Manchester was the place to be on Thursday 22nd October as RecConnect brought together recruitment agency owners and leaders for another afternoon of insight, inspiration and great conversations.
Hosted at JMW Solicitors' impressive Deansgate offices, the event focused on a simple premise: Reflect. Reset. Rise.
With 2027 fast approaching, it was an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, challenge conventional thinking and consider what recruitment businesses need to do differently.
And there was plenty to get stuck into!
Big Conversations. Practical Takeaways.
The afternoon covered some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing recruitment agency leaders.
Paul Chamberlain, specialist recruitment lawyer at JMW Solicitors, tackled the Employment Rights Act 2025, exploring the changes to employment legislation and what businesses need to prepare for.
Dan Jones, founder of Kaizen SEO, examined the changing world of online search, including how AI platforms such as ChatGPT are transforming the way customers discover recruitment agencies. A timely reminder that simply having a website is no longer enough.
Catherine Henderson, fractional CMO at Boudicca Consulting, brought her considerable recruitment marketing experience to the conversation, with a focus on connecting marketing activity to meaningful commercial outcomes.
Miles Lloyd, strategic advisor at NorthStar People, explored one of the industry's biggest commercial challenges: moving beyond contingency recruitment and developing more predictable, recurring revenue streams.
And Matt Fox, business advisor and former recruitment agency owner, challenged delegates to consider the future value of their businesses, what potential buyers look for and why preparing for an eventual exit should begin long before you're ready to sell.
Different subjects, but a common thread running through them all: building recruitment businesses that are stronger, more resilient and better positioned for the future.
The Power of Getting Together
Of course, the Manchester Recruitment Leader Experience isn't simply about listening to speakers.
It's about bringing people together.
The conversations between sessions, shared experiences, new introductions and willingness to help one another are what make these afternoons so valuable.
Running a recruitment business can be a lonely place. Getting into a room with people facing similar challenges, exchanging ideas and learning from one another can make a real difference.
And that's precisely why RecConnect exists.
A huge thank you to our speakers, everyone who attended and our event partners, Keybridge IT Solutions, Spott, Paiger, and Shazamme for their support.
Next Stop: CONNECTED 2026!
We're not finished with 2026 events just yet!
On 12th November, we return to BOX Piccadilly, London, for CONNECTED 2026, our flagship event bringing together recruitment agency owners and leaders for one final big gathering of the year.
Expect a completely different experience, with short, punchy talks, live entertainment, great networking and a few surprises along the way.
Full-day and half-day tickets are available.
Discover CONNECTED 2026 and book your place
Thanks again to everyone who made the Manchester Recruitment Leader Experience such a cracking afternoon.
Here's to finishing 2026 strongly and making 2027 even better.
