In this episode of Talent Matters, we lift the lid on recruitment IT with Kan Mallawathantri, Founder of Avensys Tech and a former in-house IT leader for multiple recruitment businesses.
With over a decade of experience working alongside recruiters, Kan brings a practical, no-nonsense perspective on how tech can either hold a business back or help it thrive. He joins Dave Jenkins to expose what many MSPs (Managed Service Providers) don’t tell you—from oversold software to missed security tricks—and why recruitment agencies are often sitting on powerful Microsoft 365 tools they’re barely using.
This episode is all about helping recruiters take back control of their IT and make smarter use of the tech they already have.
From IT Bod to Recruitment Tech Advocate
Kan shares his journey from being the in-house “IT guy” to launching his own MSP with a mission to cut through the noise and deliver real value to SMEs—particularly recruitment businesses. Having worked across events, accounting, and recruitment, he saw first-hand how many MSPs overpromise, underdeliver, and recommend expensive tools without revealing what clients already have access to.
What Most Recruiters Miss in Microsoft 365
Many recruitment agencies are using only 30% of what Microsoft 365 offers—typically just Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams. But as Kan points out, M365 is packed with powerful tools that can:
- Replace paid platforms like Calendly, Monday.com and Dropbox
- Automate manual processes such as onboarding, CV parsing, and compliance
- Manage users and devices from a central hub
- Lock down security and protect against ransomware attacks
He explains how tools like Microsoft Lists, Forms, Bookings, Planner, and especially Power Automate can revolutionise operations when set up correctly.
The Real Risk: Shadow IT and Uncontrolled Tools
In recruitment, staff churn is high. That makes onboarding and offboarding critical—but many agencies don’t have systems in place. Kan talks about the risks of “shadow IT”: consultants using personal apps and tools outside of company control, which can lead to data breaches and compliance issues.
Through Microsoft Intune and Autopilot, agencies can ensure devices are set up consistently and securely. And when someone leaves? One-click deactivation means you don’t lose data or leave a door open.
Don’t Pay Twice for Tech You Already Have
From antivirus software to scheduling tools, agencies are often paying extra for things already included in their Microsoft 365 Business Premium licence. Kan advises recruitment leaders to audit their tech stack and question every line item in MSP contracts:
Most recruiters are overpaying for tech they already own. Open the bonnet and take a proper look.
Choosing the Right MSP for Your Agency
Not all MSPs are created equal. Kan breaks down what to look for in a tech partner:
- Ask why they’re recommending a certain licence level or product
- Check reviews and speak to current clients
- Avoid long-term contracts that lock you in
- Choose someone with recruitment industry experience
For smaller agencies, he recommends partnering with a similarly sized MSP who understands the fast-paced, high-churn world of recruitment.
About Kan Mallawathantri and Avensys Tech
Kan Mallawathantri is the Founder of Avensys Tech, a UK-based MSP focused on recruitment and SME IT support. With 15+ years in IT and a decade in recruitment, he helps agencies unlock the full value of Microsoft 365 without overspending.
