About us
Candour began with a simple belief: recruitment works best when it’s clear, honest, and human. With over a decade in the industry, we’ve shaped a way of working that cuts through the noise and focuses on what really matters – building lasting relationships and making the right hires.
// about us
Built on honesty, shaped by experience.
Candour began with two directors, one spare room, and a shared belief that recruitment needed to change. After decades in large agencies, Richard and Stephen had seen too much noise and not enough substance. They wanted a business that put relationships, market expertise, and straight answers at the centre of every hire.
What started as a two-man setup has grown into a Manchester-based team of specialists. All the while, Richard and Stephen have made sure to keep the agility and personal touch of a boutique, while building the depth and reach to work with clients across the UK and beyond.
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Completed Placements
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Happy Clients
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Positive Reviews
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Years of Experience
// OUR VALUES
Our name says it all: candour means openness, honesty, and clarity. These values aren’t just words – they shape how we work every day.
We stand out because...
We make real connections, not just contacts.
We don’t just fill vacancies – we build lasting partnerships. Our approach is personal, honest, and built on real relationships, not just transactions.
We’re straight-talking and transparent.
We don’t sugarcoat the truth or make empty promises. We’re upfront, honest, and always clear about what we can deliver – because integrity matters.
We're specialists who live their markets.
Our team doesn’t just know their sectors – they’re embedded in them. Every consultant at Candour is a true specialist, bringing genuine insight and hands-on knowledge to the table.
We have a boutique feel, with big ambition.
We offer the best of both worlds – small enough to care, but big enough to compete. We’ve scaled smartly without losing that personal touch, giving clients the best of both worlds.
Our employee advocacy works.
Our team believes in what we do – and they’re proud to shout about it. We’ve built a culture where everyone is bought in, sharing their successes and bringing the brand to life through their own stories.
// MEET THE TEAM
Candour is more than a brand name.
It’s a group of people who care about doing recruitment the right way. Our directors Richard and Stephen lead from the front, combining strategic experience with hands-on involvement. Around them is a growing team of consultants, each specialising in their own market and bringing their own personality, creativity, and knowledge to the table.
Together, we’re big enough to make an impact, but small enough to keep things personal.
Dylan | Development & Design, Yorkshire
From startups to scale-ups, Dylan brings Yorkshire tech businesses the people they need to grow with confidence.
Imogen | Head of QA & Testing
Imogen knows what quality looks like – and more importantly, what it doesn’t. She connects high-performing teams with top-tier QA and software talent.
ceri | infrastructure & support
Ceri is the calm in the IT storm, placing dependable infrastructure and support specialists who keep systems – and teams – running smoothly.
vicky | software development, north
Vicky has her finger firmly on the pulse of the northern dev scene, matching brilliant people with businesses that value their skills.
Maddison | Associate Consultant
Keen to learn, quick to adapt, and driven to deliver. As an Associate Trainee Consultant at Candour, Maddison brings fresh perspective and energy to the team.
Frank | Web Development & Design
Frank blends technical expertise with creative flair, leading digital hires that don’t just look good – they work beautifully too.
Stephen | Director, Executive search
Stephen partners with leadership teams to deliver exec hires that shape strategy, not just fill seats.
sophie | associate director, product, data & mobile
Sophie connects sharp minds with complex product challenges – helping businesses find the thinkers, not just the doers.
richard | director, executive search
Richard’s focus is on long-term fit – bringing rigour, perspective, and candour to every senior hire.
// testimonials
How our work feels on the ground.
Here’s what clients and candidates say after working with us: