Mark Cahill

This Award honours an individual with a distinguished career in the recruitment sector who has had a major impact on the industry and achieved exceptional success as a business leader. The 2024 recipient, Mark Cahill was recognised for his distinguished career at ManpowerGroup

Morgan Hunt

Morgan Hunt is a family-founded recruitment agency established in 1994, known for its deep commitment to the public sector and core values of respect, determination, teamwork, integrity, understanding, and fun. Dedicated to #inspiringworkinglives, the company connects people with organisations where they can make a meaningful impact. Morgan Hunt’s sector-specialist consultants are experts in their fields, partnering with clients across education, housing, social care, charity, government, corporate services, property, construction, and technology to deliver tailored recruitment solutions. The company prioritises diversity, inclusion, and employee recognition, striving to challenge stereotypes within the industry. Notable accolades include the Investing in Talent’s Best ESG Achievement award and being named a finalist in the British Recruitment Awards for ‘D&I Initiative of the Year.’ Morgan Hunt’s culture of empowerment and strong business service delivery continues to build trusted relationships across sectors.

Judge’s comments:

Judges praised Morgan Hunt for their effective use of dashboards, and transformation into a data-centric business, led by a dedicated Business Optimisation Manager. This has enabled strong performance metrics, including turnover growth, impressive retention rates, and improved consultant productivity.

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Highly Commended

Engage Partners

Engage Education is a leading education recruitment specialist, known as the UK’s largest recruiter of overseas teachers and an approved supplier on the Crown Commercial Service framework. With a 16-year history of supporting UK schools, Engage focuses on hiring skilled local and international teaching talent, while expanding services to include non-classroom staff.

Their commitment to the sector is demonstrated through continuous innovation, including a company-wide tech transformation that improved candidate onboarding, doubling new candidates in 2023. Additionally, Engage acquired tech disruptor SupplyNow to drive growth and launched new solutions to empower teams. As a REC Gold standard agency and a National Tutoring Programme partner, Engage supports schools in meeting staffing needs and developing the next generation of educators.

Judge’s comments

Judges praised Engage Partners for their tech solutions driven by employee feedback, their innovative use of engaging, self-service tech to meet candidates’ needs, and operating seamlessly as both an agency and an online platform. Their impressive achievement of doubling the number of candidates onboarded over the year further highlighted their effective use of technology

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Xcede Group

Xcede Group is a leading talent solutions provider, operating through specialist brands EarthStream and Xcede.

With a remarkable increase in profitability, Xcede Group has surpassed its previous three years’ operating profits. Its dedication to exceptional service is highlighted by retaining Platinum and Gold Feefo Trusted Service Awards. Committed to community engagement, 79 employees contributed 272 hours through CSR initiatives, while sustainability efforts include planting 3,045 trees via Ecologi.

Judge’s comments

Xcede Group were praised for their innovative solutions and client impact, evidenced by strong profitability. Judges commended their successful promotion scheme, effective mentorship program, and impressive performance metrics, including increases in contractor revenue and revenue per fee earner.

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Tile Hill

Tile Hill is an executive recruitment company renowned for its exceptional candidate experience. Since 2017, it has partnered with the public sector, achieving an impressive 86% net promoter score and 92% of candidates rating it better than competitors.

With a focus on creating a fulfilling work environment, 100% of staff feel a sense of belonging. The company prioritises learning and development, resulting in a 40% increase in headcount and 30% of employees receiving promotions. Tile Hill’s commitment to societal impact is reflected in its dedication to both recruitment excellence and charitable initiatives.

Judge’s comments

Judges praised Tile Hill for how their training, headcount growth, and automated feedback platform have created a strong candidate experience. This has also been enhanced by their Employee Value Proposition, and a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion through an ED&I health checker and a candidate-driven website design.

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Bridge of Hope Careers Ltd

Bridge of Hope Careers (BOHC) is a tech-for-good recruitment platform dedicated to making recruitment inclusive by connecting employers with marginalised jobseekers. The platform serves as a crucial link between over 74,000 disadvantaged individuals, such as young unemployed people, women returners, over-50s, Ukrainian refugees, and ex-offenders, including those from BAME, neurodivergent, and disabled backgrounds, and inclusive employers. With over 70,000 jobs posted by 67 employers, BOHC offers a scalable solution that addresses the limitations of traditional and niche job boards.

By focusing on social impact and breaking down employment barriers, BOH helps businesses unlock significant social value and connect upskilling efforts to national skills shortages.

Judge’s comments

Judges praised Bridge of Hope Careers as a standout in the category, recognising their innovative model and approach to service delivery with an array of impressive supporting metrics. Judges expressed admiration for their employee experience, and felt this was a company they would love to work with themselves based on what they do for the people they represent.

VHR

VHR, founded in 2003, is a niche technical recruitment and training organisation serving sectors such as Aviation, Automotive, Engineering, and Marine. Operating from 12 global offices, VHR has seen 92% of its turnover come from international trade, with remarkable year-on-year increases in turnover and profit.

VHR distinguishes itself by not just recruiting talent but also creating it through training partnerships and facilities in multiple countries. The company’s commitment to addressing skill shortages has earned it a Queens Award for International Trade, and its CEO, Danny Brooks, received an MBE for his contributions to the sector.

Judge’s comments

VHR were recognised for their innovative approach and exceptional international growth. Judges were impressed by excellent metrics, including standout independent ratings from Gallup and Glassdoor. Despite economic challenges, VHR have made timely investments to enhance their systems and processes, adapting to client demands and achieving remarkable financial performance. 

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Amoria Group

Amoria Group is an international recruitment and management consulting firm, offering permanent, executive search, and contract recruitment services, as well as staff augmentation and consulting through its brands, Amoria Bond and Coalesce Management Consulting (CMC). With a rapidly expanding presence across the UK, Netherlands, Germany, APAC, and the USA, the company generates 98% of its revenue from overseas trade, with the majority of sales heads focused on international markets.

Driven by the purpose “Progressing Lives Everywhere,” Amoria Group fosters a high-performance, inclusive culture underpinned by its PROFES values and award-winning learning and development programmes, resulting in a 31% year-on-year growth in gross profit, a Net Promoter Score of 63, and a retention rate of 83.4%. Committed to sustainability, the company aims for net-zero by 2028, is pursuing B-Corp certification, and holds ISO 14001 certification. To date, Amoria Group has contributed over £600,000 to charity and planted more than 115,000 trees globally.

Judge’s comments

Judges praised Amoria Group for achieving impressive metrics during a challenging period for the industry and demonstrating the power of their talent strategy. Judges were particularly impressed by how they aligned purpose with profit with their initiatives to support ex-offenders, veterans, and disadvantaged populations, their commitment to corporate social responsibility, and a comprehensive DE&I strategy, which set them apart.

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Morgan Hunt

Since its founding in 1994, Morgan Hunt has been a leader in public sector recruitment, guided by the belief in #inspiringworkinglives and driven by values that include respect, determination, and teamwork. The agency’s commitment to innovation is reflected in its ongoing efforts to transform recruitment processes and challenge industry norms. By embracing technology and novel recruitment strategies, Morgan Hunt ensures it meets the evolving needs of clients and candidates in sectors like education, housing, social care, and government. The company fosters an inclusive culture that prioritises employee growth and recognition, striving to create an environment where everyone can thrive. Recognition for achievements such as the Investing in Talent’s Best ESG Achievement award underscores Morgan Hunt’s dedication to continuous improvement and setting new standards in recruitment.

Judge’s comments

Morgan Hunt were praised for their innovative, data-driven focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, and partnership with the Black Leadership Group to create an inclusive job board. Judges recognised their impact in helping clients adopt inclusive hiring practices and maximising their ATS, making them stand out with innovation around inclusive recruitment.

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Highly Commended

Engage Partners

Engage Education also excels in temporary recruitment, providing staffing solutions to schools across the UK for over 16 years. The company’s approach includes bridging staffing gaps with international teaching talent, delivering tech-enabled solutions to optimise work opportunities, and expanding support to non-classroom roles. Through partnerships with around 50 educational bodies, councils, and multi-academy trusts, Engage facilitates upskilling with digital training programmes, enabling contractors to enhance their skills. Their dedicated Professional Development team has established a range of training initiatives, supporting both temporary and permanent staff in fulfilling their career aspirations.

Judge’s comments

Judges praised Engage Partners for their innovative use of technology to enhance processes and differentiate their service, creating a strong client and candidate journey. Engage Partners’ emphasis on educating and upskilling recruiters through safeguarding courses demonstrated their commitment to understanding client and contractor needs as well as social responsibility in education recruitment.

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Highly Commended

VHR

VHR is an award-winning recruitment and training company specialising in technical roles across various industries, including Defence and Renewables. With a diverse workforce fluent in 22 languages, VHR supports clients in 57 countries, achieving 92% of its turnover through international trade.

The company focuses on developing talent through strategic training initiatives, partnering with clients to identify skill gaps. VHR’s commitment to fostering the next generation of talent has led to notable accolades, including a Queens Award for International Trade and an MBE for its CEO.

Judge’s comments

Judges recognised VHR for their exceptional innovation, particularly in their tailored service offerings to niche market sectors, which go well beyond the scope of traditional recruitment. VHR’s strong commitment to ethical recruitment practices on a global scale was clearly evident, proving their dedication to living and upholding core values aligning purpose and profit.

TeacherActive

TeacherActive is a leading education recruitment agency addressing challenges from a growing branch network and dispersed consultants through The Academy Program. This structured professional development initiative offers training, coaching, and mentoring, focusing on candidate attraction, business development, and desk management.

The company prioritises the personal development of staff, enhancing onboarding experiences and investing in integrated technology. In 2022, TeacherActive formed Empower, a D&I committee that aims to boost internal culture and influence industry standards. Initiatives include mental health first aid training and achieving Disability Confident Level 1 accreditation. This commitment to inclusivity and development has driven an 8% annual growth in billing heads, reinforcing TeacherActive’s position as a leader in specialist education recruitment.

Judge’s comments

TeacherActive were recognised for their clear strategy and deep understanding of the sector. Judges praised their commitment to service quality, employee wellbeing, and empowerment, which has driven strong organic growth and financial performance. They also showcased effective leadership, a focus on DE&I with measurable impacts, and innovative practices supported by positive candidate feedback.

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Signify Technology

Signify Technology is the world’s leading Scala recruitment specialist, with recent expansions into Rust and Go. With a strong commitment to the tech community, the company actively combats skills shortages and creates opportunities through workshops, lectures, and grants worldwide. Operating in 22 countries and generating 79% of revenue from outside the UK, Signify Technology is dedicated to international expansion while prioritising diversity and inclusion—24% of its workforce is ethnically diverse, and 38% are female.

Renowned for its community engagement and expertise in niche markets, Signify Technology excels in placing top-tier engineers with global tech giants. Signify Technology’s impressive track record also includes accolades for leadership, marketing campaigns, and recognition as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces for Women in 2021, affirming its commitment to creating an inclusive and empowering workplace.

Judge’s comments

Judges praised Signify Technology for their clear vision and significant investment in their people, with impressive benefits and strong DE&I metrics; which have supported an increase in female developers and numerous promotions. Signify’s focus on employee needs, innovative offerings, and dedication to supporting the community exemplify their exceptional service and leadership in fostering a positive work environment.

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Highly Commended

Source Group International

Source Group International (SGI) is a global leader in technology recruitment and staffing solutions, with a strong presence in London, Amsterdam, Zug, and Austin. Committed to creating lasting value, SGI distinguishes itself through a dedication to high performance, meaningful relationships, and a solution-led approach in niche technology fields such as Data, AI, IT Infrastructure, and Cyber Security. The company’s mission to “create value (no matter what)” extends beyond recruitment to embrace a culture of reward, recognition, and continuous learning.

SGI fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment, underpinned by initiatives like SGI Matters, which promotes employee well-being through updates, forums, and dedicated well-being champions. The company’s dedication to environmental, social, and governance principles further reinforces its commitment to making a positive impact. Recognised as a Recruiter Hot 100 2024, Great Place to Work 2023/24, and winner of the People’s Platform Award for Culture 2023, SGI’s accolades reflect its focus on employee growth and a culture that prioritises both personal and professional success.

Judge’s comments

Judges praised Source Group International for their heartfelt business success stories, with a well-presented submission that clearly showcased why it’s a great company to work for. SGI effectively highlighted key initiatives, supported by strong testimonials, and demonstrated a comprehensive approach to learning and development, talent growth, DE&I, and career progression.

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Amoria Group

Amoria Group is a global recruitment and management consulting company, operating through its brands Amoria Bond and Coalesce Management Consulting (CMC). Specialising in permanent, executive search, and temporary contract recruitment, as well as staff augmentation, the company serves clients worldwide from offices in the UK, Netherlands, Germany, APAC, and the USA. Guided by the purpose “Progressing Lives Everywhere,” Amoria Group focuses on advancing the careers of its employees, clients, and candidates, while fostering a diverse and inclusive culture. Its award-winning learning and development programmes support continuous growth across all levels, contributing to a 31% year-on-year growth in gross profit and an industry-leading Net Promoter Score of 63.

Committed to sustainability and social impact, Amoria Group aims for net-zero emissions by 2028 and has donated over £600,000 to charity while planting more than 115,000 trees worldwide. The company is also pursuing B-Corp certification and holds ISO 14001 certification for environmental management.

Judge’s comments

Judges praised Amoria Group for its consistent investment in their employees against the backdrop of a challenging recruitment market. Judges were impressed by a wealth of compelling metrics, clearly demonstrating how investing in talent delivers profitable growth with purpose. It’s clear their leadership has had an impact in building a great employer and partner brand.

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Highly Commended

Matthew Wragg, CEO, Gattaca

Gattaca is a STEM-specialist recruitment solutions provider dedicated to helping organisations secure essential talent and deliver project outcomes in skill-scarce markets. With a customer-centric approach driven by a strong focus on client and candidate satisfaction, Gattaca consistently delivers high-quality service, earning an average rating of 8.9 out of 10. Up to 70% of contract placements come from referred or previously connected candidates, reflecting the trust and loyalty of its customers. Gattaca’s expertise spans eight STEM sectors, supported by dedicated recruiters and unique talent insights that empower clients to navigate skills shortages.

The company’s purpose-driven approach aims to ‘build a better future’ by addressing the industry’s biggest challenges. Combining recruitment expertise with cutting-edge technology, Gattaca’s secure, cloud-based tech stack harnesses a wealth of STEM talent data, enabling outstanding outcomes for employers and candidates alike.

Judge’s comments

Judges unanimously agreed that Matthew is a truly transformational leader, and were impressed by the breadth and speed of his impact as a CEO in a large organisation. As a humble, effective, people centric leader, Matt embodies Gattaca’s employer brand and has proved the ROI on a range of employee initiatives. This is clearly demonstrated by the loyalty of long-serving employees and those that have returned to Gattaca over the last year.

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