People Still Need People

When people ask me what I am most proud of after 25 years of Morgan Spencer Recruitment, it is not turnover, awards or even business growth. It is the people. It is the candidates who secured life-changing opportunities, the clients who built successful teams and the relationships that have lasted decades. As Morgan Spencer celebrates 25 years of recruitment in London, I have found myself reflecting on just how much has changed since September 2001 and, perhaps more importantly, what has not changed at all.

Morgan Spencer opened its doors at the start of a new millennium with a simple belief: people matter. Twenty-five years later, that belief continues to guide everything we do. We have supported employers and candidates through economic growth, recessions, the global financial crisis, Brexit, changing immigration policies, skills shortages, Covid-19 and a rapidly evolving world of work. Through every challenge, Morgan Spencer has remained committed to connecting exceptional people with exceptional opportunities.

Today Morgan Spencer Recruitment supports businesses across London with Executive Assistant recruitment, Personal Assistant recruitment, HR recruitment, Marketing recruitment, Finance recruitment, Office Support recruitment, Customer Service recruitment, Operations recruitment and Business Support recruitment. While the market has evolved dramatically, roles have changed, our purpose remains exactly the same.

How Recruitment in London Has Changed Over the Last 25 Years

When Morgan Spencer launched, recruitment looked entirely different. CVs were faxed, emailed as attachments or even posted. Social media did not exist in the way we know it today. The jobs boards and LinkedIn were not part of daily recruitment life. Many offices still relied heavily on paper-based systems and people would drop in – time efficient no but fun absolutely. 

Some roles that were once commonplace have almost disappeared. One that always makes me smile is the audio typist. For many law firms and professional services organisations, experienced audio typists were highly sought after and formed a significant part of the support workforce. The tests I remember having to perform involved giving them a headset some audio tapes, I had a stop clock, and it was how fast they could type. We were looking for around 80 words per minute and do not even get me started on the PA shorthand tests. Technology has transformed the PA and EA profession and many others.

Back then, Executive Assistant, Personal Assistant and Office Support recruitment represented the majority of our permanent placements. While these remain a key specialism for Morgan Spencer, organisations now seek a far broader mix of skills. Digital transformation, automation and changing business models have created entirely new opportunities.

Yet despite all the change, organisations still seek adaptable, motivated, emotionally intelligent people. Candidates still want meaningful careers. Great recruitment is still about understanding people.

Morgan Spencer Recruitment Today 

Twenty-five years after opening our doors, Morgan Spencer continues to support organisations ranging from entrepreneurial start-ups through to established corporate businesses. Our specialist consultants recruit across Executive Assistant, Personal Assistant, HR, Marketing, Finance, Office Support, Business Support and Operations disciplines.

Whether we are helping a growing business recruit its first Executive Assistant, supporting finance team expansion, finding exceptional HR professionals or helping talented marketing candidates progress their careers, our focus remains on building lasting relationships.

The Workplace Has Become Fairer

One of the most significant changes I have witnessed over the last 25 years is the development of workplace protections and employment rights.

When Morgan Spencer started, many rights and protections commonly accepted today either did not exist or were in their infancy. The National Minimum Wage had only recently arrived. Flexible working was far from mainstream. Workplace pension auto-enrolment was years away. Gender pay gap reporting had not been introduced. The Equality Act had yet to be implemented.

The result of these changes has been a more balanced and supportive employment landscape. Flexible working has broadened opportunities. Equality legislation has strengthened workplace protections. Pension reforms have helped workers save for the future. Family-friendly policies have provided additional support for employees balancing work and home life.

Perhaps one of the biggest positive changes has been the improvement in rights and protections for temporary workers. Temporary employment plays a vital role in London's economy, helping businesses remain agile while enabling talented professionals to build careers, gain experience and maintain flexibility.

At Morgan Spencer Recruitment we have always valued our temporary workforce. Watching workplace protections evolve over the years has been hugely positive for both employers and employees. As I tell some of our new recruits it is shocking to remember that our hardworking temp workforce never used to get paid if they took a holiday – I celebrate the positive change. 

A Timeline of Change

1999 saw the introduction of the National Minimum Wage. In 2000 Morgan Spencer Recruitment opened in London. Flexible working legislation arrived in the early 2000s and began changing workplace expectations. The global financial crisis of 2008 reshaped recruitment markets worldwide. The Equality Act 2010 strengthened employment protections. Workplace pension auto-enrolment transformed retirement saving. Brexit altered workforce planning. Covid-19 accelerated workplace transformation. Hybrid working became mainstream. Employment rights reforms continue to shape the future.

Surviving Every Economic Storm

Running a recruitment business for twenty-five years means experiencing every possible market condition. Morgan Spencer has navigated recessions, economic uncertainty, rapid growth periods and unexpected challenges.

Sadly 11 days after Morgan Spencer opened its doors 9/11 happened and I remember is so vividly as I had been on an early morning meeting and watched in disbelief as the devastating events unfolded in New York. As a brand-new recruitment business in the heart of London’s financial district, I remember feeling, perhaps for the first time, just how deeply connected our two cities were.  Our clients had colleagues, offices, friends and families there.  We had started Morgan Spencer with so much excitement and optimism just days earlier. Suddenly, none of that seemed very important.  Twenty-five years on, I still remember that feeling. It was an extraordinary and deeply sobering moment to begin our journey and one that showed me very early on that business is ultimately about people and the connections between us. 

 The 2008 financial crisis tested businesses across every sector. Recruitment slowed dramatically for many organisations. Morgan Spencer’s client base was largely finance then and our phones stopped ringing – another of our pivot moments. Yet challenging periods often reinforce the importance of trusted recruitment partnerships. We diversified our sectors from Financial Services & Banking to include Legal, Insurance, Property & Real Estate, Professional Services, Technology and Fintech, Media & Marketing, Government & Public Sector and guess what? – It paid off! 

Brexit created a different kind of uncertainty. Employers faced changing workforce planning requirements, talent shortages and questions around future hiring strategies. The London recruitment market adapted, as it always does. 

Then came Covid-19. Like many business leaders, I remember the uncertainty. Yet I also remember the resilience shown by our team, our candidates and our clients. Almost overnight, recruitment processes moved online. Interviews became virtual. Onboarding became remote. Flexible working accelerated at a pace nobody could have predicted. 

Throughout each challenge, Morgan Spencer continued doing what it has always done: supporting people. All of sudden I’m running online Friday fun sessions! 

A Recruitment Business Built on Loyalty

One statistic that makes me incredibly proud is that more than 50 per cent of the Morgan Spencer team have been with the business for over 12 years. Tina Ablitt will celebrate her 25 years with us next year so she knows where the skeletons are buried! 

In recruitment, where movement between businesses can be common, that level of loyalty is extraordinary. Long-standing consultants build deeper networks, stronger market knowledge and more trusted relationships.

Our people are the heart of Morgan Spencer Recruitment. The experience, commitment and expertise within the team help clients and candidates benefit from genuine insight developed over many years.

Why Referrals Matter

Approximately 40 per cent of Morgan Spencer's business comes through referrals.

That figure is perhaps one of the best measures of success any recruitment business can have. Candidates recommend Morgan Spencer to friends and colleagues. Clients introduce Morgan Spencer to their networks. Former placements return years later as hiring managers looking to build teams.

Recruitment is built on trust. Referrals demonstrate that trust is better than any marketing campaign. Reviews are the best PR you can get without having to pay a penny. 

Why London Remains One of the World's Great Recruitment Markets

London continues to be one of the most exciting and dynamic employment markets anywhere in the world. It attracts ambitious people, innovative businesses and international investment.

For Morgan Spencer Recruitment, London's diversity and energy have always been one of its greatest strengths. The city offers opportunities across finance, marketing, HR, operations, business support and executive support roles.

As workplaces evolve, London continues to create opportunities for talented professionals at every stage of their careers.

The Rise of AI and Technology

No discussion about the future of recruitment would be complete without mentioning artificial intelligence.

Technology has transformed recruitment. Applicant tracking systems, digital advertising, data insights and AI tools can all improve efficiency. Morgan Spencer embraces innovations that help create better outcomes for candidates and clients.

However, technology has limitations. At least 3 clients a week tell me their talent acquisition team can’t differentiate between identical CVs from candidates. 

A computer cannot truly understand ambition. It cannot build trust over years. It cannot recognise potential in exactly the same way a skilled recruiter can. It cannot replicate empathy, emotional intelligence or human connection.

After more than 30 years in recruitment, I remain convinced that technology will support recruiters, not replace them.

People Still Need People

This phrase has become increasingly important to me over the years.

Technology has changed recruitment. Legislation has changed recruitment. Markets have changed recruitment. Yet candidates still want trusted advice. Clients still want genuine partnership. People still value honesty, communication and relationships.

A recruiter may help somebody secure a dream role. They may help a business find a transformative hire. They may help rebuild confidence following redundancy. These moments matter because recruitment is ultimately about people.

Why I Still Love Recruitment After 30 Years

The answer is simple: there is nothing quite like it.

I still get excited when a candidate calls to say they have secured their dream job. I still enjoy helping clients solve hiring challenges. I still believe recruitment is one of the few industries where you can genuinely have a positive impact on someone's life.

Many candidates remember the person who helped open the door to a new opportunity. Many businesses remember the recruiter who helped them build an outstanding team. Being part of those stories remains a privilege.

Looking Ahead to the Next 25 Years

The future of recruitment will continue to evolve. New technologies will emerge. Skills requirements will change. Workplace expectations will shift. New legislation will influence employment practices.

What will not change is Morgan Spencer Recruitment's commitment to service, integrity and people. You will always hear me say what my mum used to say which is “treat people as you wish to be treated”. 

Morgan Spencer will continue supporting businesses with Executive Assistant recruitment, Personal Assistant recruitment, HR recruitment, Marketing recruitment, Finance recruitment, Office Support recruitment and Business Support recruitment throughout London.

Our belief is exactly the same today as it was when we opened in September 2000.

Great businesses are built by great people.

People still need people.

Thank You

As Morgan Spencer Recruitment celebrates twenty-five years in London, I would like to personally thank every client, candidate, colleague and business partner who has been part of our journey.

Your support, trust and loyalty have helped shape Morgan Spencer into the business it is today. We are proud of our history, proud of our people and excited about the future.

Here is to the next 25 years – better keep checking my fitbit

Mags