Top quality events and communication with clients and candidates will see a recruitment agency survive through recession, help stave off lost marketshare from direct sourcing and establish a market leading position.

This is according to James Ballard, co-founder of HR, IT and business transformation specialist Annapurna Recruitment, and Toby Babb, managing director of fintech recruiter Harrington Starr, speaking at day one of the Recruiter Show at London’s Barbican this morning.

Addressing an audience of about 100 recruitment professionals, Ballard said a good brand and good relationships were key to surviving the “big waves”, such as recession, looming over the industry.

Both Annapurna and Harrington Starr run events for clients and candidates, providing both insight and networking opportunities, increasing their talent “communities”. Harrington Starr also produces regular magazines while Annapurna produces online content.

And in putting on such events, Babb said it was important to have “world class people talking to world class people” – having a strong draw card and providing insightful content that the audience can learn from. “Headline acts,” Ballard added.

“Rather than just being pests on the phone, it’s helping add value to our customer base,” he said.

Ballard’s tips for putting on great events include:

• Research – talk to customers about what they want to know, what is of value to them

• Good marketing

• Empower people – gather ideas from everyone in your business and empower them to be a part of events. 

• Plan – logistics, including timing, is very important for a successful event and repeat events

• Budget – especially in the beginning, events might cost a bit to put on but at they and your talent communities grow, you may be able get sponsorship from other companies wanting to sell into your community

• Partner – maybe with other recruitment agencies or other interested groups