There’s a bit of a rivalry brewing at The Mere Golf Club — and it’s not on the greens.

For months, James has proudly held the crown for Best Hot Chocolate. But today, Sue stepped up, poured her heart (and perhaps a touch of magic) into the cup, and has officially claimed the title back.

Now, what’s this got to do with hiring? Quite a lot, actually.

In recruitment, just like in hot chocolate making, consistency matters — but so does innovation. James had the crown because he was reliable. Everyone knew what to expect. But Sue didn’t settle for good enough. She tweaked, improved, and delivered something exceptional — and that’s what great candidates do when given the opportunity.

As a hiring manager, the takeaway is simple:
✅ Don’t just look for the “James” who’s proven and steady — leave room for the “Sue” who’s ready to surprise you.
✅ Encourage competition and growth within your teams.
✅ Reward improvement, not just tenure.

At Howard James Recruitment, we help you find candidates who not only fit the brief, but also bring a spark of something better — the ones who’ll take your business from “good” to “great”.