Show notes
This episode of ScaleUp Radio brings a fresh twist – a live Q&A from one of our ScaleUp Club sessions, featuring returning guest Kelly Cartwright, founder of Core Recruiter Ltd. Kelly joined us to share honest, down-to-earth insights on building a values-driven, specialist recruitment agency in the highly competitive construction sector.
Kelly first appeared on ScaleUp Radio to share her business journey – and this time, she’s back to dive deeper into the practical realities of scaling, culture-fit hiring, navigating economic cycles, and maintaining a human touch in an often impersonal industry.
🔍 What We Cover:
- Why Kelly chose to keep Core Recruiter small, focused, and high-quality – and how that’s become her competitive advantage.
- The real value of personal relationships in recruitment, especially when reputation is everything.
- How she hires for cultural fit and loyalty over flashy CVs or instant revenue promises.
- Staying resilient during sector volatility – from the pandemic to market dips – with smart agility and a lean mindset.
- Her mentorship work with young professionals and why it’s vital for emerging talent to feel supported.
- Real talk on DEI in the construction industry – progress, challenges, and what still needs to change.
- Why understanding compliance and industry know-how gives her team a critical edge.
- The evolving importance of knowing your numbers – not just turnover, but profit and sustainability.
- And yes, we hear about her favourite roles to fill – forklift drivers and bricklayers, and why they matter!
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For now, continue listening for the full story from Kelly.
Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.
If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:
https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin
You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:
Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that’s you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen. Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat.
Kelly can be found here:
linkedin.com/in/kelly-cartwright-🦺-8542202b
https://www.corerecruiter.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/corerecruiterltd/