Independent Recruitment.
Done Properly.
We're a specialist UK recruitment agency built on honest advice, deep sector knowledge, and a genuine commitment to getting it right — for employers and candidates alike.
Who We Are
A Recruitment Agency Built on Long-Term Thinking
Howard James Recruitment was established to provide a professional, consultative recruitment service to businesses and candidates across the UK. We operate as a true partner — not a volume supplier.
Our consultants take the time to understand each role, the culture behind it, and the kind of person who will genuinely succeed there. That means fewer wasted interviews, stronger shortlists, and placements that last.
We specialise in commercial and professional roles across Finance, HR, Operations, Sales, Marketing, IT, and Business Support — with a primary focus on the North West and nationwide reach.
Our Approach
How We Recruit
Understand First
Before we source a single candidate, we take time to fully understand the role, the team, and the culture of your organisation. A good brief produces a better shortlist.
Search the Full Market
We reach active and passive candidates — people not on job boards who are open to the right conversation. Our networks span 16 UK locations and multiple sectors.
Deliver With Integrity
We give honest assessments of candidates and are straight with you if a role needs rethinking. Long-term partnerships matter more to us than a quick placement.
The Team
Our Leadership
Experienced recruitment professionals with genuine sector knowledge — committed to delivering a service that clients and candidates can rely on.
Howard Forster
Founder & Branch Manager
Howard leads the business development strategy, working closely with organisations across the North West and beyond to understand their hiring challenges and deliver lasting recruitment solutions.
Sarah Howen
Talent Acquisition Lead
Sarah oversees candidate sourcing across all sectors, ensuring clients receive a consistently strong pipeline of skilled professionals who are well-matched to both the role and the business.
Jonathan Barclay
Training & Development
John is responsible for consultant development and best practice across the team, ensuring the standards of service we promise our clients are maintained at every stage of the process.
For Employers
Why Businesses Work With Us
We've built our reputation on doing things the right way — transparent fees, honest candidate assessments, and a genuine interest in your long-term hiring success.
View Recruitment Services- Access to the full talent market — we reach active and passive candidates your job adverts won't.
- Specialist sector knowledge across Finance, HR, Operations, Sales, IT, Marketing and more.
- Fast, quality shortlists — we move quickly without cutting corners on screening and assessment.
- Flexible fee structures including our Flex Fee model — spread over 12 weeks with no risk if the placement doesn't work out.
- A named consultant who knows your business — not a rotating desk of strangers.
- Coverage across 16 UK locations including Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and London.
What Drives Us
Our Values
Integrity
We give honest advice, even when it's not what you want to hear. Our reputation depends on it.
Partnership
We're not a transactional agency. We invest in long-term relationships with every employer and candidate we work with.
Quality
We'd rather present three outstanding candidates than ten mediocre ones. Shortlists should save your time, not waste it.
Commitment
We go the extra mile for every placement — from the first brief to post-placement follow-up.
Ready to Work Together?
Whether you're looking to hire your next great employee or you're a candidate looking for a new challenge — we're ready to help.
Quick Reference · At a Glance
| Agency Type | Independent UK recruitment agency |
| Specialisms | Commercial and professional roles — Finance, HR, Operations, Sales, Marketing, IT, Business Support, and more |
| Primary Region | North West England, with nationwide UK coverage |
| UK Locations | 16 locations including Manchester (head office), Birmingham, Leeds, London, and the wider North West |
| Services | Permanent Recruitment, Temporary Recruitment, Contract Recruitment, Executive Search, RPO, Flex Fee Recruitment |
| Flex Fee | Spread fee over 12 weeks — pay only for the time worked if the candidate doesn't complete the period |
| Contact | 0161 641 2550 | hf@howardjames.co.uk |