AN INTERVIEW WITH SCOTT MURPHY | CO-FOUNDER OF HdE TALENT

In your own words – what do you do?

I’m Scott Murphy and excitingly I am the new Managing Director of HdE TALENT helping digital and technology businesses grow their people. I’ve spent the last 9 years or so leading recruitment organisations across a number of verticals, but my heart has always been in the technology space where especially in places like Bristol, it’s making a really positive difference.

Where did your business idea come from?

Well, as I mentioned I’ve spent the last 9 years leading recruitment organisations, including a number of ‘startups’ and I’ve certainly learned a lot, but I’ve always had a burning hunger to do things differently, and when I sat down with the guys at HdE, we spoke a lot about the challenges their clients were facing, but we also shared a real common thread – we all wanted to do things differently and add real value into the community.

Ash & Dale started HdE GROUP and they’ve quickly done incredible things for digital and technology brands across the UK, Europe and APAC, and we all saw talent as the natural extension to the brand, and I’m delighted to carry that beacon as we look to grow HdE TALENT.

What’s the most exciting thing about what you’re doing?

The most exciting thing for me is our approach to the market. We’re bringing cutting edge acquisition and marketing techniques to help our clients grow and attract world-class talent. Our blended expertise across digital, marketing and recruitment is our differentiator, it’s never been harder to attract talent, and HdE TALENT really understands the full spectrum of what it takes to get the best people.

One of the things that really sat with me after my first meeting with Ashley & Dale, was that all parts of the business complement each other and support clients at every stage of their growth cycle, providing our clients with an infrastructure to scale.

What is your proudest moment so far?

Starting HdE TALENT. We’ve started a business at one of the most challenging periods ever, it’s truly unprecedented times right now. However, we all really believe in our vision and our purpose, and we want to support our clients and candidates during these trying times, we’re hoping by starting now we can make a positive impact.

What was your biggest challenge when you started your business?

As mentioned a moment ago, the greatest challenge will be the current climate – I certainly think it’s going to have a lasting impact on the way we all work. Although it’s a challenge, I’m a huge believer in our vision and I know we’re doing something special here.

What’s your vision for the next 12 months?

As a group, we have left no stone unturned planning HdE TALENT. The tools and applications the guys use for the marketing side of the business, that data-driven performance growth approach is being utilised to reinvigorate the talent space, it’s hugely exciting. For me, success comes in many forms, however, I’m looking to build a world-class consultancy business with a diverse client base that reflects our ambitions down the line. I want us to be seen as an extension of our clients, rather than a so-called supplier.

Who motivates you the most to do what you do?

I wouldn’t put my motivation down to a single person or thing. I think it helps massively to surround yourself with the right people, both at work and social space. I would say though that when starting a business, it’s so important to have someone close and impartial who can be a sounding board, during starting HdE TALENT we’ve had to be brutally honest with ourselves, and I think that’s really helped shape and compliment the group’s culture.

Can you give one top tip for effective networking at events?

It all really depends on the type of person you are. However, if it’s an event in a community you know, sometimes I’ll reach out to potential attendees beforehand to let them know that I’ll be there and keen to connect. That being said, if it’s a new event,, just take it all in there’s no pressure, be friendly and welcoming and learn from everyone you meet.

In your opinion, what’s the number one thing founders need to look out for when growing a business?

Don’t be scared of trying different things! As a city and a region, we are so lucky to be surrounded by so many businesses and individuals who want to do things differently and break the status quo. I really admire their vision and ambition, but don’t go blindly into something, there are lots of lessons to be learnt from your peers and businesses before you – so take it all in and use it to your advantage.