Welcome back!

This edition tackles the questions keeping recruitment leaders awake: Is it time to sell or scale? How do we verify agency track records? And can AI actually deliver on its promises? From M&A strategy to proven recruitment tech, we're bringing practical answers from leaders who've been there. Enjoy!

SURVEY RESULTS

Why does finding the right agency feel like gambling?

We surveyed HR executives, TA professionals, and hiring managers across Belgium to understand the daily frustrations behind what we call "Recruitment Roulette." The findings reveal a profound trust crisis: 86% of buyers find agency differentiation "very" or "extremely" difficult, not because agencies lack distinct capabilities, but because there's no trusted way to verify them.

The top frustrations include identical sales pitches, excessive cold outreach, unverifiable track records, and lack of specialisation evidence.​

The cost of selecting the wrong agency? Critical roles unfilled for months, teams stretched thin, and 29 days wasted on evaluation processes that rely on mental notes and spreadsheets.

This report maps what's broken and shows the path forward.

LIVESTREAM 14 OCT - 11:00

Join our 45-minute online masterclass for HR, talent acquisition, and hiring managers, as well as IT/Engineering recruitment agencies. Experts from MrWork.nl, Teamtailor, Deel, and Doorstep will offer practical advice on tackling the challenges of tech recruitment. You'll hear simple stories, get helpful tips, and have your questions answered.

RECRUITMENT TOOLS

From CVs to conversations: smarter matching in practice.

In a market full of AI promises, this Belgian recruitment tech company has been quietly delivering for ten years. Jan Govaerts, CEO of theMatchBox, built AI matching technology long before the hype - and his "no bullshit approach" has won over House of HR, SD Worx, and dozens of agencies across different countries. The difference? theMatchBox doesn't chase trends. They focus on their core: matching candidates and jobs efficiently, compliantly, and in a way that supports recruiters.

M&A FORUM

Consolidation in the staffing industry

As a staffing agency executive, sooner or later you face a choice: sell or acquire? And that’s when the real questions start. 'What is our business really worth?', 'How do I ensure a smooth cultural integration post-acquisition?', 'How do I stop my team from getting unsettled?' or 'What are the hidden pitfalls during due diligence?'. Often, you're left to tackle these questions alone.

That's exactly why we're hosting “Scale or Sale” on the 6th of November from 15:30. This isn't theory; it's a confidential conversation among C-level peers. Get candid answers from leaders like Bert Pauwels (CEO, Pauwels Solutions Group) and Brecht De Mey (CEO, Copus Group), who have been through this journey themselves. And, of course, share your own questions and experiences in the roundtables with a mix of buyers, sellers, advisors, and investors. 

Full programme details here.

This forum is the exclusive pre-event for the Talent Business Awards gala. After the strategic discussions, we'll continue the conversation at the reception and gala dinner, where you can network with the top players in our sector.

TALENT BUSINESS AWARDS

Celebrate, connect, and sharpen your competitive strategy

On 6th November, the Belgian staffing and recruitment ecosystem will gather for the Talent Business Awards Gala - an unmissable night of high-level networking and celebration at the 5-star Tangla Hotel in Brussels.

Join 200 fellow agency executives, founders, and industry leaders to celebrate outstanding achievements and gain insights from our international keynote speaker, Eryn Peters, on "The AI-First Talent Revolution".

For senior leaders, the day can begin even earlier with the exclusive "Scale or Sale?" M&A strategy session (see above).

Places are selling fast. Hope to see you there!

Thanks for reading Talent Business Insights!

This newsletter exists to help recruitment leaders navigate real challenges with proven insights. We'd love to hear from you: What topics should we tackle next? What challenges are keeping you up at night? Hit reply and share your thoughts -your feedback shapes future editions.

With enthusiasm for what's ahead,

Jeroen Van Ermen
Founder - Talent Business Partners