- Discipline and Structure Are Non-Negotiable
- Client Retention Is the Cornerstone of Growth
- Modern Marketing Drives Results
- In-Office Collaboration Boosts Success
- AI Supports Recruitment, But People Drive Results
- Scaling Globally Requires Strategic Planning
- Celebrate Small Wins Along the Way
- Personal Growth Fuels Leadership
In this episode of Talent Matters, Chris Everitt, co-founder and director of Techfueld, sat down with Dave Jenkins, CEO of Wave, to share his insights on building and scaling a successful recruitment business. From starting Techfueld during uncertain times to expanding globally, Chris offers valuable lessons for anyone in recruitment or entrepreneurship.
Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:
Discipline and Structure Are Non-Negotiable
When starting Techfueld, Chris and his business partner implemented a disciplined approach to their daily routines. From setting office hours to sticking to structured workflows, this focus on consistency laid the foundation for success. Chris emphasised that structure is essential for staying productive, especially when transitioning from employee to business owner.
Their day typically started at 8:30 AM, with lunch at 12:00 PM and an afternoon focus session. This structured approach ensured productivity and created a sense of stability in the early days of the business.
Key Quote: “As you probably spoke with the best recruiters, all of them are just very, very militant and structured with how they operate.”
Client Retention Is the Cornerstone of Growth
Techfueld’s 100% client retention rate is a testament to the importance of delivering exceptional service. Chris highlighted the value of being a consultative recruiter, focusing on building long-term relationships rather than treating recruitment as transactional.
Chris believes the best way to retain clients is to consistently provide high-quality service, listen to feedback, and ensure clients feel valued and supported. This approach has helped Techfueld build trust and loyalty, crucial for scaling a recruitment business.
Why It Matters: Retaining great clients not only saves time and resources but also provides a stable foundation for scaling a business.
Modern Marketing Drives Results
Chris and his team have embraced modern marketing techniques to stay ahead. From daily market news posts to attending industry events, Techfueld leverages these strategies to build trust and maintain top-of-mind awareness among clients and candidates.
For example, sharing market-specific trends on LinkedIn has created a sense of community within their niche, making Techfueld a go-to source for industry updates. Attending global conferences has also allowed the team to meet clients face-to-face, building stronger relationships.
Takeaway: In today’s competitive landscape, recruitment businesses must think beyond traditional methods to stand out and build a community within their niche.
In-Office Collaboration Boosts Success
While hybrid and remote work models are gaining traction, Chris firmly believes in the value of in-office work, particularly for new recruiters. He highlighted how collaboration and mentorship are easier to foster in a shared workspace, leading to faster development and a stronger culture.
Chris noted that the competitive spirit of a recruitment office, where colleagues can celebrate wins together and offer real-time feedback, is hard to replicate remotely. This hands-on environment helps new recruiters develop the skills they need to succeed.
Key Insight: “It’s hard to celebrate wins or build a culture remotely. Being in the office helps foster that competitive and collaborative spirit.”
AI Supports Recruitment, But People Drive Results
Chris acknowledged the growing role of AI in recruitment, particularly for efficiency tasks like call summarisation and CRM integration. However, he stressed that recruitment is ultimately a people business, relying on trust, relationships, and personal connections.
Techfueld uses tools like Ringover, which integrates with their CRM to summarise key points from client and candidate calls. While these tools save time and improve efficiency, Chris emphasised that AI cannot replace the human touch required to build trust and close deals.
Pro Tip: Use AI to streamline administrative tasks, but don’t underestimate the human touch when closing deals and maintaining relationships.
Scaling Globally Requires Strategic Planning
Techfueld’s vision is to dominate the automotive technology niche on a global scale, with plans to expand into the US and Asia. Chris highlighted the importance of face-to-face interactions with clients and candidates to build strong, lasting relationships, even in an increasingly digital world.
Chris shared that understanding cultural nuances and creating personalised interactions are critical when entering new markets. By embedding themselves into their clients’ businesses and becoming trusted advisors, Techfueld ensures they deliver exceptional value worldwide.
Lesson: Cultural understanding and personal connections are as critical as a business strategy when expanding internationally.
Celebrate Small Wins Along the Way
Chris shared how easy it is to get caught up in the big picture and overlook the small victories. Taking time to reflect on milestones, like Techfueld’s second anniversary, is essential for maintaining motivation and perspective.
At their second anniversary celebration, Chris and his team took a moment to reflect on how far they’d come, which helped them stay motivated for the journey ahead.
Why It Matters: Celebrating small wins boosts morale and helps you enjoy the journey of building a business.
Personal Growth Fuels Leadership
Chris works with performance coaches to improve his accountability, focus, and overall effectiveness as a leader. He stressed the importance of balancing work with personal well-being, including health, mindfulness, and family time.
Chris shared that coaching has helped him audit his life and identify areas for improvement, both personally and professionally. This focus on self-improvement has made him a better leader and entrepreneur.
Key Quote: “If you can improve by 2% through coaching, that’s 2% you didn’t have before.”
Chris Everitt – Co-founder and Director of Techfueld
Chris Everitt is the co-founder and director of Techfueld, a recruitment agency specialising in the automotive technology niche. Known for his structured approach and passion for his niche, Chris is committed to delivering exceptional value to clients and candidates. Outside of work, he enjoys travelling, spending time with family, and following boxing.
