We’re joined by Andy Hallett, founder of Recspand and someone who’s been behind the scenes of some of the industry’s most exciting growth stories—including right here at Sustainable.
Andy’s journey started as a trainee recruiter in 1999 and led to the boardroom at SThree, where he helped define and scale global operations. Now, through his consultancy Recspand, he partners with recruitment leaders to create strategy, structure, and long-term value.
In the next 10 Questions with Dave Riche, we look into the relationship between Recspand and Sustainable – what’s working, what’s impressive, and what it takes to grow in a focused, strategic way.
Let’s start with your work with Sustainable – how did that relationship come about, and what was your first impression of the business?
I’ve worked with Maz and Chris at SThree and remembered how driven and talented they were back then. When I heard they were setting up I gave them a few tips on what I’d seen the best startups do.
Over the next couple of years I began to hear about the great work they are were doing with Sustainable Talent, it was a great project that I wanted to be part of. It really is incredible to see what they have built up over such a short space of time.
You’ve worked closely with Maz and Chris for over a decade – what is it about the way they lead or build that’s stood out to you over the years?
I deal with a lot of businesses and essentially, they are both good authentic people who are experienced in their craft and care about their people. Chris is very sales focussed and Maz looks at the operations and people side of things. They have a blended approach together which is quite unique. Most companies I work with do one or the other – Sustainable does both.
From your perspective, what’s most impressive about what Sustainable has built so far – whether it’s culture, delivery model, growth, or something else?
The amount of customers they are delivering to in such a short space of time is phenomenal. Their model of blending experienced recruiters and developing their own without prior industry experience is fairly unique, most firms do one or the other. I feel this is just the start for them and it is a great time to come in and see how I can advise them to move into other markets.
“They have the ability and drive to make it happen. “
How does Recspand support a business like Sustainable – what does that partnership look like on a practical level?
I come in as an advisor more than anything and look to deliver a consulting service to them. I use my previous experience to benchmark the foundations of the business and then work with them to achieve their goals in the smoothest possible way.
Why is having a clearly defined niche so important for a recruitment business – and how has Sustainable made that work to their advantage?
As a recruitment business, the best way to deliver a great service to customers and candidates is to be a specialist. The markets Sustainable are working in is are growing very quickly at the minute and it is a great industry to work in, providing energy security to us all – and this leads to recruitment opportunities and partnerships.
European and US expansion is on the radar for a lot of firms – how is Sustainable approaching that differently, and what do you think gives them a real shot at success?
The next steps are to look at spreading into new areas of the UK along with European and growth in the USA. The market they are targeting is growing rapidly, and the opportunities are there and I know they have the ability and drive to make it happen.
You’ve helped many companies scale – what makes Sustainable’s growth feel strategic rather than opportunistic?
They have strong leadership and have backed this up with a good management team in David and Callum. As business owners they always focus on doing the right thing and building a ‘Sustainable’ business themselves. By taking a long term view and working hard rather than chasing quick wins they have the opportunity to build a real gem.
What role does long-term planning and internal alignment play in helping a recruitment company not just grow, but scale sustainably?
Apart from experience in the team, they are training people up to work in the industry who are of the right mindset to deliver a brilliant service. That is all down to recruiting the right team, training them well and growing together.
How do you balance giving structure and frameworks without taking away the founder’s vision or voice – especially with a business like this?
I come in and do a thorough review and analysis of how the company was built and has grown to date. I then work with them on what the priorities should be going forward and then go on the journey with them. I constantly work with the founders to understand their vision and deliver to that.
Finally, looking ahead, what’s the biggest opportunity you see for Sustainable as it enters its next chapter of growth?
Looking ahead, sustainability is growing across Europe and in the USA and Australia. If they continue to do things the right way, then this is a great opportunity for Maz, Chris and everyone on the team.
Huge thanks to Andy for giving us a glimpse into the thinking behind Sustainable’s growth – and how Recspand helps bring clarity and confidence to the journey.
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