September 2026
Ian Knowlson and Tamsin Millns from Step explored what is really happening in the graduate recruitment market, with a particular focus on why some of the recent headlines around falling graduate opportunities do not tell the full story.
Their discussion looked at the changing nature of graduate recruitment, including the shift away from roles specifically labelled as ‘graduate’, the growing influence of apprenticeships and school-leaver programmes, and the impact of rising employment costs on SME hiring decisions.
They also discussed the role of AI in shaping future opportunities, particularly in engineering and computer science, and why new technology is creating demand for people who can apply it effectively rather than simply replacing entry-level roles.
Work readiness was another major theme, with Tamsin sharing early findings from Step’s research into the barriers SMEs face when recruiting graduates, including concerns around cost, resilience, critical thinking and workplace experience.
It was a wide-ranging and practical Greenshoots session, giving recruitment leaders useful insight into the reality behind the graduate recruitment headlines, where early-career opportunities are evolving, and what employers should be thinking about as they plan their talent strategies for the next 6 to 12 months.
August 2026
Ian Knowlson and Samantha Hurley from APSCo explored the current state of the recruitment economy, with a particular focus on the first meaningful signs of recovery appearing across multiple sectors.
Their discussion looked at growing confidence in engineering, technology, AI, cybersecurity, data centres, education, life sciences and construction, as well as why this recovery may be more geographically balanced than the traditionally London-led upturns seen in the UK.
They also discussed how recruitment firms are adopting AI, where businesses are still failing to turn time savings into genuine productivity gains, and why performance measures may need to change as technology becomes embedded in everyday recruitment.
International growth was another major theme, with Samantha highlighting the dramatic increase in APSCo members operating overseas, particularly in the US, alongside continued opportunities in markets including Saudi Arabia.
It was a wide-ranging and practical Greenshoots session, giving recruitment leaders useful insight into where demand is returning, how AI is changing productivity, and where firms should be looking for growth as they plan for the next 6 to 12 months.
July 2026
Ian Knowlson and Vincent Seddon, Customer Success Director at Simplicity, explored the early signs of recovery across the recruitment market, with a particular focus on temporary staffing, international expansion and the sectors beginning to show stronger demand. Their discussion looked at the value of live market data, the growing appeal of overseas recruitment and why agencies are increasingly diversifying their services, sectors and commercial models.
They also examined areas of opportunity in construction, hospitality, technology, engineering and renewable energy.
Vincent shared insight drawn from Simplicity’s weekly payroll data and Margin Index, while Ian added observations from his work with recruitment businesses in the UK and international markets.
The session also addressed the risks that can accompany growth, including cash-flow pressure, client insolvency and non-compliant supply chains. It was a wide-ranging and highly practical conversation, giving recruitment leaders useful insight into where demand is returning, how to spread risk and what firms should be reviewing as they plan for the next 6 to 12 months.
June 2026
Ian Knowlson and Tony Hodkinson, COO of PayStream, explored the current state of the recruitment and contractor market, with a particular focus on Joint and Several Liability, umbrella company compliance, PSL consolidation and where growth may be starting to return. Their discussion looked at how JSL has reshaped the umbrella market over the last six months, why many agencies have been reviewing and tightening their preferred supplier lists, and why financial due diligence is now just as important as compliance when choosing umbrella partners.
They also discussed the wider recruitment market, including signs of renewed activity in technology, engineering, life sciences, construction, defence, renewables and international recruitment. While the market remains cautious, Ian highlighted that job flow appears to be improving and that contract and temporary hiring continue to show more positive signs than permanent recruitment in some areas. Tony also shared PayStream’s perspective on contractor numbers, market consolidation and the ongoing impact of non-compliant umbrella providers.
The session also looked ahead to the strategic opportunities and threats recruitment leaders need to be aware of, including international expansion, the growth potential in overseas markets, and the longer-term impact of AI on recruitment models. It was a highly practical discussion, giving recruitment leaders useful insight into market movement, supply chain risk, emerging growth sectors and the decisions agencies should be considering over the next 6 to 12 months.
May 2026
Ian Knowlson and Sam Steel from Kingsbridge Insurance explored the early signs of recovery in the recruitment market, with a particular focus on contractor demand, IR35, AI adoption and where growth is beginning to return. Their discussion looked at the stronger performance of contract and temporary hiring compared with permanent recruitment, the renewed activity in technology, engineering, infrastructure, renewables, defence, healthcare and construction, and why some clients are beginning to reconsider limited company contractors after years of caution.
They also discussed how AI is starting to separate the recruitment businesses that are moving forward from those still waiting for certainty. Ian shared practical examples of how AI can support recruiters with research, email writing, training, learning support and process automation, while also warning that employers investing heavily in AI could become a strategic threat to agencies that fail to evolve.
It was a wide-ranging and highly practical session, giving recruitment leaders useful insight into where the market is showing momentum, why agility is now essential, and what firms should be thinking about as they plan for the next 6 to 12 months.
April 2026
Ian Knowlson and Jo Major explored the market conditions shaping recruitment right now, with a particular focus on where growth is still happening and what leaders need to be paying attention to. Their discussion covered sector activity across technology and construction, how demand is shifting between permanent and contract or temporary hiring, and the wider impact geopolitical uncertainty, including the Iran conflict, may be having on confidence and hiring decisions. It was a practical, timely conversation that gave recruitment leaders useful context on where the market is moving and what that could mean for their businesses.
