daniel Haslam, Chief Business Development Officer at Giant Group, Sebastien Sauca, CEO of SafeRec and Paul Chamberlain, Head of Employment at JMW. Together they unpack the major compliance and regulatory changes set to reshape the recruitment landscape in 2026. The episode features an in depth look at what the joint and several liability reforms for umbrella companies will mean for agencies, MSPs and end hirers and why financial stability, due diligence and transparency in supply chains are becoming non-negotiable. The panel also looks ahead to the Employment Rights Bill, discussing its implications for guaranteed hours, statutory sick pay, unfair dismissal, and the future Fair Work enforcement body. Across the conversation, they highlight the practical steps recruiters should be taking now and why the compliance changes could ultimately lead to more strategic, higher-value partnerships between agencies, payr

In this episode, Neil Carberry is joined by Melissa Mhondoro, Legal Advice Manager at the REC, to discuss the significant regulatory and market changes anticipated to shape the recruitment sector in 2026. They discuss how evolving legislation, from tax and data protection to fair work and digital identity, is reshaping the way agencies, contractors, and employers operate. Together, they explore what these changes mean for day-to-day recruitment practice, business strategy, and maintaining trust in a fast-moving compliance environment.

In this episode, Neil Carberry speaks with Suhail Mirza, Global Wellness Speaker, Healthcare Expert & Staffing Sector Board Advisor, about how workforce wellbeing and sector transformation intersect in today’s challenging environment. They explore how the UK staffing industry is evolving in response to market pressures, workforce shortages, and the growing need for inclusive, sustainable approaches to work, particularly within the NHS and social care. Key topics include: What recent REC data reveals about the outlook, challenges, and opportunities across the industry. Understanding the work done within the NHS and social care sector to address wellbeing and retention in complex workforce systems.  How broader wellbeing movements are shaping employer expectations and candidate behaviours worldwide. How staffing firms can differentiate themselves through purpose-driven, people-centred strategies that create real client value.

In this episode, Neil Carberry speaks with Hung Lee, curator of Recruiting Brainfood, about the changing landscape of recruitment and how agencies can adapt to new market realities. They discuss the impact of global economic shifts, technology innovation and how recruitment businesses can thrive through transformation and collaboration. Key topics include: The recruitment market reset and how firms can respond to slower growth and increased uncertainty. How artificial intelligence is reshaping recruitment processes, improving efficiency and reducing costs. Opportunities for growth in a flat market through innovation, adaptability and focus on niche areas. The importance of industry collaboration, compliance and continuous learning to stay ahead of policy and technology changes.

In this special episode of the #TalkingRecruitmentPodcast, Kate Shoesmith is joined by Ross Thompson, Executive Manager at REC business partner Infinity Staff Global. Our expert explores Recruitment reimagined, from AI tools to offshore growth strategies and how AI is reshaping the recruitment industry.

️ In this special episode of the Talking Recruitment Podcast, Neil Carberry introduces a standout session from RECLive25, where our expert panel explored how AI is reshaping the recruitment industry. Hosted by Kate Shoesmith (Deputy CEO at the REC, the conversation features insights from Annie Andrews (Chief Executive, Curo Services), David Stott (VP, Enterprise International, Bullhorn) and Roxi Sweeney, Head of Marketing & Digital, The Best Connection. Together, they unpack how AI is being used to automate repetitive tasks, enhance the candidate experience, and even predict future hiring needs. The panel also shares real-world use cases, practical tips for adoption, and guidance on staying compliant with evolving regulations while keeping trust and risk mitigation front of mind.

In this episode, Neil Carberry sits down with Matt Fryer, Managing Director at Brookson Group, to unpack the upcoming changes to umbrella company regulation and what they mean for the recruitment industry. They explore the implications of the draft umbrella tax rules due April 2026, focusing on the introduction of Joint and Several Liability (JSL) a move that could see agencies and end clients held accountable for tax missteps by umbrella companies.

In this episode, Neil Carberry OBE sits down with Colin Gunnell, CEO of Liquid Friday, to explore how businesses stay competitive in a shifting landscape. They dive into: The evolution of technology to support unique brand propositions Deploying new tech to stay ahead How USPs adapt in changing markets Driving commercial innovation amid disruption

In this episode, Neil Carberry sits down with Hayden Boilini, Director of Financial & Professional Services (North America) at the UK Department for Business and Trade. They explore the realities facing UK recruitment agencies expanding into the US market, from navigating regulatory complexity to bridging cultural gaps and staying competitive. Learn how to build resilience into your US expansion strategy and hear directly from an expert driving UK trade success overseas.

In this special episode of the Talking Recruitment Podcast, Neil Carberry introduces a valuable conversation from RECLive25. The session, hosted by Lorraine Laryea, Chief Standards Officer at the REC, features guest speakers Colin Gunnell, Chief Executive at Liquid Friday; Michelle Mellor, Chair of the REC and Director and Founder of Cummins Mellor; and Denise Walker, Founder and Managing Director at Absolutely Business. Together, they share strategies and insights on supporting a race to the top prioritising and advocating for the quality and value of recruitment partnerships.

In this exclusive episode of the Talking Recruitment Podcast, Neil Carberry sits down with Justin Madders MP, Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets for a timely conversation exploring the Government’s employment agenda and the future of work in the UK. With the Employment Rights Bill on the horizon and his recent fireside chat at RECLive25, this episode offers a front-row seat to the thinking behind the proposed reforms and what they mean for the recruitment industry.

In this episode of the Talking Recruitment Podcast, Neil Carberry sits down with Duncan Wyeth, Partner Manager at Vision33, a Sage Partner, to explore how recruitment agencies can take control, get lean, and grow smarter in today’s shifting market. From finance transformation to data-led decisions, this episode is packed with practical insight.

In this episode of the Talking Recruitment Podcast Neil Carberry talks to Jo Major, Founder of Diversity in Recruitment. They discuss the evolving role of tomorrow’s recruiter, from transactional hiring to strategic talent architect and reengineering recruitment practices for a skills-first future.

In this episode of the Talking Recruitment Podcast REC Legal experts Lorraine Laryea, Chief Standards Officer and Melissa Mhondoro, Legal Advice Manager sit down with Kate Shoesmith Deputy CEO to discuss the latest legal and Employment Right Bill changes.