Remaining competitive in the recruitment industry: Interview with Managing Director, Andrew Bruce

Mackinnon Bruce International has been a strong player in the UK recruitment industry and has recently grown from strength to strength with a strong portfolio of clients, candidates, and some impressive business growth in the midst of a pandemic, and a cost-of-living crisis.  

We sat down with our Managing Director Andrew Bruce to understand how he has built a successful foundation at MBI.  

With nearly two decades of experience, Andrew shares his journey throughout his time in the recruitment industry and gives an insight into how things have changed, what challenges he has faced, and what plans he has in store for the future of Mackinnon Bruce International.   

Introduction to yourself 

I’m Andrew Bruce, the Managing Director at Mackinnon Bruce International. I first moved to Leeds to study Architecture before entering the recruitment industry.  

I live in North Yorkshire with my family. In addition to being a husband and father, I love playing golf. On weekends, you'll find me at Rudding Park or Rockliffe Hall, trying to lower my golf handicap. 

How did you end up working in the recruitment industry, how long have you been in the industry, and what initially drew you to it?  

I began my career in recruitment in May 2005 joining a recruitment start-up. I was one of the first recruits through the door, and I have been working in recruitment ever since.  

Like most students, I was not in the best financial position post-university. Initially, it was the industry's earning potential that drew me in. The fast-paced atmosphere and learning opportunities quickly captivated me.  

I began in industrial markets and later developed an Oil, Gas, and Utilities division. I had zero knowledge of these areas from a technical background but quickly learned through hands-on experience. Within a relatively short period, I became a specialist in these areas.  

What are the most significant changes you've observed in recruitment since you started your career? 

Since 2005, recruitment has seen significant changes, including technological advancements, increased competition, and new emerging markets. We've also witnessed the rise of internal recruitment departments. 

To adapt and scale, we've developed new markets like automation and renewables. Some core markets, like upstream oil and gas, have become non-core due to market volatility. We still do a lot of work within Oil & Gas, but more in the downstream and energy transition.   

How do you think technology has impacted the industry over the years?  

Technology has greatly improved our industry through platforms like LinkedIn and CRMs. These tools have enhanced the sourcing of candidates, business development capability, and our employee branding.  

We are witnessing AI gaining prominence in volume-driven recruitment; the influence of AI in this field is a fascinating subject.

In your opinion what are the biggest challenges we are facing in the industry and how do you think we can overcome them? 

Identifying and retaining talent remains a major challenge in our field. It's ironic, considering we're 'recruitment specialists', but it's a universal issue. 

For the recruitment industry to be successful, each industry needs to be trending positively, so market volatility affects the sector significantly. However, our flexibility in market coverage and long-standing client relationships provide some security against these pressures. We will continue pushing forward with our development plans for each business unit and react accordingly to outside challenges once they arise.  

What skills do you think will be most in demand for upcoming recruiters?  

In our industry, particularly in a global 360 role, it requires you to have a diverse skill set, including business development, communication, and relationship management. The ability to manage multiple stakeholders, maintain candidate and client relationships alongside a high professional standard, and provide the best customer service is crucial. 

Cultural awareness and proficiency with various technologies are increasingly important. We're always adapting to new tools and systems to stay competitive. 

What measures are you taking to ensure your company stays competitive in a rapidly changing market? 

We invest heavily in technology, training, and employee development to provide the best environment for success. We ensure our team has the tools and knowledge they need to be successful in their role. 

We regularly review our working conditions, benefits, and policies. For instance, we've added flexible benefits, including full healthcare coverage through Vitality. Through this platform, our teams have access to money off dental, optical, and other healthcare services. They also get exclusive freebies such as free coffee, lunch at Itsu, and many more exclusive discounts.  

What are your company's plans for growth and expansion in the future? 

We've recently invested in expanding our Leeds office and opening new locations in Manchester and Nottingham. Our focus for 2025 is on developing our current team and their career progression. We want to continue the development of experienced consultants into a leadership position. This will serve as a foundation we can build on to facilitate the growth we are looking to achieve. 

Looking ahead, we aim to establish regional offices in Australia and North America. We're also exploring potential acquisitions to support our growth strategy so keep an eye out for roles being advertised in early 2025. 

As MBI looks forward to the company’s expansion it is clear that the foundations of the business within the recruitment industry are well rooted alongside the understanding of ever-changing elements within the industry.  

 Keep an eye on our socials for current internal vacancies or click here to check out our jobs page.