About this episode

Kate Allen shares her journey of building a successful relationship-led recruitment business and discusses the importance of curiosity and integrity in the industry.

In Episode 75 of the Talking Recruitment Podcast, REC Chief Executive, Neil Carberry OBE, is joined by the REC’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award winner Kate Allen, Founder of Allen Associates. Kate shares the story behind building a relationship-led recruitment business in Oxfordshire – from launching solo in 1998 to creating a debt-free, specialist consultancy service that engages the community and builds long-term client trust. The conversation explores: > Why relationship-focused consultancy beats transactional recruitment > The power of market transparency through insight and research > Why curiosity, integrity and marketing investment remain critical in a tougher market At a time when the industry is navigating legal reform, technological change and fragile confidence, Kate makes a compelling case: the fundamentals still matter, but leaders must stay curious and keep evolving. Guest: Kate Allen is Founder, Executive Chair and Marketing Director for Allen Associates Limited based in Oxford

People in this episode

Host: Neil Carberry OBE

Guest: Kate Allen

Topics covered

• relationship-led recruitment
• market transparency
• curiosity in leadership
• consultancy services
• client trust
• industry challenges

Keywords

• recruitment
• business building
• client relationships
• market insights
• consultancy
• leadership
• industry evolution

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Allen Associates

Places: Oxfordshire

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