The Story of Howard James Recruitment

In 2004, after returning to the UK from Thailand, Howard Forster began considering his next career move. Having experienced recruitment first-hand and worked closely with businesses and candidates, he was struck by a recurring problem. Too many recruitment agencies were focused solely on filling vacancies rather than building genuine relationships. Employers were frustrated by poor service, candidates felt like numbers, and honest advice often seemed to be in short supply.

After speaking with a recruiter about his own career options, Howard became convinced there was a gap in the market for a recruitment business built on experience, integrity and long-term partnerships. Rather than following the traditional agency model, he wanted to create a company that put honesty, transparency and customer service at the centre of everything it did.

The early days

The early days were far from glamorous. Operating from a bedroom office, Howard worked tirelessly to win clients, source candidates and build a reputation based on delivering what he promised. Every placement mattered. Every client relationship was earned. Through hard work, consistency and a commitment to doing the right thing, the business began to grow steadily.

Unlike many recruitment firms that chased rapid expansion, Howard James Recruitment focused on sustainable growth. The company built long-term relationships with employers across a wide range of sectors, earning repeat business and referrals through exceptional service rather than aggressive sales tactics.

From bedroom office to national network

Where we are today

As the years passed, the business expanded beyond its original base, opening offices in new locations and broadening its service offering. Each new branch was established with the same values that existed from day one: honesty, professionalism, industry expertise and a genuine desire to help businesses and candidates succeed.

Today, Howard James Recruitment has grown into a nationwide recruitment business with 16 branches serving employers and job seekers across the UK. While the original ambition was to open a new branch every year, the company sits slightly behind that target — a reminder that growth is rarely a straight line. What has never changed is the commitment to building a business the right way.

From a bedroom office in 2004 to a network of branches across the country, Howard James Recruitment's journey has been driven by a simple principle: recruitment works best when it is built on trust, experience and genuine relationships.

More than two decades later, that principle continues to guide the business and remains at the heart of everything we do.

The values we started with — and still hold

Quick Reference · At a Glance

The story of Howard James Recruitment.