Case Study: Coeo (Case Study 1)

What did we do?

As Interim Recruitment Manager, Focused Futures Consultancy LTD developed a tailored recruitment strategy using the H-I-R-E-S framework:
1. Agency Dependency Reduction
Transitioned Coeo from agency reliance to a direct hiring model, delivering substantial cost savings.
2. Strategic Hiring
Oversaw the recruitment of technical and GTM professionals across all levels, including:
- Technical Roles: Principal, Senior, and Graduate Consultants; Analytics Practice Leader; Senior Consultant Architect; Data Platform Engineers; Data Engineers; and DBA hires.
- Go-To-Market Roles: Principal/Senior Client Account Managers, Inside Sales Professionals, Marketing Manager, and Alliance Manager.
3. D&I Initiatives
Played a pivotal role in improving diversity, achieving a 20% female workforce ratio and hiring talent from varied backgrounds. Collaborated with HR to launch initiatives such as Black History Month, World Cancer Day, and “Great Company to Work For” programs.
4. Behavioral & Technical Interviewing
Implemented a Growth Mindset and Grit-focused approach to identify high-potential candidates, many of whom advanced to leadership roles within 6 months.
5. Employer Branding
Strengthened Coeo’s reputation as an employer of choice during a challenging hiring market.
Results That Matter
Results
The partnership delivered measurable and impactful results:
- Agency Cost Savings: Transitioned to a 90% direct hiring model, saving £150K in agency fees in the last quarter alone.
- Headcount Growth: Almost doubled Coeo’s workforce, enabling them to meet rising client demand.
- Enhanced Team Composition: Successfully hired a wide range of technical and GTM professionals, ensuring seamless business operations.
- Diversity Milestone: Achieved a 20% female workforce ratio and improved representation from diverse backgrounds.
- Cultural Impact: Supported initiatives that enhanced workplace culture, fostering inclusivity and employee engagement.
- Financial Success: Contributed to Coeo’s growth to a £10M+ turnover business.

Client feedback
“Focused Futures helped us navigate unprecedented challenges during COVID, transforming our recruitment strategy and enabling us to scale efficiently. Their expertise in both technical hiring and culture-building played a critical role in our success.”
– HR Manager, Coeo