Charlotte Ibbotson

Director of talent, mthree

“As a business supporting emerging talent, this year we’re increasingly concerned about the financial pressures faced by students living away from home. The rising costs of accommodation, utilities and essentials create significant challenges, especially for students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Given that tuition fees have more than tripled since 2011, the premise of student debt can deter those with less financial confidence, making higher education less accessible. To ensure equitable access to employment, we must offer alternative pathways to rewarding careers. By providing industry-relevant skills training for individuals from non-degree backgrounds, helping talent to become job-ready, access direct employment opportunities and thrive.”

Elliott Rae

Managing partner, Anderson Quigley

“I’ve been in executive search for nearly 25 years, and every year brings new surprises. In 2024, two major trends stand out. First, Anderson Quigley’s continued growth in a sector where many are cutting staff has been striking, with increased interest from top talent wanting to join us. On the client side, there’s a growing obsession with AI and technology. While I’m no dinosaur, I believe it will be some time before AI alone can close an executive search. Advanced systems bring efficiency, but the human touch is still vital in guiding candidates through the complexities of senior appointments.”

Jason Thomas

Managing director, THOMAS Recruitment Group

“The UK recruitment industry continues to evolve, and 2024 is no exception. This year has proven to be challenging for many recruitment firms, including ours, as the UK jobs market has been relatively stagnant, with low confidence in most sectors. This has been frustrating, especially as we expected a shift in the market after Brexit and Covid. However, we are looking into 2025 with a renewed focus at THOMAS Recruitment Group. We have begun integrating AI into our business, and it’s evident that embracing it has its advantages. We have also enhanced our internal support for all well-being matters.”

Image credit | Shutterstock | Mthree | Huw John, Cardiff