Recognising Excellence in Talent Acquisition
We are proud to announce that WRS has been shortlisted as a finalist in the British Recruitment Awards 2025, a programme that celebrates the very best in recruitment across the UK. Out of more than 340 entries, we are honoured to be recognised in two highly competitive categories:
- Agency Recruitment Team of the Year (20+ employees)
- Best Place to Work in Recruitment
This achievement highlights the strength of our people, the culture we foster, and our ongoing commitment to delivering recruitment solutions that create lasting impact for clients and candidates.
Best Place to Work in Recruitment
What makes this category particularly meaningful is that recognition is based entirely on direct employee feedback. Our people’s views, gathered through structured surveys, reflect how they experience our culture, leadership, and workplace support.
For us, becoming a finalist confirms the environment we strive to create every day: one where employees feel supported, motivated, and valued. Beyond recognition, the feedback provides a roadmap for continuous improvement, helping us build on our strengths and address challenges. We believe that when our people thrive, both clients and candidates benefit in turn.
Agency Recruitment Team of the Year (20+ Employees)
Being named a finalist for Agency Recruitment Team of the Year is a powerful endorsement of the dedication and expertise of our global team. This category celebrates agencies that deliver outstanding results and demonstrate innovation, collaboration, and resilience.
At WRS, this recognition reflects:
- Global reach with local expertise: delivering tailored recruitment across energy, maritime, and construction sectors worldwide.
- Collaboration across teams and time zones: ensuring seamless service for clients and candidates.
- Commitment to excellence: consistently connecting world-class talent with opportunities that drive industries forward.
- Adaptability and innovation: embracing technology and new approaches to stay agile in a dynamic marketplace.
To be shortlisted from such a large and competitive field is a true testament to the collective effort of our consultants, managers, and support teams.
Why This Recognition Matters
The British Recruitment Awards are judged by senior talent leaders from organisations including EDF, Capgemini, Sainsbury’s, and Cancer Research UK. Each entry is assessed on impact, innovation, and measurable results, making this a true marker of excellence.
Being shortlisted in both a delivery-focused category and a culture-focused category demonstrates the strength of our recruitment expertise as well as the supportive, innovative environment that makes WRS a great place to work.
Entry and Selection Process
Finalists are chosen through a transparent process: organisations submit evidence-based entries, which are then independently reviewed and scored against published criteria. The British Recruitment Awards 2025 judges include:
Yasar Ahmad, Global VP of Talent at HelloFresh | Laura Callaghan, Global Talent Acquisition Leader at Western Union | Rob Davies, Head of Recruitment at Grant Thornton | Julia Days, Head of Resourcing at EDF | Simon Gomez, Founder & Director at GMZTAlent | Louise Gregory, VP of Talent and L&D at Anglo American | Tom Hadley, Independent Workforce Consultant and Future of Work Activist | Claire Hamilton, UK Head of Talent Acquisition at Capgemini | Martin Haywood, Director of Recruiting at Sainsbury’s | Suzie Huggan, Head of Talent Acquisition at Cancer Research UK | Jenna Hurley, Director of Talent at Harrods | Claire Hyams, Head of Talent Acquisition at Zopa | Sharlene John, Head of DE&I, Recruitment & Onboarding at Selfridges | Gordon Macfarlane, Head of Resourcing at SSE | Ben Murphy-Ryan, Senior Director, Talent Acquisition | Emma Parry, Head of Changing World of Work Group at Cranfield School of Management | Glen Rate, Head of Talent Acquisition & Employer Brand at Kier Group | Anne Tolfree, Head of Functional Resourcing at DHL Supply Chain
From more than 340 entries nationwide, the highest-scoring submissions make the shortlist. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in London this November.
Nate Harwood, Founder of New Possible, said:
“Talent acquisition is central to building thriving organisations, and we’re proud to celebrate the individuals and teams who make it happen. Congratulations to all the Finalists.”
Standing Among Industry Leaders
The British Recruitment Awards attract entries from start-ups, global brands, public sector organisations, and established agencies across industries. To stand alongside such a diverse field is both a privilege and a recognition of our team’s impact at a national level.
Matthew Spells, UK Managing Director at WRS, commented:
“Being named a finalist in two categories at the British Recruitment Awards 2025 is a fantastic achievement for our business. The recognition for Agency Recruitment Team of the Year highlights the expertise and dedication of our people across the globe, while the Best Place to Work in Recruitment nomination is especially meaningful as it comes directly from our team’s feedback. Together, these awards reflect not only the impact we deliver for clients and candidates but also the supportive and collaborative culture that makes WRS such a great place to work. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and look forward to celebrating this milestone with the team.”
A Step Forward for WRS
This achievement reinforces our commitment to:
- Delivering world-class recruitment solutions to clients globally.
- Creating an environment where employees feel empowered to succeed.
- Driving industry standards forward through innovation and best practice.
This recognition belongs to every member of the WRS team. We look forward to celebrating this milestone together at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London on 12 November 2025.
About New Possible
The British Recruitment Awards are powered by New Possible, an employee insight platform that helps organisations measure and improve workplace culture through data-driven feedback. By basing recognition on real employee experiences, the awards highlight meaningful progress in how companies support their people and deliver recruitment excellence.
