Sam Spoors - Founder and Managing Director, Talentheads
What inspired you to start your own recruitment agency?
After serving as Head of Talent Acquisition for a large national hospitality group, I noticed a significant gap in the market. Growing businesses often need external recruitment and retention support, but they also need partners who truly understand how in-house teams operate – not just suppliers.
With over 20 years in recruitment, I saw firsthand how many agencies still operate transactionally, focusing on quick placements rather than long-term success. I knew there was a better way.That’s why I founded Talentheads: to disrupt the traditional model, eliminate hefty introduction fees, and help growing businesses build and retain great teams.
Describe the biggest challenges you have faced.
One of the toughest challenges was re-educating the market. Many businesses claim to be unique, but our approach genuinely is. It took time to prove the real impact we bring. Once we demonstrated how we drive momentum and strengthen teams for long-term success – through measurable results and client stories – everything started falling into place.
To date, we’ve partnered with over 90 businesses across regional, national, and international markets as their internal recruitment partner. We’ve upskilled more than 1,750 hiring managers, helped create over 650 local jobs, and saved clients more than £1.4 million in agency fees.
How has the industry evolved since you started, and how have you adapted your business?
Since Talentheads began, the recruitment industry has increasingly recognised that growing businesses need more than transactional support or simply filling seats. It’s been exciting to see a shift toward proactive, strategic, and tailored recruitment solutions.
What excites me most is witnessing others in our industry echoing the message that people are more than just numbers, and recruitment is about more than CVs or commission. This cultural shift is essential, and it shows we’re helping change the narrative.
Tell us about your team.
Our team is unlike many traditional recruitment firms because everyone has worked inside businesses themselves. They understand what it’s like when one person is juggling multiple roles, or when an executive clears a day for interviews but no candidates show up. They appreciate how important it is when a new apprentice is warmly welcomed on their first day.
What qualities do you look for when recruiting?
For me, values are everything. Our core values at Talentheads are Community, Brave, and Legacy. We’re a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, impact-driven business, and we seek individuals who thrive in that environment.
We want people motivated not by commission or quick placements, but by the chance to make a real difference, to be heard, and to experience the real highs and lows of building something meaningful. A Talenthead is curious, accountable, and passionate about creating lasting impact.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to work in the industry?
Spend time working in-house or within a growing business. That’s where you truly see the impact of hiring the right people with the right values – and how crucial those hires are to scaling successfully.
If you choose to work for an external agency, pick one that genuinely does things differently. Look for firms that put candidates and clients at the center, who aim to make a meaningful difference. That’s where you’ll learn the most and do your best work.
What is the best piece of business advice you have received?
The best advice I’ve had is: ‘It’s about the journey, not the destination.’ I’m passionate about changing our industry, so sometimes I rush past wins, always looking ahead. I’m learning to pause, celebrate the impact we’re making, and appreciate the people I work with every day.
Who are your heroes and mentors?
I’m fortunate to have a strong peer group of business owners and leaders who are generous with their time and insights. We share advice openly, support each other through challenges, and celebrate wins together.
The inspiration behind Talentheads came from my former CEO when I was Head of Talent Acquisition – a North East entrepreneur who invested deeply in both business and family. He made me believe I could build something of my own. Since then, several mentors have guided me, and I’m deeply grateful to each one.
What does the future hold?
We want to continue spreading the message that building teams shouldn’t be transactional. We’re not here to fill roles for every business; we want to partner with those who understand the real impact careers have on individuals.
We believe in the power of employment to support local communities and to be part of people’s life milestones. Our goal is to grow that philosophy and help more businesses build teams that last.
www.talentheads.co.uk | 0191 300 8688
