Changing Finance Recruitment In Yorkshire With Social Impact

Ever thought about what makes a business special? Sometimes, it’s not just about what they sell or the service they provide. It’s about their reason for being – their purpose. In Yorkshire, a finance recruitment company called IFF Talent just celebrated its first birthday in October 2025, and it’s a brilliant example of a business that’s about more than just numbers. It’s a company built with a clear purpose: to do good while doing good business. In just one year, this team has shown that helping people find jobs and making a positive social impact can go hand in hand.

One year in and already making waves

Turning one is a big deal for any new business, but IFF Talent has had a particularly busy first year. The company hasn't just been ticking along; it’s actually doubled in size. Imagine starting a school project with three friends and, by the end of the year, there are six of you because it's going so well. That’s exactly the kind of growth this recruitment firm has seen.

Part of this expansion involves bringing some very experienced people on board. Natalie McGregor and Matthew Earnshaw have joined as Directors. Think of a director as a team captain; they bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to guide the company. Their job is to steer the ship and make sure the whole team is heading in the right direction. And to ensure that everyone who works with IFF Talent—both the companies looking for staff (clients) and the people looking for jobs (candidates)—has a brilliant experience, Hannah Nichol-Jackson has joined as the Client Experience and Business Support Manager. Her role is all about making things run like clockwork.

But the strong leadership doesn't stop there. The company is also guided by Non-Executive Director, Oliver Laird. A non-executive director is like a wise mentor who isn’t involved in the day-to-day running of the business but offers expert advice to help it succeed. The team also works with Justine Shaw, an Executive Leadership Coach, who is helping to shape the company’s core values as it gets bigger. This ensures that even as the business grows, its core purpose remains strong.

What does 'beyond recruitment' actually mean?

IFF Talent often talks about its ‘Beyond Recruitment’ philosophy. It’s a catchy phrase, but what does it mean in the real world? It’s all about seeing recruitment as more than just filling a vacancy. It's about building careers, strengthening communities, and having a positive social impact. This purpose-driven approach is what makes this finance recruitment company stand out in Yorkshire.

In its first year, the company’s actions have spoken louder than words. Here’s a little snapshot of the impact they’ve made:

• Helping People Find Work: They’ve placed over 80 finance professionals in new jobs and helped another 55 people find temporary or contract work. That’s a lot of careers getting a boost.
• Giving Back: Through their non-profit arm, Imagine IFF CIC, the business has pledged to give 3% of its annual profits to social impact initiatives. It's a proper commitment to sharing their success.
• Earning Recognition: The company was shortlisted for both Start-Up Growth and Innovation at the Yorkshire Business Awards. A great nod to their hard work!
• Supporting Communities: They’ve launched a Women in Finance Group, delivered mental health and wellbeing workshops to over 20 organisations, and given talks in schools to help young people learn about careers in finance.
• Championing Others: The team acted as a sponsor and judge at the Young Entrepreneurs Awards and made charitable donations to causes like Business Beats Cancer.

This is what beyond recruitment looks like in action. It’s not just about the transaction of finding someone a job; it's about the bigger picture and the positive ripple effect a thoughtful business can create. This unique approach to talent acquisition has resonated with many clients and candidates.

Hearing from the people behind the purpose

The energy and vision for IFF Talent come from its founders, Joe Ingham, Rachel Frankland, and Javed Bobat. Their shared belief in a purpose-driven business is the engine behind the company's success. Each founder brings a unique perspective on their journey and the impact they want to make.

Joe Ingham, a Co-Founder and Director, reflected on the milestone:

“Reaching our first year feels both humbling and energising. We are immensely grateful for the trust and encouragement shown by our clients, candidates, and community. The response to what we are building has been remarkable, and it reinforces our belief that recruitment can be used as a force for good and is able to deliver a positive social impact.”

Rachel Frankland, also a Co-Founder and Director, added that clients have been particularly drawn to their model:

“The appetite from clients for our purpose-driven approach has been exceptional. Both existing and new clients have told us that our values and our ‘Beyond Recruitment’ philosophy are what drew them to work with us. The recruitment industry needed innovation that goes beyond finding someone a job. It must enrich careers, communities, and the wider economy. That is the standard we set for ourselves.”

Javed Bobat, another Co-Founder and Director, highlighted how performance and purpose are connected:

“This past year has shown that purpose and performance are powerful together. From mental health training to women in finance events, to investing in young people through social mobility initiatives, we are seeing tangible change. As we look ahead, we will build on this momentum with a new office, a new website, further headcount growth, and an even stronger focus on our purpose-led strategy.”

It's clear that for each founder, the mission is personal and deeply embedded in the company's DNA. This shared vision for social impact is what drives their daily initiatives.

So, what's next for IFF Talent?

After such a successful first year, the company isn't planning on slowing down. With a new office and a new website on the horizon, IFF Talent is setting itself up for even more growth and a greater impact. The team is expanding, which means more people will be working to connect talented finance professionals with great opportunities across Yorkshire.

The strengthened executive team, featuring experienced directors and supported by expert advisors, provides a solid foundation for this next chapter. The focus remains squarely on their dual mission: to be an excellent recruitment business while being a force for social good. This commitment to innovation in the recruitment sector is key to their strategy.

Javed Bobat summed up their forward-looking attitude perfectly:

“This is just the beginning. We’re doubling down on our strategy, expanding our reach, and continuing to prove that purpose and profit can go hand in hand. We’re excited to keep building a business that’s commercially excellent and socially impactful - and we’re investing in the infrastructure, people, and partnerships to make that happen.”

Ultimately, IFF Talent’s story after its first year is a powerful reminder that a business can be both successful and kind. The company's journey shows what's possible when people come together with a shared purpose to make a genuine difference in their community, one job and one social initiative at a time.