In this episode of Recruiting Alchemy, Andy Simpson sits down with Martyn Holme, founder and managing director of A&B Recruitment, to explore what it really takes to build and lead a high-growth recruitment business. From losing £150K in one deal to opening offices overseas, Martyn shares the key decisions and defining moments behind his success.

They discuss how early adversity shaped his work ethic, the shift from being a top biller to leading a team, and why surrounding yourself with the right people is crucial for scale. Martyn also opens up about the realities of managing cash flow, the importance of trust, and the mindset it takes to stay in the game when things get tough.

Whether you're a recruiter, agency leader, or someone scaling a business of your own, this conversation is packed with honesty, lessons learned, and inspiration.

🎙 Key Topics:

🔹 From pipefitter to recruiter: how Martyn broke into the industry
🔹 The deal that cost £150K and what he learned from it
🔹 Building a team culture focused on loyalty and ambition
🔹 Why leadership means getting out of your own way
🔹 Opening a Dubai office and expanding internationally

Show Notes & Timestamps

[00:00:00] – Opening & Introduction

Andy introduces Martyn Holme, founder of A&B Recruitment

Framing the episode: growth, risk, and resilience in business

[00:01:40] – The Two Beginnings

Martyn’s upbringing and early family life

Moving from Liverpool to the Wirral and lessons from childhood

[00:05:30] – Breaking into Recruitment

How Martyn got started in the industry

First sales role and early mentors

Realising recruitment was the path

[00:12:45] – Learning the Hard Way

Losing £150,000 on a deal

Why it was the most important lesson in his career

The mindset shift that followed

[00:20:00] – Building A&B Recruitment

Founding the business and getting through year one

The value of sticking with it when it’s tough

Investing in people and building trust

[00:32:30] – Culture, Loyalty, and Growth

Why building a business starts with the right people

Martyn’s approach to hiring and internal team culture

What loyalty looks like in a modern recruitment agency

[00:40:00] – Expansion and Risk

Opening an office in Dubai

Letting go of control and empowering leaders

Advice for founders stepping into new markets

[00:48:00] – Final Thoughts & Reflections

Martyn’s take on what makes great leadership

The importance of values, purpose, and moral compass

Why he still loves recruitment after 20 years