Collingwood Insights: Business Articles & Thought Leadership

Our Insights page features articles and perspectives from Collingwood experts and industry leaders. These insights deliver forward-thinking ideas, latest trends and practical advice on leadership, talent, recruitment, company culture and business growth.

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Featured

"Who are the top Executive Search firms" is a regular search term on Google but WHY?

In this article, we explore what executive search entails, who the big names in the industry are, and discuss the benefits of opting for smaller or "boutique" executive search firms over the big global brands such as Korn Ferry or Heidrick & Struggles.

News Article

Looking to partner with an Executive Search firm? I bet you’re not asking these essential questions!

In this article, Mark Goldsmith shares his first-hand experience of being compared against another executive search firm for a crucial leadership role, highlighting the critical importance of asking key questions to ensure successful candidate engagement and recruitment outcomes.

When should you use the services of an Executive Search Firm?

From securing top-tier executive talent to navigating specialised industries and conducting confidential searches, here's a comprehensive guide to when and why engaging a Headhunter might be the optimal solution for your recruitment needs.

News Article

Aligning Stakeholder Expectations

This article explores a strategic approach to aligning stakeholder expectations for a senior hire before beginning the Executive Search process.

News Article

The Value of Face to Face Briefing Meetings

Discover the power of in-person or face to face meetings for the briefing phase of an executive search process and why it adds value to both the client and Executive Search partner.

News Article

Rebuilding Trust: Executive Search Partners and the Art of Nurturing Client Relationships

Navigating the intricate landscape of executive search partnerships demands more than just matching candidates to roles—it requires cultivating and sustaining trust. Explore the art of fostering client relationships, from initial engagement to rebuilding fractured trust, as executive search partners share insights and strategies for success.

News Article

The Top 10 Ways to Get the Best Value from your Executive Search Partner

Attracting and securing top talent is crucial for the future growth and success of any business in today’s competitive market. Partnering with an Executive Search company to identify exceptional candidates can provide a strategic advantage. In this article, we discuss the top 10 ways to get the best value from your Executive Search Partner.

News Article

Top 10 Tips for HR Leaders Dealing with Hiring Freezes

Hiring Freezes have been a common language in various industries for at least the last 12 months and predictions expect them to continue for some time yet. Whilst they convey a negative situation, HR Leaders can actually embrace them to the benefit of their organisation providing they consider the following Top 10 Tips...

News Article

What is Headhunting?

Learn what Headhunting is in this article that looks at this specialised form of recruitment, including the benefits it provides and real-world applications.

News Article

When should you start recruiting a Board or Senior Level appointment?

This article explores some realistic scenarios to help you make the difficult decision on when to start the hiring process.

News Article

Introducing our new partnership with Talentor International

Doug Mackay sits with Manto Antoniotti Solares from Talentor International. Read below to see what they disucssed.

News Article

What are the 20 questions you should ask a potential new Executive Search partner to ensure they are right for your business?

20 questions to help you evaluate a potential new Executive Search partner's capabilities, expertise, and alignment with your organisation's needs.

News Article

Are Headhunters Worth It?

In the competitive field of talent acquisition, headhunters play a crucial role in securing top candidates for organisations. This article explores the unique benefits headhunters bring, and discusses whether their services are worth the investment.

News Article

Very exciting news that will benefit all our clients!

Collingwood Executive Search is now a part of Talentor International, one of the world’s top 40 executive search networks and a leading global recruitment and leadership development organisation.

News Article

Executive Search vs. Contingency Recruiters

Learn the importance of choosing between an executive search partner or database contingency recruiter in this article that looks at these two solutions.

What is Executive Search Recruitment?

Discover the world of executive search recruitment. Learn about the process, confidentiality, talent assessment, and its critical role in securing strong leadership for organisations.

News Article

What are the differences between an internal talent team vs a retained executive search partner?

Learn about the differences between an internal talent team vs a retained executive search partner in this blog that looks at these two recruitment solutions.

News Article

Providing Benchmarks Against Internal Candidates

Learn about how a retained executive search partner helps provide benchmarks against internal candidates in this article that dives into internal recruitment.

News Article

The Benefits of Working With a Boutique Executive Search Consultancy for Your SME

Learn about the benefits of working with a boutique executive search consultancy for SMEs in this article that discusses the perks these agencies offer.

News Article

The Softer Side of Leadership

As the modern workplace evolves, a successful partnership between empathy and leadership is becoming increasingly important.

News Article

Steps To Recruiting An Innovation Director

If you're looking to increase innovation within your company, it's important to have the right team in place. One of the most important roles within this team is the innovation director. This person is responsible for spearheading new initiatives and driving change within the organization.

News Article

The Number 1 Thing Leaders Can Do To Retain Talent

As any business leader knows, retaining top talent is essential to success. Not only do high-performing employees contribute to the bottom line, but they also help to create a positive working environment and set the tone for the rest of the team. So what is it leaders can do to retain talent?

News Article

Have you ever been too scared to make that career move?

Will the grass be any greener on the other side? This is what I asked myself!! Making that career move can be daunting, and it was for me.... But how will you know if it was worth it if you let fear take over and don't just go for it? I recently overcame my fears and changed careers; this is something I thought I would never have the guts to do!

News Article

You will invest in professional service firms, why wouldn’t you invest in executive search?

Every business leader is regularly faced with important decisions regarding their workforce. Ensuring that you have the best available individual, working in the correct environment, is an essential part of delivering wider business strategy. However, while a large proportion of decision makers will invest in professional service firms to optimise efficiency, solve problems and in turn aid strategy delivery, most do not feel comfortable investing in an executive search partner to deliver a better team. This is central to delivering strategy so why is the investment such a difficult decision?

News Article

What are the benefits of Executive Search?

Recruiting top candidates is tougher in today's economy as businesses compete for talent in a post-COVID world. To stand out, using the best recruitment methods is crucial to attract the talent you need to succeed.

News Article

The Future of Cyber is…A Struggle to Find Talent!

Recently we have seen a number of high-profile cyber-attacks involving ransomware and with these forms of attacks increasing, a warning from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has urged businesses to increase their defences. It is crucial that this increase in defence starts with ensuring the right culture and talent is in place.

News Article

What Is the Future of Executive Search?

As time moves on and technology advances, we can't help but wonder what the future holds for us. In this case, the recruitment industry as a whole is being questioned as more and more people begin to use online options rather than traditional “analog” toolkits. What's important to know is that it isn't just any company using digital methods of looking for new employees. Today, it is mainly large corporations that have access to significant budgets to invest in their recruitment strategies, mostly using digital options for online advertising, social media campaigns and their general hiring process.

News Article

Why Invest, Retain and Partner a Headhunter rather than a Traditional Recruiter

I spend so much of my working life banging this drum! Yes it benefits me, as I look for my clients to invest and retain me - but what really drives it is a desire for organisations to receive the best possible service and subsequently the best possible talent. I cringe when I see so much "recruiter bashing" on LinkedIn, granted on occasion its deserved, but often I can’t help but feel it comes as a direct result of a professional relationship that is built on the wrong foundations.

News Article

Why invest in a Headhunter before they successfully recruit a role for you?

A headhunter is a company or individual that works on behalf of an employer to help recruit exceptional talent. Companies invest in headhunters to find talented people who fit specific job requirements. Headhunters are also known as executive recruiters, and the service they provide is typically referred to as executive search. Some head-hunters are very specialist in the industry they partner and can work from a “black book” meaning they probably know the potential candidates needed by their clients. Other head-hunters provide a robust and bespoke service to research and engage with required candidates.

News Article

In Todays War on Talent Counter-Offers are Increasing - This is How Our Clients Sidestep Them

As the fight on talent continues to place pressure on businesses to secure and retain the best individuals, counter offers are a sure fire tactic being used. Lets face it, no one particularly likes this as a situation. In fact it’s darn right ugly.

Two men looking at a tablet talking News Article

6 key elements in Executive Coaching

This blog looks at some of the crucial ingredients and 6 key elements that will help to distinguish what executive coaching should be and assess when it is a valuable intervention.

News Article

Executive Search - A Cost or Investment?

Is hiring an executive search firm an expense or a strategic investment? Let's explore the true value of executive search in today's competitive market

Together written on chalk board News Article

Why Companies Should Move from Working with Contingency Recruiters to Partnering Executive Search Specialists?

We have explored some frustrations of working with contingency recruiters and why you should partner with executive search specialists

Night sky with stars News Article

Looking for The Best Talent? Then Acquire Instead of Recruiting

Exploring how companies need to adapt and implement a recruitment strategy to find the right candidates for the role

News Article

Recruit from Within or be Brave and Attract from Outside?

Exploring the benefits of recruiting from within your company and from outside the company

Artificial intelligence News Article

Barriers to the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence within the Manufacturing Industry

Doug Mackay explores the barriers to adoption of AI within the manufacturing industry

View more

"Who are the top Executive Search firms" is a regular search term on Google but WHY?

In this article, we explore what executive search entails, who the big names in the industry are, and discuss the benefits of opting for smaller or "boutique" executive search firms over the big global brands such as Korn Ferry or Heidrick & Struggles.

Looking to partner with an Executive Search firm? I bet you’re not asking these essential questions!

In this article, Mark Goldsmith shares his first-hand experience of being compared against another executive search firm for a crucial leadership role, highlighting the critical importance of asking key questions to ensure successful candidate engagement and recruitment outcomes.

When should you use the services of an Executive Search Firm?

From securing top-tier executive talent to navigating specialised industries and conducting confidential searches, here's a comprehensive guide to when and why engaging a Headhunter might be the optimal solution for your recruitment needs.

Aligning Stakeholder Expectations

This article explores a strategic approach to aligning stakeholder expectations for a senior hire before beginning the Executive Search process.

The Value of Face to Face Briefing Meetings

Discover the power of in-person or face to face meetings for the briefing phase of an executive search process and why it adds value to both the client and Executive Search partner.

Rebuilding Trust: Executive Search Partners and the Art of Nurturing Client Relationships

Navigating the intricate landscape of executive search partnerships demands more than just matching candidates to roles—it requires cultivating and sustaining trust. Explore the art of fostering client relationships, from initial engagement to rebuilding fractured trust, as executive search partners share insights and strategies for success.

The Top 10 Ways to Get the Best Value from your Executive Search Partner

Attracting and securing top talent is crucial for the future growth and success of any business in today’s competitive market. Partnering with an Executive Search company to identify exceptional candidates can provide a strategic advantage. In this article, we discuss the top 10 ways to get the best value from your Executive Search Partner.

Top 10 Tips for HR Leaders Dealing with Hiring Freezes

Hiring Freezes have been a common language in various industries for at least the last 12 months and predictions expect them to continue for some time yet. Whilst they convey a negative situation, HR Leaders can actually embrace them to the benefit of their organisation providing they consider the following Top 10 Tips...

What is Headhunting?

Learn what Headhunting is in this article that looks at this specialised form of recruitment, including the benefits it provides and real-world applications.

When should you start recruiting a Board or Senior Level appointment?

This article explores some realistic scenarios to help you make the difficult decision on when to start the hiring process.

Introducing our new partnership with Talentor International

Doug Mackay sits with Manto Antoniotti Solares from Talentor International. Read below to see what they disucssed.

What are the 20 questions you should ask a potential new Executive Search partner to ensure they are right for your business?

20 questions to help you evaluate a potential new Executive Search partner's capabilities, expertise, and alignment with your organisation's needs.

Are Headhunters Worth It?

In the competitive field of talent acquisition, headhunters play a crucial role in securing top candidates for organisations. This article explores the unique benefits headhunters bring, and discusses whether their services are worth the investment.

Very exciting news that will benefit all our clients!

Collingwood Executive Search is now a part of Talentor International, one of the world’s top 40 executive search networks and a leading global recruitment and leadership development organisation.

Executive Search vs. Contingency Recruiters

Learn the importance of choosing between an executive search partner or database contingency recruiter in this article that looks at these two solutions.

What is Executive Search Recruitment?

Discover the world of executive search recruitment. Learn about the process, confidentiality, talent assessment, and its critical role in securing strong leadership for organisations.

What are the differences between an internal talent team vs a retained executive search partner?

Learn about the differences between an internal talent team vs a retained executive search partner in this blog that looks at these two recruitment solutions.

Providing Benchmarks Against Internal Candidates

Learn about how a retained executive search partner helps provide benchmarks against internal candidates in this article that dives into internal recruitment.

The Benefits of Working With a Boutique Executive Search Consultancy for Your SME

Learn about the benefits of working with a boutique executive search consultancy for SMEs in this article that discusses the perks these agencies offer.

The Softer Side of Leadership

As the modern workplace evolves, a successful partnership between empathy and leadership is becoming increasingly important.

Steps To Recruiting An Innovation Director

If you're looking to increase innovation within your company, it's important to have the right team in place. One of the most important roles within this team is the innovation director. This person is responsible for spearheading new initiatives and driving change within the organization.

The Number 1 Thing Leaders Can Do To Retain Talent

As any business leader knows, retaining top talent is essential to success. Not only do high-performing employees contribute to the bottom line, but they also help to create a positive working environment and set the tone for the rest of the team. So what is it leaders can do to retain talent?

Have you ever been too scared to make that career move?

Will the grass be any greener on the other side? This is what I asked myself!! Making that career move can be daunting, and it was for me.... But how will you know if it was worth it if you let fear take over and don't just go for it? I recently overcame my fears and changed careers; this is something I thought I would never have the guts to do!

You will invest in professional service firms, why wouldn’t you invest in executive search?

Every business leader is regularly faced with important decisions regarding their workforce. Ensuring that you have the best available individual, working in the correct environment, is an essential part of delivering wider business strategy. However, while a large proportion of decision makers will invest in professional service firms to optimise efficiency, solve problems and in turn aid strategy delivery, most do not feel comfortable investing in an executive search partner to deliver a better team. This is central to delivering strategy so why is the investment such a difficult decision?

What are the benefits of Executive Search?

Recruiting top candidates is tougher in today's economy as businesses compete for talent in a post-COVID world. To stand out, using the best recruitment methods is crucial to attract the talent you need to succeed.

The Future of Cyber is…A Struggle to Find Talent!

Recently we have seen a number of high-profile cyber-attacks involving ransomware and with these forms of attacks increasing, a warning from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has urged businesses to increase their defences. It is crucial that this increase in defence starts with ensuring the right culture and talent is in place.

What Is the Future of Executive Search?

As time moves on and technology advances, we can't help but wonder what the future holds for us. In this case, the recruitment industry as a whole is being questioned as more and more people begin to use online options rather than traditional “analog” toolkits. What's important to know is that it isn't just any company using digital methods of looking for new employees. Today, it is mainly large corporations that have access to significant budgets to invest in their recruitment strategies, mostly using digital options for online advertising, social media campaigns and their general hiring process.

Why Invest, Retain and Partner a Headhunter rather than a Traditional Recruiter

I spend so much of my working life banging this drum! Yes it benefits me, as I look for my clients to invest and retain me - but what really drives it is a desire for organisations to receive the best possible service and subsequently the best possible talent. I cringe when I see so much "recruiter bashing" on LinkedIn, granted on occasion its deserved, but often I can’t help but feel it comes as a direct result of a professional relationship that is built on the wrong foundations.

Why invest in a Headhunter before they successfully recruit a role for you?

A headhunter is a company or individual that works on behalf of an employer to help recruit exceptional talent. Companies invest in headhunters to find talented people who fit specific job requirements. Headhunters are also known as executive recruiters, and the service they provide is typically referred to as executive search. Some head-hunters are very specialist in the industry they partner and can work from a “black book” meaning they probably know the potential candidates needed by their clients. Other head-hunters provide a robust and bespoke service to research and engage with required candidates.

In Todays War on Talent Counter-Offers are Increasing - This is How Our Clients Sidestep Them

As the fight on talent continues to place pressure on businesses to secure and retain the best individuals, counter offers are a sure fire tactic being used. Lets face it, no one particularly likes this as a situation. In fact it’s darn right ugly.

6 key elements in Executive Coaching

This blog looks at some of the crucial ingredients and 6 key elements that will help to distinguish what executive coaching should be and assess when it is a valuable intervention.

Executive Search - A Cost or Investment?

Is hiring an executive search firm an expense or a strategic investment? Let's explore the true value of executive search in today's competitive market

Why Companies Should Move from Working with Contingency Recruiters to Partnering Executive Search Specialists?

We have explored some frustrations of working with contingency recruiters and why you should partner with executive search specialists

Looking for The Best Talent? Then Acquire Instead of Recruiting

Exploring how companies need to adapt and implement a recruitment strategy to find the right candidates for the role

Recruit from Within or be Brave and Attract from Outside?

Exploring the benefits of recruiting from within your company and from outside the company

Barriers to the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence within the Manufacturing Industry

Doug Mackay explores the barriers to adoption of AI within the manufacturing industry

Downloads / Guides

Pink panel News Article

A Headhunting Guide

Pink panel News Article

Employee Wellbeing Guide

Pink panel News Article

Guide to Recruiting International Talent

Pink panel News Article

A Guide to Talent Pipelining

Pink panel News Article

Factors of Being a Good Leader

Pink panel News Article

How to Build a Compelling Employer Brand

Pink panel News Article

A Job Seekers Guide

Pink panel News Article

How to Attract High Performing Talent: Moneyball Guide

Pink panel News Article

How to Brief your Executive Search Partner

View more

A Headhunting Guide

Employee Wellbeing Guide

Guide to Recruiting International Talent

A Guide to Talent Pipelining

Factors of Being a Good Leader

How to Build a Compelling Employer Brand

A Job Seekers Guide

How to Attract High Performing Talent: Moneyball Guide

How to Brief your Executive Search Partner

Board Insights

News Article

Succeeding the Founder: How to Assess Both Internal and External Options

Succession planning is a crucial part of ensuring longevity and continuing success for any business. When it comes to founder succession, the stakes likely seem, and are, a lot higher. Founders are the living embodiment of the culture, vision and direction of the company, which inevitably makes replacing them a much more complicated task.

News Article

Executive Succession Planning Framework & Advice

Following on from my previous article around the trends we are likely to see for 2025, I felt it may be pertinent to share some guidance around succession planning as some companies will be acutely aware that they need to reorganise their leadership committees.

News Article

What Leadership Development Trends are we likely to see in 2025?

In 2024 the market has been a little slower than in previous years, this has seen a lot of leaders take stock of their current leadership committees and it seems to now be more prominent than ever that they consider how to provide more support. From our discussions we have been tracking these trends and considering what we are likely to see come to fruition next year, here are the 5 key points we have conferred on the most:

News Article

Partnering with a New Client: How an Executive Search Firm Can Help Shape the Ideal Hire

Over the years, I've had the opportunity to work with many organisations that come to us not entirely sure about what they need from a new hire, especially at the executive level. Recently, I partnered with a client who had a broad vision but struggled to define the exact profile for the leadership role they needed to fill. It’s a common challenge as many companies know they need someone who can inspire, lead and deliver results, but defining what that should actually look like in practice can be difficult.

News Article

Generation Z in the workplace and the threats that they may pose for our future

Gen Z’s age range is debatable but according to most, they fall between 1997 and 2010. So, over the next decade they will become an increasing feature in the working population of our world. This then causes the older generations to wonder, how are Gen Z going to affect the future of careers and how will they face becoming earning citizens?

News Article

What is the True Cost of a Mismatched Executive Hire?

Hiring the right executive is critical to a company's success, but a poor fit can be costly in ways that go far beyond salary. Understanding the true cost of such a mistake highlights the importance of getting leadership decisions right the first time. This article produced by Chris Mayers discusses the issue in further detail.

News Article

Debunking Myths Surrounding Executive Search

Executive search is a crucial function for organisations that are seeking top-tier talent for their business. However, despite its importance, the field is often shrouded in misconceptions that can cloud judgment and lead to missed opportunities.

News Article

Why Should Someone work for your Organisation?

Attracting top talent has never been more challenging. Recently, I had insightful conversations with leaders from a data consultancy and a manufacturing business, both focused on how to stand out as the employer of choice. This blog explores the importance of a compelling Employer Value Proposition (EVP) and how it can make or break your ability to attract the best candidates. Discover why a strong EVP is essential in today's competitive market and how to craft one that resonates with top talent.

News Article

Top tips for standing out during an interview process

In a competitive job market, standing out during an interview is crucial to securing the role you want. This article offers top tips to help you leave a lasting impression and increase your chances of success, whether you're an experienced professional or just starting out.

News Article

Understanding the Candidate Journey in Recruitment: A Researcher’s Perspective

The recruitment process is a journey that both candidates and recruiters embark on together. As a researcher, my role is to connect candidates with hiring teams, ensuring the right talent is identified, engaged, and smoothly guided through the recruitment process. Understanding the candidate journey is key to creating a positive experience for both the candidate and the company. Here’s how I see the candidate journey from my perspective.

News Article

When Should you Start the Hiring Process for Board or Senior Level Appointments?

As an executive search firm specialising in Board and Senior level roles, we often get asked by our clients, “When should we start the recruitment process?” The answer to this question is crucial, as the timing of initiating a search can significantly impact the success of the hire and the overall stability of the organisation. Here are some scenarios where we advise starting the hiring process:

News Article

Ensuring Successful Executive Hires: Optimising the Offer Stage

I discussed the importance of executive search and the candidate journey, emphasizing the risks of losing a candidate at the offer stage due to compensation issues. Trusting your Executive Search Partner to manage this stage can prevent costly setbacks. Understanding candidate motivations is crucial for a successful hire

News Article

What Does an Executive Search Process Look Like?

Each executive search assignment is unique, influenced by factors such as the role, location, seniority level, industry, and the current talent market. While these variables can affect the process's length and specific activities, a structured approach is essential for a successful outcome. Rushing through the process can result in missed opportunities, while prolonged searches can lead to candidate disinterest. Below is an outline of a formal executive search process.

News Article

Overcoming Challenges in Niche Hires: The Relentless Drive of Retained Recruiters

In today's competitive job market, securing the right talent for highly specialised roles is no easy feat. When the search is niche and the requirements are stringent, organisations turn to retained recruiters for their unparalleled expertise and tenacity. These professionals are adept at tackling difficult hires, navigating obstacles with a relentless drive that ensures success.

News Article

Employees leave companies for various reasons, but some common factors include:

Discover the various reasons why employees decide to leave their companies. This article discusses the contributing factors driving employee turnover, from lack of growth opportunities and inadequate compensation to poor management and work-life balance issues.

News Article

Running an Effective Recruitment Project: A Data-Driven and Collaborative Approach

Running an effective recruitment project is all about leveraging data and fostering close collaboration between the recruiter and the company. This method is essential for multiple reasons, ranging from data-driven decision making to alignment with business goals. By integrating these elements, the recruitment process can be optimised to achieve better outcomes.

News Article

The Importance of Consistent Communication between Client and Consultant during a Headhunt

At Collingwood, we review each headhunt to identify successes and areas for improvement. Consistent communication between client and consultant is crucial for success. This article explores how regular communication enhances the recruitment process, from initial briefings to candidate engagement and trust-building.

News Article

The Importance of Consistent Communication throughout the Recruitment Process

With any headhunt we take on here at Collingwood, one thing that we will always ensure is a constant throughout is communication with candidates that are in the interview process. Efficient communication not only has a positive impact on the employer brand but also proves crucial in the attraction and retention of top talent. In this article, we explore the reasons why maintaining regular contact with candidates throughout the recruitment process is hugely important for the outcome of the headhunt.

People with hands holding jigsaw pieces News Article

The Crucial Role of Listening to Your Executive Search Partner

In the ever-evolving and competitive field of executive recruitment, the significance of listening to your executive search partner is paramount. This collaborative method is crucial for numerous reasons that collectively ensure the successful hiring of top-tier leadership talent.

News Article

What value can be added through Executive Search

Executive search, or headhunting, specializes in recruiting senior executives. We focus on industries like Building Products, Healthcare and Technology. Helping businesses find top talent such as Managing Directors and CEOs. Callum discusses the benefits below:

News Article

Why is Building a Diverse and Inclusive Leadership Team essential in gaining a Competitive Edge?

Within the fast-paced Business Environment we experience today, the need for diversity and inclusion (D&I) are crucial for business success. This piece highlights extensively that diverse leadership teams are more innovative, agile, and profitable.

News Article

Why Face-to-Face Meetings with Clients and Candidates Outweigh Virtual Interactions

The article asserts that face-to-face meetings build stronger connections, trust, and clarity than virtual meetings. It notes the benefits of virtual meetings but prefers in-person interactions when possible.

"Who are the top Executive Search firms" is a regular search term on Google but WHY?

In this article, we explore what executive search entails, who the big names in the industry are, and discuss the benefits of opting for smaller or "boutique" executive search firms over the big global brands such as Korn Ferry or Heidrick & Struggles.

News Article

Navigating Recruitment in the UK

A Guide for International Businesses Looking to Set up or Grow a Company in the UK

News Article

Looking to partner with an Executive Search firm? I bet you’re not asking these essential questions!

In this article, Mark Goldsmith shares his first-hand experience of being compared against another executive search firm for a crucial leadership role, highlighting the critical importance of asking key questions to ensure successful candidate engagement and recruitment outcomes.

News Article

My views on Hybrid Working - What I know from the clients we are working with

I was asked by the VP HR EMEA for one of our industrial technology clients, "what is your view on hybrid working? What are other companies doing?"

8 Ways to maximise your return when investing in an Executive Search partner

Far too often we receive enquiries from companies in distress because they have a critical role they need to recruit but can't. They have usually done everything to attract their sought after candidate and have failed with each. They then think Executive Search is their golden ticket to success. They don't really want to retain or invest in an Executive Search Consultancy but feel they haven't been left with any other option and so decide to go for it. They feel like they are putting a lot of money on red on a roulette wheel.

News Article

Why Are Companies Really Struggling to Entice, Engage and Appoint the Talent They Desperately Need?

It is no secret that companies are struggling to find the talent they need. Vacancies are at an all-time high and the high-calibre talent required to fill these positions is increasingly becoming more difficult to entice. So why are companies having such a difficult time enticing, engaging, and appointing the talent they so desperately need?

News Article

Do you actually save any money when you recruit through low-cost methods?

If you’ve ever tried recruiting through low-cost methods, then you know that there is a time and place for it. Sometimes these low-cost methods are all that is needed to find the perfect candidate. But what if they are not enough? What if your company needs someone with a specific expertise that is critical to the success of your business?

News Article

What Is the Future of Executive Search?

As time moves on and technology advances, we can't help but wonder what the future holds for us. In this case, the recruitment industry as a whole is being questioned as more and more people begin to use online options rather than traditional “analog” toolkits. What's important to know is that it isn't just any company using digital methods of looking for new employees. Today, it is mainly large corporations that have access to significant budgets to invest in their recruitment strategies, mostly using digital options for online advertising, social media campaigns and their general hiring process.

News Article

Have you Created a Recruitment Process or a Candidate Experience?

I recently watched a great chat between Google Dave and Hung Lee at the Brainfood gathering and they discussed candidate experience over recruitment process. We all know that it is currently really tough to find the talent we all need to satisfy job vacancies and enable our businesses to deliver the exciting growth opportunities we have. However, it seems that MOST companies are still running a recruitment process based on their needs rather than creating a candidate experience that will motivate high calibre talent to want to be involved.

News Article

What outcome are you expecting if you make recruitment decisions based on a CV?

I am forever stunned how many senior leaders make a decisive judgment about a potential new employee based on a CV. Why would you do that and especially if you are investing in a recruitment partner to find the talent your company desperately needs?

News Article

8 Qualities to Look for in a Great Recruitment Partner

Selecting a great recruitment partner is critical to the success of any recruitment you are investing in. Get it wrong and it could be very costly. Get it right and it could be a key partnership that fuels and enables your growth strategy.

Chimpanzee Seated At Typewriter News Article

The Chimp Inside: Maintaining Productivity Whilst Working From Home

Let me introduce you to that voice inside your head: that voice would be your “limbic system” otherwise known as our inner chimp, as described by Professor Steve Peters.

News Article

Together is definitely better - building an aspirational client portfolio

"Together is better" and this reminded me of our love for Simon Sinek at a time when we were debating the purpose of our business!

News Article

How values-led companies are attracted to one another!

We use our values to recruit into Collingwood which has produced a fantastic team that are all aligned, share the same purpose, share the same care for one another as well as our external stakeholders.

News Article

Why You Must Select the Right Executive Coach for You

Coaching is likely to take you out of your comfort zone and is not about working with someone that won''t challenge you or that you feel comfortable with because they will say all the right things and make you feel good.

News Article

Why being a values-led business is so important to Collingwood

We have always been a values-led company at Collingwood and a few years ago we decided that we wanted a client portfolio that aligned to these.

person holdering tablet pointing at laptop News Article

How Can Executive Coaching Help to Accelerate People, Performance and Profits?

We are experts in providing executive coaching to meet several business needs including performance optimisation, change management, succession and career transitioning or on-boarding

Person writting in notebook with laptop open News Article

Is Executive Coaching a Cost or an Investment?

Executive and leadership coaching has grown in popularity and practice over the past few decades. The role of an executive has arguably become more complex and the levels of volatility, uncertainty, and ambiguity have risen globally.

Two men looking at a tablet talking News Article

6 key elements in Executive Coaching

This blog looks at some of the crucial ingredients and 6 key elements that will help to distinguish what executive coaching should be and assess when it is a valuable intervention.

News Article

A Route to Strategic Sales Leadership

Peter Drucker, the well know management and leadership consultant suggests that “management is doing things right” whereas “leadership is doing the right things”.

Laptop displaying graphs and someone holding a tablet with a calendar News Article

How to predict sales success

If there is one area of a company that requires rigorous and effective recruitment, selection and development then surely it is sales.

ropes up a cliff with a person ahead climbing News Article

How does coaching differ from consulting, mentoring and training

There is often confusion around the overlap between these four approaches to learning and personal development

News Article

Key Elements of an Effective Search and Selection Process

Our research indicates that an evidence-based focus on the 7 key aspects of the executive search and selection process will improve its quality, and support the achievement of high-performance outcomes.

Tree with lighting striking it News Article

4 key leadership principles to manage change

We’ve been reflecting on how leaders should respond to the disruptive nature of VUCA change and, in doing so, engaged with the VUCA prime model

News Article

Five Key Psychological Roles of a High Performing Executive Team

A large part of an executive team’s working week involves ‘firefighting’ activity, reacting to unplanned events, crises and problem issues. This can be as much as 40% but certainly is rarely below 20%.

News Article

Characteristics of a Purpose Driven Leader

What makes a purpose driven leader? Research has identified these 10 key personal characteristics which are required to define todays purpose driven leaders

News Article

How to Deal with Board Effectiveness - Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity

Volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) are now inherent in business. The business landscape has changed significantly over the past 10 years and is continuing to do so at an accelerated rate, driven by a rapid change in the global economy, technology advancements, and cultural diversity.

News Article

How to Achieve 400% Higher Revenues

What’s your company’s core purpose? Do you know why your company exists, rather than what it does or how it does it?

Footsteps in the sand News Article

How to develop your leadership succession strategy

A leadership succession strategy is a process for identifying and developing internal people with the potential to fill key business leadership positions in the company

Office tower blocks with sky News Article

4 Factors that Truly Distinguish 'High Potentials' from the Pack

Douglas Ready, Professor of Organizational Behaviour at London Business School, has undertaken research on high-potentials. His results showed that the top 3% to 5% of talent can be defined as ‘high potential’, with intangible factors that truly distinguish them from the pack

News Article

What are the top qualities of an outstanding Finance Director?

Today’s finance directors are striving to contribute more to organisational performance, and FDs have emerged as much more rounded, commercial and strategic business leaders than the traditional role of ‘scorekeeper’ of yesteryear.

News Article

10 Key Factors Of A Good Leader

Ensuring that your business has strong leaders with the correct leadership skills is crucial to being successful. Without a clear vision or a strong leadership to keep your business on track, you are unfortunately not likely to achieve your aspirations and the dreams you have set. Your senior team may already possess many of the innate leadership qualities below. We have used behavioural and leadership profiling by Thomas International and Hogan Assessments to provide an accurate insight into how people behave at work, answering questions such as: what are their strengths and limitations? How do they communicate? Are they self-starters? Are they leaders? And what motivates them? How do they act under pressure?

Together written on chalk board News Article

Why Companies Should Move from Working with Contingency Recruiters to Partnering Executive Search Specialists?

We have explored some frustrations of working with contingency recruiters and why you should partner with executive search specialists

Think outside the box News Article

Why do Companies Believe that Contingency Recruiters Proactively Headhunt for them?

We have explored why companies should work with a proactive executive search partner rather than a contingency recruiter

Cludo pieces News Article

Key Factors You Should Consider When Recruiting A Sales Director

Are you looking to hire a Sales Director or Sales Leader? Costly mistakes are often made in the hiring process due to lack of initial input in working out what you require. Get it right first time! Collingwood Executive Search have put together this helpful guide - 12 key factors you should consider when recruiting a Sales Director, which will help you make the right decisions before you start your hiring process.

Book open with fairy lights on top News Article

Storytelling is Far More Effective than Glossy Employer Branding

ERE.net have published a report by entrepreneur Alon Laniado on employer branding which really resonates with my experience as a head-hunter. Here are some tips to improve your story brand

silhouettes of people with one in spotlight News Article

A Robust Recruitment Process that isn’t Only Relevant for Board Roles!!

There is a misconception that executive search is a recruitment process relevant for only hiring board level roles. It is, in fact, a robust recruitment process that adds values to a range of roles up and down the hierarchical ladder

Night sky with stars News Article

Looking for The Best Talent? Then Acquire Instead of Recruiting

Exploring how companies need to adapt and implement a recruitment strategy to find the right candidates for the role

View more

Succeeding the Founder: How to Assess Both Internal and External Options

Succession planning is a crucial part of ensuring longevity and continuing success for any business. When it comes to founder succession, the stakes likely seem, and are, a lot higher. Founders are the living embodiment of the culture, vision and direction of the company, which inevitably makes replacing them a much more complicated task.

Executive Succession Planning Framework & Advice

Following on from my previous article around the trends we are likely to see for 2025, I felt it may be pertinent to share some guidance around succession planning as some companies will be acutely aware that they need to reorganise their leadership committees.

What Leadership Development Trends are we likely to see in 2025?

In 2024 the market has been a little slower than in previous years, this has seen a lot of leaders take stock of their current leadership committees and it seems to now be more prominent than ever that they consider how to provide more support. From our discussions we have been tracking these trends and considering what we are likely to see come to fruition next year, here are the 5 key points we have conferred on the most:

Partnering with a New Client: How an Executive Search Firm Can Help Shape the Ideal Hire

Over the years, I've had the opportunity to work with many organisations that come to us not entirely sure about what they need from a new hire, especially at the executive level. Recently, I partnered with a client who had a broad vision but struggled to define the exact profile for the leadership role they needed to fill. It’s a common challenge as many companies know they need someone who can inspire, lead and deliver results, but defining what that should actually look like in practice can be difficult.

Generation Z in the workplace and the threats that they may pose for our future

Gen Z’s age range is debatable but according to most, they fall between 1997 and 2010. So, over the next decade they will become an increasing feature in the working population of our world. This then causes the older generations to wonder, how are Gen Z going to affect the future of careers and how will they face becoming earning citizens?

What is the True Cost of a Mismatched Executive Hire?

Hiring the right executive is critical to a company's success, but a poor fit can be costly in ways that go far beyond salary. Understanding the true cost of such a mistake highlights the importance of getting leadership decisions right the first time. This article produced by Chris Mayers discusses the issue in further detail.

Debunking Myths Surrounding Executive Search

Executive search is a crucial function for organisations that are seeking top-tier talent for their business. However, despite its importance, the field is often shrouded in misconceptions that can cloud judgment and lead to missed opportunities.

Why Should Someone work for your Organisation?

Attracting top talent has never been more challenging. Recently, I had insightful conversations with leaders from a data consultancy and a manufacturing business, both focused on how to stand out as the employer of choice. This blog explores the importance of a compelling Employer Value Proposition (EVP) and how it can make or break your ability to attract the best candidates. Discover why a strong EVP is essential in today's competitive market and how to craft one that resonates with top talent.

Top tips for standing out during an interview process

In a competitive job market, standing out during an interview is crucial to securing the role you want. This article offers top tips to help you leave a lasting impression and increase your chances of success, whether you're an experienced professional or just starting out.

Understanding the Candidate Journey in Recruitment: A Researcher’s Perspective

The recruitment process is a journey that both candidates and recruiters embark on together. As a researcher, my role is to connect candidates with hiring teams, ensuring the right talent is identified, engaged, and smoothly guided through the recruitment process. Understanding the candidate journey is key to creating a positive experience for both the candidate and the company. Here’s how I see the candidate journey from my perspective.

When Should you Start the Hiring Process for Board or Senior Level Appointments?

As an executive search firm specialising in Board and Senior level roles, we often get asked by our clients, “When should we start the recruitment process?” The answer to this question is crucial, as the timing of initiating a search can significantly impact the success of the hire and the overall stability of the organisation. Here are some scenarios where we advise starting the hiring process:

Ensuring Successful Executive Hires: Optimising the Offer Stage

I discussed the importance of executive search and the candidate journey, emphasizing the risks of losing a candidate at the offer stage due to compensation issues. Trusting your Executive Search Partner to manage this stage can prevent costly setbacks. Understanding candidate motivations is crucial for a successful hire

What Does an Executive Search Process Look Like?

Each executive search assignment is unique, influenced by factors such as the role, location, seniority level, industry, and the current talent market. While these variables can affect the process's length and specific activities, a structured approach is essential for a successful outcome. Rushing through the process can result in missed opportunities, while prolonged searches can lead to candidate disinterest. Below is an outline of a formal executive search process.

Overcoming Challenges in Niche Hires: The Relentless Drive of Retained Recruiters

In today's competitive job market, securing the right talent for highly specialised roles is no easy feat. When the search is niche and the requirements are stringent, organisations turn to retained recruiters for their unparalleled expertise and tenacity. These professionals are adept at tackling difficult hires, navigating obstacles with a relentless drive that ensures success.

Employees leave companies for various reasons, but some common factors include:

Discover the various reasons why employees decide to leave their companies. This article discusses the contributing factors driving employee turnover, from lack of growth opportunities and inadequate compensation to poor management and work-life balance issues.

Running an Effective Recruitment Project: A Data-Driven and Collaborative Approach

Running an effective recruitment project is all about leveraging data and fostering close collaboration between the recruiter and the company. This method is essential for multiple reasons, ranging from data-driven decision making to alignment with business goals. By integrating these elements, the recruitment process can be optimised to achieve better outcomes.

The Importance of Consistent Communication between Client and Consultant during a Headhunt

At Collingwood, we review each headhunt to identify successes and areas for improvement. Consistent communication between client and consultant is crucial for success. This article explores how regular communication enhances the recruitment process, from initial briefings to candidate engagement and trust-building.

The Importance of Consistent Communication throughout the Recruitment Process

With any headhunt we take on here at Collingwood, one thing that we will always ensure is a constant throughout is communication with candidates that are in the interview process. Efficient communication not only has a positive impact on the employer brand but also proves crucial in the attraction and retention of top talent. In this article, we explore the reasons why maintaining regular contact with candidates throughout the recruitment process is hugely important for the outcome of the headhunt.

The Crucial Role of Listening to Your Executive Search Partner

In the ever-evolving and competitive field of executive recruitment, the significance of listening to your executive search partner is paramount. This collaborative method is crucial for numerous reasons that collectively ensure the successful hiring of top-tier leadership talent.

What value can be added through Executive Search

Executive search, or headhunting, specializes in recruiting senior executives. We focus on industries like Building Products, Healthcare and Technology. Helping businesses find top talent such as Managing Directors and CEOs. Callum discusses the benefits below:

Why is Building a Diverse and Inclusive Leadership Team essential in gaining a Competitive Edge?

Within the fast-paced Business Environment we experience today, the need for diversity and inclusion (D&I) are crucial for business success. This piece highlights extensively that diverse leadership teams are more innovative, agile, and profitable.

Why Face-to-Face Meetings with Clients and Candidates Outweigh Virtual Interactions

The article asserts that face-to-face meetings build stronger connections, trust, and clarity than virtual meetings. It notes the benefits of virtual meetings but prefers in-person interactions when possible.

"Who are the top Executive Search firms" is a regular search term on Google but WHY?

In this article, we explore what executive search entails, who the big names in the industry are, and discuss the benefits of opting for smaller or "boutique" executive search firms over the big global brands such as Korn Ferry or Heidrick & Struggles.

Navigating Recruitment in the UK

A Guide for International Businesses Looking to Set up or Grow a Company in the UK

Looking to partner with an Executive Search firm? I bet you’re not asking these essential questions!

In this article, Mark Goldsmith shares his first-hand experience of being compared against another executive search firm for a crucial leadership role, highlighting the critical importance of asking key questions to ensure successful candidate engagement and recruitment outcomes.

My views on Hybrid Working - What I know from the clients we are working with

I was asked by the VP HR EMEA for one of our industrial technology clients, "what is your view on hybrid working? What are other companies doing?"

8 Ways to maximise your return when investing in an Executive Search partner

Far too often we receive enquiries from companies in distress because they have a critical role they need to recruit but can't. They have usually done everything to attract their sought after candidate and have failed with each. They then think Executive Search is their golden ticket to success. They don't really want to retain or invest in an Executive Search Consultancy but feel they haven't been left with any other option and so decide to go for it. They feel like they are putting a lot of money on red on a roulette wheel.

Why Are Companies Really Struggling to Entice, Engage and Appoint the Talent They Desperately Need?

It is no secret that companies are struggling to find the talent they need. Vacancies are at an all-time high and the high-calibre talent required to fill these positions is increasingly becoming more difficult to entice. So why are companies having such a difficult time enticing, engaging, and appointing the talent they so desperately need?

Do you actually save any money when you recruit through low-cost methods?

If you’ve ever tried recruiting through low-cost methods, then you know that there is a time and place for it. Sometimes these low-cost methods are all that is needed to find the perfect candidate. But what if they are not enough? What if your company needs someone with a specific expertise that is critical to the success of your business?

What Is the Future of Executive Search?

As time moves on and technology advances, we can't help but wonder what the future holds for us. In this case, the recruitment industry as a whole is being questioned as more and more people begin to use online options rather than traditional “analog” toolkits. What's important to know is that it isn't just any company using digital methods of looking for new employees. Today, it is mainly large corporations that have access to significant budgets to invest in their recruitment strategies, mostly using digital options for online advertising, social media campaigns and their general hiring process.

Have you Created a Recruitment Process or a Candidate Experience?

I recently watched a great chat between Google Dave and Hung Lee at the Brainfood gathering and they discussed candidate experience over recruitment process. We all know that it is currently really tough to find the talent we all need to satisfy job vacancies and enable our businesses to deliver the exciting growth opportunities we have. However, it seems that MOST companies are still running a recruitment process based on their needs rather than creating a candidate experience that will motivate high calibre talent to want to be involved.

What outcome are you expecting if you make recruitment decisions based on a CV?

I am forever stunned how many senior leaders make a decisive judgment about a potential new employee based on a CV. Why would you do that and especially if you are investing in a recruitment partner to find the talent your company desperately needs?

8 Qualities to Look for in a Great Recruitment Partner

Selecting a great recruitment partner is critical to the success of any recruitment you are investing in. Get it wrong and it could be very costly. Get it right and it could be a key partnership that fuels and enables your growth strategy.

The Chimp Inside: Maintaining Productivity Whilst Working From Home

Let me introduce you to that voice inside your head: that voice would be your “limbic system” otherwise known as our inner chimp, as described by Professor Steve Peters.

Together is definitely better - building an aspirational client portfolio

"Together is better" and this reminded me of our love for Simon Sinek at a time when we were debating the purpose of our business!

How values-led companies are attracted to one another!

We use our values to recruit into Collingwood which has produced a fantastic team that are all aligned, share the same purpose, share the same care for one another as well as our external stakeholders.

Why You Must Select the Right Executive Coach for You

Coaching is likely to take you out of your comfort zone and is not about working with someone that won''t challenge you or that you feel comfortable with because they will say all the right things and make you feel good.

Why being a values-led business is so important to Collingwood

We have always been a values-led company at Collingwood and a few years ago we decided that we wanted a client portfolio that aligned to these.

How Can Executive Coaching Help to Accelerate People, Performance and Profits?

We are experts in providing executive coaching to meet several business needs including performance optimisation, change management, succession and career transitioning or on-boarding

Is Executive Coaching a Cost or an Investment?

Executive and leadership coaching has grown in popularity and practice over the past few decades. The role of an executive has arguably become more complex and the levels of volatility, uncertainty, and ambiguity have risen globally.

6 key elements in Executive Coaching

This blog looks at some of the crucial ingredients and 6 key elements that will help to distinguish what executive coaching should be and assess when it is a valuable intervention.

A Route to Strategic Sales Leadership

Peter Drucker, the well know management and leadership consultant suggests that “management is doing things right” whereas “leadership is doing the right things”.

How to predict sales success

If there is one area of a company that requires rigorous and effective recruitment, selection and development then surely it is sales.

How does coaching differ from consulting, mentoring and training

There is often confusion around the overlap between these four approaches to learning and personal development

Key Elements of an Effective Search and Selection Process

Our research indicates that an evidence-based focus on the 7 key aspects of the executive search and selection process will improve its quality, and support the achievement of high-performance outcomes.

4 key leadership principles to manage change

We’ve been reflecting on how leaders should respond to the disruptive nature of VUCA change and, in doing so, engaged with the VUCA prime model

Five Key Psychological Roles of a High Performing Executive Team

A large part of an executive team’s working week involves ‘firefighting’ activity, reacting to unplanned events, crises and problem issues. This can be as much as 40% but certainly is rarely below 20%.

Characteristics of a Purpose Driven Leader

What makes a purpose driven leader? Research has identified these 10 key personal characteristics which are required to define todays purpose driven leaders

How to Deal with Board Effectiveness - Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity

Volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) are now inherent in business. The business landscape has changed significantly over the past 10 years and is continuing to do so at an accelerated rate, driven by a rapid change in the global economy, technology advancements, and cultural diversity.

How to Achieve 400% Higher Revenues

What’s your company’s core purpose? Do you know why your company exists, rather than what it does or how it does it?

How to develop your leadership succession strategy

A leadership succession strategy is a process for identifying and developing internal people with the potential to fill key business leadership positions in the company

4 Factors that Truly Distinguish 'High Potentials' from the Pack

Douglas Ready, Professor of Organizational Behaviour at London Business School, has undertaken research on high-potentials. His results showed that the top 3% to 5% of talent can be defined as ‘high potential’, with intangible factors that truly distinguish them from the pack

What are the top qualities of an outstanding Finance Director?

Today’s finance directors are striving to contribute more to organisational performance, and FDs have emerged as much more rounded, commercial and strategic business leaders than the traditional role of ‘scorekeeper’ of yesteryear.

10 Key Factors Of A Good Leader

Ensuring that your business has strong leaders with the correct leadership skills is crucial to being successful. Without a clear vision or a strong leadership to keep your business on track, you are unfortunately not likely to achieve your aspirations and the dreams you have set. Your senior team may already possess many of the innate leadership qualities below. We have used behavioural and leadership profiling by Thomas International and Hogan Assessments to provide an accurate insight into how people behave at work, answering questions such as: what are their strengths and limitations? How do they communicate? Are they self-starters? Are they leaders? And what motivates them? How do they act under pressure?

Why Companies Should Move from Working with Contingency Recruiters to Partnering Executive Search Specialists?

We have explored some frustrations of working with contingency recruiters and why you should partner with executive search specialists

Why do Companies Believe that Contingency Recruiters Proactively Headhunt for them?

We have explored why companies should work with a proactive executive search partner rather than a contingency recruiter

Key Factors You Should Consider When Recruiting A Sales Director

Are you looking to hire a Sales Director or Sales Leader? Costly mistakes are often made in the hiring process due to lack of initial input in working out what you require. Get it right first time! Collingwood Executive Search have put together this helpful guide - 12 key factors you should consider when recruiting a Sales Director, which will help you make the right decisions before you start your hiring process.

Storytelling is Far More Effective than Glossy Employer Branding

ERE.net have published a report by entrepreneur Alon Laniado on employer branding which really resonates with my experience as a head-hunter. Here are some tips to improve your story brand

A Robust Recruitment Process that isn’t Only Relevant for Board Roles!!

There is a misconception that executive search is a recruitment process relevant for only hiring board level roles. It is, in fact, a robust recruitment process that adds values to a range of roles up and down the hierarchical ladder

Looking for The Best Talent? Then Acquire Instead of Recruiting

Exploring how companies need to adapt and implement a recruitment strategy to find the right candidates for the role

Videos

Case Study - Solutions Consultants, IT/OT Convergence and Industrial Automation

A global industrial automation business specialising in Mission Critical OT/IT environments. Who required 5 consultants across the US, LATAM & Canada – the first hires in a new global delivery team.

Case Study - Commercial Director, Medical Devices Product Engineering Development

Our client is a Medical Devices product design, development and engineering consultancy based in Cambridge. Having consistently grown their business over the past few decades the founders and fellow Directors were looking to strengthen the senior leadership team. There was a need to identify and hire an individual that would bring a strong business development capacity to help execute the strategy to further scale and grow the business.

Commercial Director, Cementitious Building Product Manufacturer

Manufacturing numerous cementitious based products for the construction market; to include specification, retail, housing developer, and merchant, Collingwood had already successfully partnered the wider Group, which includes household brands from within the building materials industry, in headhunting two previous directors. As a group they are market leaders across several subsectors within building products. This video case study provides an insight into the headhunting process and requirements of recruiting this senior level role within the building products industry.

5 Essential Traits of High Performing Employees

Are you looking to recruit high performing talent? Do your employees have these high performing traits?

8 Qualities to Look for When Looking for a Great Recruitment Partner

Are you looking to invest in a recruitment partner but are unsure who to choose? How do you know they will deliver what you want? If you are paying for any service, you should always be certain it adds the value you need! Failure to choose the right recruitment partner for your business is critical. You are investing in a partnership, to help you find the best candidate and talent for your business needs. Too many companies are let down by recruiters that don't provide the service they agreed, and more importantly didn't find the right candidate! This can become a costly exercise for the client and affects that level of trust between recruiter and partner. So, when it comes to finding a suitable Executive Search Firm with expertise in your sector, who has listened to your needs and expectations, it is important to establish that they possess these following qualities....

4 Factors That Truly Distinguish "High Potentials" From The Pack

A lot of our work over the past 10 years has been to help global organisations to identify and hire "high potential" leaders to accelerate the performance of their businesses. Here is a short video to highlight what we have found out so far.

Empathetic Leadership: Are you an Empathetic Leader?

Is Empathetic leadership the most important leadership skill? Empathetic leadership has become an area of increasing interest in the field of leadership studies. There is a growing belief that leadership has not only drastically changed from previous generations, but has shifted in style in more recent years. Empathetic leadership is becoming more present in our continually changing business environment. Not only does this approach in leadership demonstrate a better understanding of our changing environments and pressures of work life balance, it has a huge impact on the overall business. It is therefore critical to your business that empathy plays a key role within your leadership. So how do you know if you are an empathetic leader? We have put together a video which will help you determine if you are an empathetic leader.

Key factors to consider when recruiting a sales director

Recruiting a new sales director or sales leader for your business is probably one of the top 3 key decisions you will ever make. Get it right and your company will fly, get it wrong and it will be a very painful and costly exercise that could put your company back months or years against your strategy. Here are our key factors you should consider when recruiting a Sales Director.

10 Characteristics of a Purpose Driven Leader

What makes a purpose driven leader? It is important that your team leaders posses good leadership skills, they are imperative to the contribution of the success of your business. Poor leadership skills can result in a lack of trust, productivity and efficiency, and in some cases employee burnout. Research has identified 10 key personal characteristics of a purpose driven leader, watch this video to find out;

Case Study - Solutions Consultants, IT/OT Convergence and Industrial Automation

A global industrial automation business specialising in Mission Critical OT/IT environments. Who required 5 consultants across the US, LATAM & Canada – the first hires in a new global delivery team.

Case Study - Commercial Director, Medical Devices Product Engineering Development

Our client is a Medical Devices product design, development and engineering consultancy based in Cambridge. Having consistently grown their business over the past few decades the founders and fellow Directors were looking to strengthen the senior leadership team. There was a need to identify and hire an individual that would bring a strong business development capacity to help execute the strategy to further scale and grow the business.

Commercial Director, Cementitious Building Product Manufacturer

Manufacturing numerous cementitious based products for the construction market; to include specification, retail, housing developer, and merchant, Collingwood had already successfully partnered the wider Group, which includes household brands from within the building materials industry, in headhunting two previous directors. As a group they are market leaders across several subsectors within building products. This video case study provides an insight into the headhunting process and requirements of recruiting this senior level role within the building products industry.

5 Essential Traits of High Performing Employees

Are you looking to recruit high performing talent? Do your employees have these high performing traits?

8 Qualities to Look for When Looking for a Great Recruitment Partner

Are you looking to invest in a recruitment partner but are unsure who to choose? How do you know they will deliver what you want? If you are paying for any service, you should always be certain it adds the value you need! Failure to choose the right recruitment partner for your business is critical. You are investing in a partnership, to help you find the best candidate and talent for your business needs. Too many companies are let down by recruiters that don't provide the service they agreed, and more importantly didn't find the right candidate! This can become a costly exercise for the client and affects that level of trust between recruiter and partner. So, when it comes to finding a suitable Executive Search Firm with expertise in your sector, who has listened to your needs and expectations, it is important to establish that they possess these following qualities....

4 Factors That Truly Distinguish "High Potentials" From The Pack

A lot of our work over the past 10 years has been to help global organisations to identify and hire "high potential" leaders to accelerate the performance of their businesses. Here is a short video to highlight what we have found out so far.

Empathetic Leadership: Are you an Empathetic Leader?

Is Empathetic leadership the most important leadership skill? Empathetic leadership has become an area of increasing interest in the field of leadership studies. There is a growing belief that leadership has not only drastically changed from previous generations, but has shifted in style in more recent years. Empathetic leadership is becoming more present in our continually changing business environment. Not only does this approach in leadership demonstrate a better understanding of our changing environments and pressures of work life balance, it has a huge impact on the overall business. It is therefore critical to your business that empathy plays a key role within your leadership. So how do you know if you are an empathetic leader? We have put together a video which will help you determine if you are an empathetic leader.

Key factors to consider when recruiting a sales director

Recruiting a new sales director or sales leader for your business is probably one of the top 3 key decisions you will ever make. Get it right and your company will fly, get it wrong and it will be a very painful and costly exercise that could put your company back months or years against your strategy. Here are our key factors you should consider when recruiting a Sales Director.

10 Characteristics of a Purpose Driven Leader

What makes a purpose driven leader? It is important that your team leaders posses good leadership skills, they are imperative to the contribution of the success of your business. Poor leadership skills can result in a lack of trust, productivity and efficiency, and in some cases employee burnout. Research has identified 10 key personal characteristics of a purpose driven leader, watch this video to find out;

Recruiting & Retaining Talent

News Article

Keeping candidate engagement during a slow interview process

In today’s competitive job market, maintaining candidate engagement during slow recruitment processes is crucial. This article explores the strategies you can adopt to ensure a positive candidate experience, even during delays.

News Article

Offer Strategies to Secure Great Talent for Your Business

We write a lot about the value and benefits of executive search, as well as the employee/employer value proposition and candidate journey, but what happens at the end of that journey?

News Article

Unlocking Success: The Essential Qualities of a Top Headhunter

This article covers the key characteristics that make a good headhunter.

News Article

Looking to partner with an Executive Search firm? I bet you’re not asking these essential questions!

In this article, Mark Goldsmith shares his first-hand experience of being compared against another executive search firm for a crucial leadership role, highlighting the critical importance of asking key questions to ensure successful candidate engagement and recruitment outcomes.

News Article

What to consider when recruiting an Innovation Director

If you're looking to increase innovation within your company, it's important to have the right team in place. One of the most important roles within this team is the innovation director. This person is responsible for spearheading new initiatives and driving change within the organisation.

News Article

The Benefits of Talent Mapping

Let us begin by defining talent mapping. It is a process by which individuals are identified and mapped for a specific role requirement using secondary research. Talent mapping is commonly used when HR and Talent Acquisition (TA) leads are devising recruitment strategies, however, as will be explained below, this exercise is not just limited to recruitment, but it can also strongly influence HR policy.

News Article

What is Employer Branding and How Can You Use it to Lead Candidate Attraction?

If you are in a position to bring in new talent to your team, and if this responsibility falls to you, now more than ever you will be met with a challenge – especially in the world of technical recruitment. You may have seen the phrase Employer or Employee Value Proposition, generally shortened to EVP while networking on Linked in or reading an industry newsletter or article – but have you had the time to understand what this is, and how it can be beneficial to you?

News Article

Benefits of Using Psychometric Assessments as Part of a Robust Recruitment Process

It is no secret that recruiting new employees can be a daunting task. Not only do you have to find the right person for the job, but you also have to make sure that they are the best possible fit for your company and your team. This is where psychometric assessments can play an important role.

News Article

Burn Out and Succession Planning in Cyber

Burn out in Cyber Security is not a new subject, but it is one that has had much more coverage over the last 18 months. The most significant change during this time has obviously been the pandemic, which saw a rise in cyber-attacks – dealt with by teams working remotely…it all adds up to increased pressure.

News Article

Why invest in a Headhunter before they successfully recruit a role for you?

A headhunter is a company or individual that works on behalf of an employer to help recruit exceptional talent. Companies invest in headhunters to find talented people who fit specific job requirements. Headhunters are also known as executive recruiters, and the service they provide is typically referred to as executive search. Some head-hunters are very specialist in the industry they partner and can work from a “black book” meaning they probably know the potential candidates needed by their clients. Other head-hunters provide a robust and bespoke service to research and engage with required candidates.

News Article

Have you Created a Recruitment Process or a Candidate Experience?

I recently watched a great chat between Google Dave and Hung Lee at the Brainfood gathering and they discussed candidate experience over recruitment process. We all know that it is currently really tough to find the talent we all need to satisfy job vacancies and enable our businesses to deliver the exciting growth opportunities we have. However, it seems that MOST companies are still running a recruitment process based on their needs rather than creating a candidate experience that will motivate high calibre talent to want to be involved.

Highway at night with lights from the cars News Article

Succession Planning to Achieve the Vision

To achieve the vision and mission, organisations must have a strategy, and that strategy needs to be brought alive through a number of activities, namely: effective leadership, policies, workforce planning (resources and skills currently required) and succession planning (future resources and skills).

Group rowing in a boat News Article

Winning Teams – What Does “Winning” Mean to You?

What does “winning” mean to you? How would you define it? I guess this may appear to be a stupid question to most, but I think we can translate a “winning team” in a multitude of different ways.

10 Bulletproof Steps to Selecting a Recruitment Partner to Support your Business

What does “winning” mean to you? How would you define it? I guess this may appear to be a stupid question to most, but I think we can translate a “winning team” in a multitude of different ways.

News Article

Executive Search - A Cost or Investment?

Is hiring an executive search firm an expense or a strategic investment? Let's explore the true value of executive search in today's competitive market

News Article

15 Interesting Recruitment Facts

As an executive search company, we regularly read articles highlighting some of the stats linked to our sector.

Dream Catcher News Article

Is Executive Search the Dream Answer to Your Senior Recruitment Nightmares?

Like any industry, recruitment has its own terminology and buzzwords. These words, when used without context, can often cause confusion for those simply trying to invest in the best service and compare like with like

News Article

Key Differences Between Retained Executive Search and Contingency Recruitment Agencies

Like any industry, recruitment has its own terminology and buzzwords. These words, when used without context, can often cause confusion for those simply trying to invest in the best service and compare like with like.

Hand shake News Article

When Should You Engage with a Professional Executive Search Firm?

The answer is, only when you are ready to invest in your business.

People sat around a table with paperwork and drinks on it News Article

What is Talent Pipelining? And Why it is a Better Option Versus Standard Recruitment

Talent pipelining is more commonly conducted by large US technology companies and is gaining popularity amongst large European businesses. However, talent pipelining should not only be available to those with internal talent teams; it is arguably more relevant to growing or evolving SMEs.

Together written on chalk board News Article

How I recruit managers with board-level potential

We’ve listed some traits of interview candidates with board-level potential, I wonder if other talent leaders or business leaders might agree

Woman handing folder over to a man News Article

Headhunting – A guide to help you decide if it will benefit your business

We've explored what exactly a headhunter is and why you would consider one for your business

Together written on chalk board News Article

Why Companies Should Move from Working with Contingency Recruiters to Partnering Executive Search Specialists?

We have explored some frustrations of working with contingency recruiters and why you should partner with executive search specialists

Think outside the box News Article

Why do Companies Believe that Contingency Recruiters Proactively Headhunt for them?

We have explored why companies should work with a proactive executive search partner rather than a contingency recruiter

Cludo pieces News Article

Key Factors You Should Consider When Recruiting A Sales Director

Are you looking to hire a Sales Director or Sales Leader? Costly mistakes are often made in the hiring process due to lack of initial input in working out what you require. Get it right first time! Collingwood Executive Search have put together this helpful guide - 12 key factors you should consider when recruiting a Sales Director, which will help you make the right decisions before you start your hiring process.

Book open with fairy lights on top News Article

Storytelling is Far More Effective than Glossy Employer Branding

ERE.net have published a report by entrepreneur Alon Laniado on employer branding which really resonates with my experience as a head-hunter. Here are some tips to improve your story brand

silhouettes of people with one in spotlight News Article

A Robust Recruitment Process that isn’t Only Relevant for Board Roles!!

There is a misconception that executive search is a recruitment process relevant for only hiring board level roles. It is, in fact, a robust recruitment process that adds values to a range of roles up and down the hierarchical ladder

View more

Keeping candidate engagement during a slow interview process

In today’s competitive job market, maintaining candidate engagement during slow recruitment processes is crucial. This article explores the strategies you can adopt to ensure a positive candidate experience, even during delays.

Offer Strategies to Secure Great Talent for Your Business

We write a lot about the value and benefits of executive search, as well as the employee/employer value proposition and candidate journey, but what happens at the end of that journey?

Unlocking Success: The Essential Qualities of a Top Headhunter

This article covers the key characteristics that make a good headhunter.

Looking to partner with an Executive Search firm? I bet you’re not asking these essential questions!

In this article, Mark Goldsmith shares his first-hand experience of being compared against another executive search firm for a crucial leadership role, highlighting the critical importance of asking key questions to ensure successful candidate engagement and recruitment outcomes.

What to consider when recruiting an Innovation Director

If you're looking to increase innovation within your company, it's important to have the right team in place. One of the most important roles within this team is the innovation director. This person is responsible for spearheading new initiatives and driving change within the organisation.

The Benefits of Talent Mapping

Let us begin by defining talent mapping. It is a process by which individuals are identified and mapped for a specific role requirement using secondary research. Talent mapping is commonly used when HR and Talent Acquisition (TA) leads are devising recruitment strategies, however, as will be explained below, this exercise is not just limited to recruitment, but it can also strongly influence HR policy.

What is Employer Branding and How Can You Use it to Lead Candidate Attraction?

If you are in a position to bring in new talent to your team, and if this responsibility falls to you, now more than ever you will be met with a challenge – especially in the world of technical recruitment. You may have seen the phrase Employer or Employee Value Proposition, generally shortened to EVP while networking on Linked in or reading an industry newsletter or article – but have you had the time to understand what this is, and how it can be beneficial to you?

Benefits of Using Psychometric Assessments as Part of a Robust Recruitment Process

It is no secret that recruiting new employees can be a daunting task. Not only do you have to find the right person for the job, but you also have to make sure that they are the best possible fit for your company and your team. This is where psychometric assessments can play an important role.

Burn Out and Succession Planning in Cyber

Burn out in Cyber Security is not a new subject, but it is one that has had much more coverage over the last 18 months. The most significant change during this time has obviously been the pandemic, which saw a rise in cyber-attacks – dealt with by teams working remotely…it all adds up to increased pressure.

Why invest in a Headhunter before they successfully recruit a role for you?

A headhunter is a company or individual that works on behalf of an employer to help recruit exceptional talent. Companies invest in headhunters to find talented people who fit specific job requirements. Headhunters are also known as executive recruiters, and the service they provide is typically referred to as executive search. Some head-hunters are very specialist in the industry they partner and can work from a “black book” meaning they probably know the potential candidates needed by their clients. Other head-hunters provide a robust and bespoke service to research and engage with required candidates.

Have you Created a Recruitment Process or a Candidate Experience?

I recently watched a great chat between Google Dave and Hung Lee at the Brainfood gathering and they discussed candidate experience over recruitment process. We all know that it is currently really tough to find the talent we all need to satisfy job vacancies and enable our businesses to deliver the exciting growth opportunities we have. However, it seems that MOST companies are still running a recruitment process based on their needs rather than creating a candidate experience that will motivate high calibre talent to want to be involved.

Succession Planning to Achieve the Vision

To achieve the vision and mission, organisations must have a strategy, and that strategy needs to be brought alive through a number of activities, namely: effective leadership, policies, workforce planning (resources and skills currently required) and succession planning (future resources and skills).

Winning Teams – What Does “Winning” Mean to You?

What does “winning” mean to you? How would you define it? I guess this may appear to be a stupid question to most, but I think we can translate a “winning team” in a multitude of different ways.

10 Bulletproof Steps to Selecting a Recruitment Partner to Support your Business

What does “winning” mean to you? How would you define it? I guess this may appear to be a stupid question to most, but I think we can translate a “winning team” in a multitude of different ways.

Executive Search - A Cost or Investment?

Is hiring an executive search firm an expense or a strategic investment? Let's explore the true value of executive search in today's competitive market

15 Interesting Recruitment Facts

As an executive search company, we regularly read articles highlighting some of the stats linked to our sector.

Is Executive Search the Dream Answer to Your Senior Recruitment Nightmares?

Like any industry, recruitment has its own terminology and buzzwords. These words, when used without context, can often cause confusion for those simply trying to invest in the best service and compare like with like

Key Differences Between Retained Executive Search and Contingency Recruitment Agencies

Like any industry, recruitment has its own terminology and buzzwords. These words, when used without context, can often cause confusion for those simply trying to invest in the best service and compare like with like.

When Should You Engage with a Professional Executive Search Firm?

The answer is, only when you are ready to invest in your business.

What is Talent Pipelining? And Why it is a Better Option Versus Standard Recruitment

Talent pipelining is more commonly conducted by large US technology companies and is gaining popularity amongst large European businesses. However, talent pipelining should not only be available to those with internal talent teams; it is arguably more relevant to growing or evolving SMEs.

How I recruit managers with board-level potential

We’ve listed some traits of interview candidates with board-level potential, I wonder if other talent leaders or business leaders might agree

Headhunting – A guide to help you decide if it will benefit your business

We've explored what exactly a headhunter is and why you would consider one for your business

Why Companies Should Move from Working with Contingency Recruiters to Partnering Executive Search Specialists?

We have explored some frustrations of working with contingency recruiters and why you should partner with executive search specialists

Why do Companies Believe that Contingency Recruiters Proactively Headhunt for them?

We have explored why companies should work with a proactive executive search partner rather than a contingency recruiter

Key Factors You Should Consider When Recruiting A Sales Director

Are you looking to hire a Sales Director or Sales Leader? Costly mistakes are often made in the hiring process due to lack of initial input in working out what you require. Get it right first time! Collingwood Executive Search have put together this helpful guide - 12 key factors you should consider when recruiting a Sales Director, which will help you make the right decisions before you start your hiring process.

Storytelling is Far More Effective than Glossy Employer Branding

ERE.net have published a report by entrepreneur Alon Laniado on employer branding which really resonates with my experience as a head-hunter. Here are some tips to improve your story brand

A Robust Recruitment Process that isn’t Only Relevant for Board Roles!!

There is a misconception that executive search is a recruitment process relevant for only hiring board level roles. It is, in fact, a robust recruitment process that adds values to a range of roles up and down the hierarchical ladder

Podcasts

News Article

Neuroscience with Dr. Paul Turner

Neuroscience is helping us to understand how our brains work. Our latest learnings have been explored by Dr. Paul Turner and Jennifer Jones in this insightful podcast.

News Article

CEO Strategic Priorities

Exploring the strategic priorities of CEOs in today's environment of constant change

News Article

Executive Effectiveness

Dr Paul Turner, Ph.D Leadership and Organisational Coach, Fellow of CIPD, PG Cert Ed has created this interesting podcast which identifies proven methodologies, approaches and latest thinking on evaluating and improving strategic leadership development, and thus achieving higher performance on a personal, team and organisational basis. Investment in this area is increasing yet effectiveness and value are very difficult to gauge. We will explore the need for a more defined focus, to ensure content and cultural alignment to organisational purpose, vision, and strategic activity. Enjoy listening!

News Article

The Power of Purpose Podcast

Exploring the role of a company purpose and considers why organisations may want to use such a visionary leadership approach to achieve high performance

Neuroscience with Dr. Paul Turner

Neuroscience is helping us to understand how our brains work. Our latest learnings have been explored by Dr. Paul Turner and Jennifer Jones in this insightful podcast.

CEO Strategic Priorities

Exploring the strategic priorities of CEOs in today's environment of constant change

Executive Effectiveness

Dr Paul Turner, Ph.D Leadership and Organisational Coach, Fellow of CIPD, PG Cert Ed has created this interesting podcast which identifies proven methodologies, approaches and latest thinking on evaluating and improving strategic leadership development, and thus achieving higher performance on a personal, team and organisational basis. Investment in this area is increasing yet effectiveness and value are very difficult to gauge. We will explore the need for a more defined focus, to ensure content and cultural alignment to organisational purpose, vision, and strategic activity. Enjoy listening!

The Power of Purpose Podcast

Exploring the role of a company purpose and considers why organisations may want to use such a visionary leadership approach to achieve high performance

Technology, Engineering & Industrial Automation

News Article

5 Minutes with Jeff Winter

Senior Director of Industry Strategy, Manufacturing at Hitachi Solutions, America

5 Minutes with Amnon Eden

We recently spoke with Amnon Eden, who has been working in and around AI since 1989.

News Article

What experience does Collingwood have recruiting for companies in the Industrial Technology industry?

We are commonly asked what experience we have recruiting in the industrial technology industry. First of all, industrial technology to us includes the following; • industrial automation (the automation of manufacturing, warehouses etc..) • communication networks (broadband and telephony) • cyber security (in relation to business communication / IT networks) • smart cities • remote monitoring and control of utility and power generation networks • satellite navigation for guidance, measurement and safety of transport networks

News Article

5 Minutes with Sylvia Feng, Belden Inc

We recently spoke with Sylvia Feng, Global Director for Digital Automation Consulting at Belden.

News Article

Top 10 Reasons How Executive Search Headhunters Add Value To Your Internal Talent Team!

Sometimes people imagine that headhunters work in competition with internal talent teams. We can understand why someone could come to that conclusion looking from the outside in, but nothing could be further from the truth.

News Article

Interview Preparation for Industrial Automation Candidates

Our job does not end when we find the right candidates for the industrial automation and industrial technology organsiations that we work with. In many ways it is just the start, because now we are going to guide talent from the world of IIOT, IOT, and industry 4.0 through a testing interview process.

News Article

How we helped a Global Industrial Technology client move to a solutions sales model

We build teams globally for our clients, they trust us and keep coming back to us to deliver, here are some insights in to how we deliver.

News Article

Why Retaining an Executive Search Partner Will Help you to Build High Performing Teams in Technology

Long before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, in many industry sectors, and not least STEM, key players pointed to concerning skills gaps as potential obstacles for future hiring. The technology sector in particular, has long suffered from the imbalance between demand for talent and available talent.

News Article

Interview with Eugenio Ferreira da Silva Neto | Collingwood Executive Search

Collingwood caught up with Eugenio Eugenio Ferreira da Silva Neto, Head of Solution Projects at Endress & Hauser Group to discuss culture, leadership and strategy in business

Matthew Cole News Article

5 Minutes with Matthew Cole, Chief Executive Officer, Secure Enterprise Transactions at IDEMIA

Doug, Collingwood MD enjoyed a recent catch up Matt who has gained a reputation for building high performing teams in a variety of leadership roles. Here is what they discussed.....

Night sky with stars News Article

Looking for The Best Talent? Then Acquire Instead of Recruiting

Exploring how companies need to adapt and implement a recruitment strategy to find the right candidates for the role

Mike Listerc News Article

5 Minutes with Michael Lister

Michael Lister on the increasing importance of taking a solutions approach to customers in the technology space, the value it adds to everyone involved and how to do it successfully

Sergio Resendiz News Article

5 Minutes with Sergio Resendiz

Doug had a recent catch up with Sergio in which they discussed how great teams are developed

View more

5 Minutes with Jeff Winter

Senior Director of Industry Strategy, Manufacturing at Hitachi Solutions, America

5 Minutes with Amnon Eden

We recently spoke with Amnon Eden, who has been working in and around AI since 1989.

What experience does Collingwood have recruiting for companies in the Industrial Technology industry?

We are commonly asked what experience we have recruiting in the industrial technology industry. First of all, industrial technology to us includes the following; • industrial automation (the automation of manufacturing, warehouses etc..) • communication networks (broadband and telephony) • cyber security (in relation to business communication / IT networks) • smart cities • remote monitoring and control of utility and power generation networks • satellite navigation for guidance, measurement and safety of transport networks

5 Minutes with Sylvia Feng, Belden Inc

We recently spoke with Sylvia Feng, Global Director for Digital Automation Consulting at Belden.

Top 10 Reasons How Executive Search Headhunters Add Value To Your Internal Talent Team!

Sometimes people imagine that headhunters work in competition with internal talent teams. We can understand why someone could come to that conclusion looking from the outside in, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Interview Preparation for Industrial Automation Candidates

Our job does not end when we find the right candidates for the industrial automation and industrial technology organsiations that we work with. In many ways it is just the start, because now we are going to guide talent from the world of IIOT, IOT, and industry 4.0 through a testing interview process.

How we helped a Global Industrial Technology client move to a solutions sales model

We build teams globally for our clients, they trust us and keep coming back to us to deliver, here are some insights in to how we deliver.

Why Retaining an Executive Search Partner Will Help you to Build High Performing Teams in Technology

Long before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, in many industry sectors, and not least STEM, key players pointed to concerning skills gaps as potential obstacles for future hiring. The technology sector in particular, has long suffered from the imbalance between demand for talent and available talent.

Interview with Eugenio Ferreira da Silva Neto | Collingwood Executive Search

Collingwood caught up with Eugenio Eugenio Ferreira da Silva Neto, Head of Solution Projects at Endress & Hauser Group to discuss culture, leadership and strategy in business

5 Minutes with Matthew Cole, Chief Executive Officer, Secure Enterprise Transactions at IDEMIA

Doug, Collingwood MD enjoyed a recent catch up Matt who has gained a reputation for building high performing teams in a variety of leadership roles. Here is what they discussed.....

Looking for The Best Talent? Then Acquire Instead of Recruiting

Exploring how companies need to adapt and implement a recruitment strategy to find the right candidates for the role

5 Minutes with Michael Lister

Michael Lister on the increasing importance of taking a solutions approach to customers in the technology space, the value it adds to everyone involved and how to do it successfully

5 Minutes with Sergio Resendiz

Doug had a recent catch up with Sergio in which they discussed how great teams are developed

Building Products & Construction

Duncan Bakerbrown News Article

5 Minutes with Duncan Baker-Brown

Mark speaks with Duncan Baker-Brown, Founding Member of Award-Winning Architects, BBM Sustainable Design about his career

Paul Hetherington News Article

5 Minutes with Paul Hetherington

Mark Goldsmith, was extremely keen to sit down with Paul Hetherington to understand more about his roles within the industry

Side of building News Article

The increased dependency on social housing & infrastructure

Having partnered with a key national contractor of the Trust’s on executive search assignments, find out what they discussed

Paul Williamson News Article

5 Minutes with Paul Williamson

Having historically worked with Paul Williamson, Collingwood’s Head of Building Products & Construction, Mark Goldsmith, was pleased to hold conversation with the former MD of modular homes specialist, Nu Living, part of Swan Housing Association

View more

5 minutes with Simon Corbey

Collingwood’s Head of Building Products & Construction, Mark Goldsmith, speaks with CEO of Alliance for Sustainable Building Products, Simon Corbey

5 Minutes with Gabriela Hammond

People leadership professional with 20+ years’ experience across the HR spectrum.

5 minutes with Gareth Jones

Collingwood’s Head of Building Products & Construction, Mark Goldsmith, speaks with Managing Director at Solar Fabrications Holdings Limited Gareth Jones

Learnings and Observations from the Installer Show

Having attended many exhibitions, I find them to be hit or miss. However, after attending the Installer Show at the NEC, I feel as if I've walked away with a refreshed sense of optimism and energy. Find out why.

5 minutes with Dr Sophie Taysom

Collingwood’s Head of Building Products & Construction, Mark Goldsmith, speaks with Dr Sophie Taysom

5 minutes with Jade Lewis

Collingwood’s Head of Building Products & Construction, Mark Goldsmith, speaks with genuine industry thought leader, Jade Lewis.

5 minutes with Ian Dean

Collingwood’s Head of Sector – Building Products, Mark Goldsmith, had the opportunity to sit down with Ian Dean, most recently Managing Director of Landscape & Building Products at Marshalls plc.

5minutes with Mark Lavender

Collingwood’s Head of Sector – Building Products, Mark Goldsmith, had the opportunity to sit down with Mark Lavender, Promat’s Middle East and Asia Regional Director.

5 Minutes with John Faulkner

Experienced Executive Director with 30 years experience in business support services and infrastructure sectors

5 Minutes with Tim Taylor, Veka UK

Our Senior Consultant, Mark Goldsmith, Head of Built Environment at Collingwood Executive Search recently spoke with Tim Talyor, Commercial Director to discuss his new role within the Fenestration Industry at Veka UK.

5 Minutes with Sally Smith

Sally Smith, previous Chief People Officer for Places for People, a large Property Group with diverse interests, spoke with Mark Goldsmith, Head of Building Products and Construction at Collingwood Executive Search about the threats and challenges faced within the Building Products and Construction industry.

5 Minutes with Tom Robinson

Mark discussed Tom’s background, views on sustainability within the built environment and what plans Tom has now

5 Minutes with Trudi Sully

Mark was enthusiastic to learn more about Trudi’s role and what advances she’s witnessing from within the industry

5 Minutes with Chris Williams

Mark sat down with Chris Williams to understand more about his previous, current and potential future positions

5 Minutes with Ian Lichfield

Mark speaks with Ian Lichfield, CEO of WHP Engineering and how his role in the industry has changed

5 Minutes with Ann Leslie

Mark caught up with Ann Leslie, CEO of LAR Housing Trust to discuss her role and how its evolved

5 Minutes with John Blackburn & Steve Huntly

Mark Goldsmith, was very keen to hear from the two Coram senior leaders who have been central to the businesses restructuring over the past couple of years

5 Minutes with Ehab Sayed

Mark discusses Ehab’s vision for the business as it moves from R&D stage to manufacturing

5 Minutes with Duncan Baker-Brown

Mark speaks with Duncan Baker-Brown, Founding Member of Award-Winning Architects, BBM Sustainable Design about his career

5 Minutes with Ian Bradshaw

Mark speaks with Ian Bradshaw on researching new markets, ROI of a digital marketing plan and the increase of sustainability issues

5 Minutes with Adam Richold

Mark sat down with Adam Richold to understand how big manufacturers in the building products industry implement a change in strategy

5 Minutes with Paul Simpson

Mark Goldsmith caught up with Director Paul Simpson to hear about innovative approaches to manufacturing

Salary Surveys - Senior Roles within Building Products

Several of our contacts agreed to complete an anonymous salary survey providing an indication of the market, see the results

5 Minutes with Susan Shardlow

Mark speaks with long-serving director Susan Shardlow from Hewden to get an overview of her time with the company

5 Minutes with Darren Richards

Mark speaks with Darren who runs Radar Communications that focuses on business & manufacturing process improvement within the building technologies arena

5 Minutes with David Johnson

Mark was intrigued to understand David Johnson's views on the industries reluctance to embrace offsite and what needed to be done to educate the sector

5 Minutes with Stephen Haigh

Mark Goldsmith speaks with Stephen Haigh, Founder of Ecotek Homes and former Director from Your Housing about the new venture and more aside

5 Minutes with John Ogden

John Ogden, CBRE Managing Director spoke with us about his role and some of the challenges he faces

5 Minutes with Andrew Carpenter

Mark Goldsmith, recently sat down with the CEO Andrew Carpenter to discuss what's happening within the industry

5 Minutes with Rachel Attwood

Rachel Attwood, Managing Director of Rationel Windows speak with Mark about her career journey in the industry

5 More minutes with Darren Richards

Mark Goldsmith sat down with Darren Richards to discuss the current trends, hot spots & challenges in the offsite market

5 Minutes with Andrew Orriss

Mark Goldsmith caught up with Andrew Orriss, Non Exec Board member of the Structural Timber Association to talk about projects he is working on

5 Minutes with Dawn Stockell

Mark Goldsmith, was keen to meet up to discuss with Dawn Stockell how her position and marketing had evolved within the business at LG

Recruit from Within or be Brave and Attract from Outside?

Exploring the benefits of recruiting from within your company and from outside the company

5 Minutes with Neil Evans

2 years on from starting with VEKA UK, Mark catches with Neil Evans to understand how his role and the market has evolved

5 Minutes with Gabriela Hammond

Mark Goldsmith discusses with Gabriela Hammond at VEKA UK why they have reviewed their vision, mission and value proposition

5 Minutes with Robin Appleby

Mark Goldsmith catches up with Robin Appleby at Polypipe Group to discuss how his role has evolved and changes in the industry

Barriers to the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence within the Manufacturing Industry

Doug Mackay explores the barriers to adoption of AI within the manufacturing industry

Building Product Manufacturers - Losing the War on Talent?

Mark Goldsmith explore some of the questions he asks when speaking with a company who is looking for new talent

5 Minutes with Paul Hetherington

Mark Goldsmith, was extremely keen to sit down with Paul Hetherington to understand more about his roles within the industry

5 Minutes with Gareth Jones

Gareth Jones is Managing Director of window and door profile manufacturer profine UK discuss the changing industry

Building Product Manufacturers - Hiring a Marketing leader?

Mark reflects on the numerous marketing leadership roles he has successfully worked on

The Conundrum of Driving Diversity within the Built Environment

Mark was recently interviewed by the power & utilities publication SPGlobal regarding his views on female inclusion within the utilities market

5 Minutes with Wolfgang Gorner

Mark speaks with Wolfgang Gorner a year on in his position at Hormann and with revenues 10% up

5 Minutes with Peter Rush

Peter Rush and Mark Goldsmith discuss the changing face of the industry and the latest news of Formica Group’s sale to a Dutch business in June of this year

The increased dependency on social housing & infrastructure

Having partnered with a key national contractor of the Trust’s on executive search assignments, find out what they discussed

5 Minutes with Yvonne Castle

Having partnered with a key national contractor of the Trust’s on executive search assignments, find out what they discussed

5 Minutes with Simon Scholes

Mark caught up with Simon Scholes to understand how the new manufacturing facility project had evolved

5 Minutes with Andy Higson

Mark Goldsmith 5 minute interview with Andy Higson focuses on how their new venture was unfolding

5 Minutes with Paul Williamson

Having historically worked with Paul Williamson, Collingwood’s Head of Building Products & Construction, Mark Goldsmith, was pleased to hold conversation with the former MD of modular homes specialist, Nu Living, part of Swan Housing Association

5 Minutes with Amy Hubbard

Amy Hubbard has been working with a construction technology start-up as their CMO. Mark Goldsmith, was fascinated to hear more from Amy who is immersed in the technologies uptake within the industry

5 Minutes with Iain Mcilwee

Having headhunted within the Building Product industry for 16 years Collingwood’s Mark Goldsmith jumped at the chance to speak with Finishes & Interior Sector (FIS) CEO and Vice Chairman of the Construction Products Association (CPA) Iain Mcllwee

Medical & Healthcare

Peter Bannister News Article

5 Minutes with Peter Bannister

Collingwood caught up with Peter Bannister to discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on medical technology transformation

Francesco Ferro News Article

5 Minutes with Francesco Ferro

Collingwood speaks with Francesco Ferro CEO & co-founder of PAL Robotics and the interest in robotics in the healthcare sector

Patrick Strauss News Article

5 Minutes with Patrick Strauss

We discussed with Patrick Strauss from Luxsoft their lead they have in the digital transformation space and how clients view it.

Shaun Legeyt News Article

5 Minutes with Shaun Le Geyt

Shaun Le Geyt spoke with Collingwood about his journey with data & AI at Parkinson’s and the challenges he and his team have faced

View more

5 Minutes with Frank Troiano, Director of Sales, Medical Devices

I came across Frank’s profile during a search for a Medical Devices leader. I was drawn into his history, which is unique. Frank spent nearly 10 years in the Special Forces and then transitioned into a career in Medical Device Sales. I could see from his profile that he had progressed incredibly quickly and obtained an MBA during the 2.5 years post service.

5 Minutes with John Broughton, VP Marketing (Medical Devices)

We were fortunate enough to speak with John Broughton and ask him about how Marketing in Medical Devices has evolved over his career. John provides a fascinating insight into where marketing was, how it was perceived at the beginning of his career, right the way through to the trends he sees evolving soon. He talks us through how Marketing now sits firmly as a vital partner to sales, no longer a misunderstood department that was difficult to link back to sales. The future for marketing looks brighter than ever and the use of data and technology is really exciting.

5 Minutes with Patrick Gross - Product & Innovation Leader (Medical Devices)

We recently spoke with Patrick Gross, a highly experienced VP Product & Innovation Leader in Medical Devices, who very kindly shared his thoughts and experiences of building diverse teams.

Recruiting in Healthcare Services - The Biggest Challenges

The healthcare industry is booming, and with that growth comes a need for more healthcare professionals. Recruiting in healthcare services - a competitive market - can be challenging, but it's not impossible! We speak to many healthcare service providers who just can’t seem to find the right talent…but why?

5 Minutes with Peter Bannister

Collingwood caught up with Peter Bannister to discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on medical technology transformation

5 Minutes with Francesco Ferro

Collingwood speaks with Francesco Ferro CEO & co-founder of PAL Robotics and the interest in robotics in the healthcare sector

5 Minutes with Patrick Strauss

We discussed with Patrick Strauss from Luxsoft their lead they have in the digital transformation space and how clients view it.

5 Minutes with Shaun Le Geyt

Shaun Le Geyt spoke with Collingwood about his journey with data & AI at Parkinson’s and the challenges he and his team have faced

IT & Industrial Cyber Security (IT, IT/OT)

News Article

The Future of Cyber is…A Struggle to Find Talent!

Recently we have seen a number of high-profile cyber-attacks involving ransomware and with these forms of attacks increasing, a warning from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has urged businesses to increase their defences. It is crucial that this increase in defence starts with ensuring the right culture and talent is in place.

News Article

Burn Out and Succession Planning in Cyber

Burn out in Cyber Security is not a new subject, but it is one that has had much more coverage over the last 18 months. The most significant change during this time has obviously been the pandemic, which saw a rise in cyber-attacks – dealt with by teams working remotely…it all adds up to increased pressure.

View more

The Future of Cyber is…A Struggle to Find Talent!

Recently we have seen a number of high-profile cyber-attacks involving ransomware and with these forms of attacks increasing, a warning from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has urged businesses to increase their defences. It is crucial that this increase in defence starts with ensuring the right culture and talent is in place.

Burn Out and Succession Planning in Cyber

Burn out in Cyber Security is not a new subject, but it is one that has had much more coverage over the last 18 months. The most significant change during this time has obviously been the pandemic, which saw a rise in cyber-attacks – dealt with by teams working remotely…it all adds up to increased pressure.

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