Today, Technical Moves turns 20. As co-founder, I’ve had the privilege (and occasional panic) of watching our company grow from a wide-eyed start-up to a slightly more mature, if still occasionally rebellious, SME in the UK’s built environment recruitment sector.
Much like being a parent of two teenage daughters, running a business has taught me a lot and no doubt has more planned in the future. Having to constantly adapt to new and often unexpected challenges. Bringing fun, happiness and enjoyment (most of the time), providing a sense of pride as you reflect over the wild ride and how quickly the years have passed.
The Awkward Early Years: Surviving the 2008 Banking Crisis
Remember 2008? The year the world’s banks decided to play Jenga with the global economy. As a young business, we learned that “cash flow” isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the difference between “let’s invest in growth” and “let’s see if we can pay the electricity bill.” The recruitment industry took a 15% hit in turnover, but those who knew their clients and candidates inside out weathered the storm better than most. We learned to value relationships over transactions and to accept that sometimes, the best you can do is keep the lights on and the coffee strong.
The Moody Teenage Years: Credit Crunches and the Art of Adaptation
If the banking crisis was a surprise test, the subsequent credit crunches were like being told you had to retake the exam every few years. Each downturn forced us to get creative—streamlining processes, focusing on our niche, and learning to say “no” to the wrong opportunities. We discovered that being a recruitment SME is a bit like being a parent to a teenager: you need patience, a sense of humour, and the ability to survive on very little sleep.
The Pandemic: When “Remote” Meant More Than Just the TV Control
Then came Covid. Suddenly, “remote work” wasn’t just a perk—it was the only option. We swapped face-to-face meetings for Zoom calls (and the occasional online work socials with a "gin in a tin"). The recruitment world changed overnight: virtual interviews became the norm, and we had to sell not just jobs, but the idea of working from your kitchen table. We learned that flexibility, empathy, and a strong online presence were now essential survival skills.
Lessons from 20 Years in Recruitment
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Adapt or be left behind: The only constant in recruitment is change. Whether it’s a financial crisis or a global pandemic, those who adapt survive.
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Relationships matter: Clients and candidates remember how you treat them in tough times. Our best business has always come from referrals and repeat relationships. I proud to be able to call some of my best clients and candidates friends.
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Embrace the chaos: Recruitment is a rollercoaster. Some days you’re matching dream candidates to dream jobs; other days, you’re wondering if your phone is broken.
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Humour is essential: If you can’t laugh at yourself (or at least at the latest “urgent” client request), you’re in the wrong business.
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Gratitude goes a long way: None of this would be possible without the support of family, friends, and our loyal clients and candidates. Thank you for sticking with us through the good, the bad, and the “did that really just happen?” moments.
Technical Moves at 20: Maturing, But Still Young at Heart
Like any 20-year-old, we’ve had our share of growing pains—awkward phases, questionable decisions, and the odd existential crisis. But we’ve also grown up, learned a few things, and (mostly) stopped leaving our homework until the last minute.
Here’s to the next chapter—may it be filled with more lessons, more laughter, and maybe, just maybe, a little less drama.
Happy 20th Anniversary, Technical Moves!