Emily Shanks: Congratulations on winning The International Recruitment Company of the Year Award! What do you believe set VHR apart from the competition and contributed to your success in this highly competitive category?
Danny Brooks: Winning this award highlights the VHR team’s dedication to understanding and solving the challenges faced by clients in sectors with critical skill shortages. VHR’s approach goes beyond simply filling roles — we actively partner with clients to deliver tailored recruitment, training, and relocation solutions that align with their long-term goals. Operating across 58 countries, we pride ourselves on being both culturally and technically adept, enabling us to create impactful matches between employers and candidates. Our emphasis on ethical recruitment practices, compliance, and sustainable growth has helped us maintain long-standing client relationships and a strong reputation in the recruitment industry. It’s this combination of innovation, adaptability, and a people-first approach that sets us apart.
ES: The judges highlighted your innovative approach to international recruitment. Can you share some of the key strategies or initiatives that have driven your exceptional growth across international markets?
DB: Innovation at VHR stems from listening to our clients and understanding their unique challenges. For instance, our collaboration with a leading airline in the Middle East to address a skills shortage in aircraft cabin maintenance involved a multi-faceted solution: recruiting technicians from countries with abundant talent, creating a bespoke six-week training program in Manila, and managing the full relocation and onboarding process. VHR trained and deployed 140 aircraft cabin technicians while improving working conditions for employees in the Philippines. Beyond aviation, we’ve introduced Virtual Design Services for the construction industry, delivering offshore design solutions that reduce costs for clients. By combining technology, training, and recruitment expertise, we’ve created solutions that are both practical and transformative, supporting client goals while opening up new career opportunities for workers. These strategies are part of a broader effort to provide flexible, creative solutions that align with our clients’ needs.
ES: Despite global economic challenges, VHR has continued to thrive. What were some of the key investments you made to enhance your systems and processes, and how have these helped you adapt to client demands and market shifts?
BD: To remain resilient during global challenges, we’ve focused on improving our internal systems and investing in people. Our investments in technology and training have been central to navigating challenges. We developed a recruitment Academy that transforms new hires into skilled recruiters equipping new consultants with the skills to succeed in a rapidly changing market. This has not only strengthened our team but also allowed us to expand our operations into new territories.
VHR introduced automation tools to streamline processes adopting cutting-edge technology like AI. This has enhanced our ability to match clients with the right talent faster and more effectively.
We’ve also prioritised diversity, equality, and inclusion, ensuring our workforce reflects the global markets we serve. These efforts have allowed us to adapt quickly to shifting market demands while continuing to deliver high levels of service.
ES: How have you managed to scale VHR internationally while maintaining the high standards of service and quality that set you apart from your competitors?
BD: Scaling internationally requires a balance of maintaining high standards while adapting to local needs. At VHR, we’ve built a framework that ensures consistency across all our offices while allowing for regional flexibility. Compliance and ethics are at the heart of what we do — whether it’s adhering to local labor laws or understanding cultural nuances, we ensure our processes align with the needs of both clients and candidates. Our teams, fluent in 22 languages, enable us to communicate effectively and provide tailored solutions. By leveraging technology, investing in training, and fostering strong client relationships, we’ve been able to grow internationally while maintaining the service levels and trust that clients have come to expect from us.
ES: Looking ahead, what are your future plans for VHR’s international expansion and innovation, and how do you plan to continue leading the way in the recruitment industry?
BD: VHR’s future plans are focused on growing our presence in key regions and industries while continuing to invest in technology and workforce development. We see significant opportunities in markets like the Americas and Saudi Arabia, and plan to expand our operations in these areas to better serve local clients. At the same time, we’re exploring complementary industries, such as rail, where our expertise in technical recruitment can be applied. Innovation remains a key focus — we’re looking to enhance our offerings with further use of AI and automation to improve efficiency and deliver even greater value to clients. Above all, our goal is to continue addressing skill gaps in critical sectors, creating opportunities for workers and ensuring long-term success for our clients.
