15 Years of Core Group - A Conversation With Phil...

As I celebrate 15 years at the helm of Core Group, I sat down with colleagues at the Group to talk about the journey so far—the highs, the challenges, the evolution of the recruitment industry, and what the future holds.

Q: Phil, congratulations on this huge milestone! Let’s start at the beginning—what inspired you to start Core Group, and how has it evolved over the years?

Phil: Thanks! It’s been quite the journey. When I founded Core Group, the idea was simple—helping talented people find the right opportunities. Over the years, that mission has expanded beyond recruitment into sports, philanthropy, and other ventures, but at the heart of it, we’re still all about connecting people with the right paths for success.

Q: Running multiple businesses must be a rollercoaster. What have been some of the biggest challenges over the last 15 years?

Phil: There have been plenty! One of the toughest periods was navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Like most businesses, we had to adapt quickly. It was a defining moment—one that tested our resilience and our ability to pivot. But challenges always come with opportunities, and coming out of that period, we were able to strengthen our team and refine our strategy.

Q: The recruitment industry has changed massively over the last 15 years. What are the biggest shifts you’ve seen?

Phil: It’s a completely different landscape now. Technology has transformed how companies hire, from AI-driven candidate screening to the rise of remote work changing the kinds of roles in demand. But one thing that hasn’t changed is the importance of personal connections—recruitment will always be about people first.

Back when we started, it was a more traditional industry. You met clients face-to-face, relationships were built over time, and success came from knowing your market inside out. Today, things move a lot faster. Digital platforms have made hiring more accessible, but they’ve also created challenges—like making sure businesses still get the right cultural fit, not just someone who looks good on paper.

Q: How has Core Group adapted to these changes?

Phil: We’ve always believed in staying ahead of the curve. Over the years, we’ve invested heavily in technology and innovation to ensure we’re not just keeping up but leading the way. That’s why we integrated Core Rail, Core People, and Core Talent Solutions—to offer a more seamless experience for our clients and candidates.

We’ve also expanded internationally, launching Core Group USA, which was a huge step for us. The principles of recruitment remain the same, but every market has its nuances, and adapting to that is key.

Q: The business world has had its fair share of ups and downs. What’s been your strategy for steering Core Group through tough times?

Phil: Adaptability. You have to be willing to evolve. When times get tough, the businesses that survive are the ones that can pivot without losing sight of their core values. For us, that’s always been about investing in people—whether that’s our own team, our clients, or the candidates we work with.

We’ve also learned that diversification is key. Having different business areas under the Core Group umbrella has given us stability and allowed us to take advantage of new opportunities when they arise.

Q: Looking ahead, what’s next for Core Group in the next 5 to 10 years?

Phil: Growth, both here in the UK and internationally. We’ve made big strides with our US expansion, and we want to build on that. But beyond just growing in size, we want to keep pushing the boundaries of what we can do—whether that’s through new technology, new markets, or new ways of connecting people with opportunities.

Q: You’ve also been heavily involved in philanthropy. Can you tell us a bit about that side of your work?

Phil: Giving back has always been important to me. There’s nothing more rewarding than helping someone take that first step toward a successful career.

Q: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build and manage a diverse business portfolio like you have?

Phil: Be passionate about what you do, stay resilient, and surround yourself with great people. Success doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built over years of hard work, learning from setbacks, and staying focused on your goals.

And never underestimate the value of relationships. No matter how much technology evolves, business is still about people at the end of the day.

Q: Phil, it’s been great talking to you. Congratulations again on 15 years—here’s to the next chapter!

Phil: Thanks! Exciting times ahead.