As 2025 draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on a truly incredible first year at ALF Recruit, and most importantly, to say thank you to the clients, candidates, and supporters who’ve helped shape our journey so far.
A year of growth, milestones and momentum
What started as a big idea backed by even bigger ambition became reality in January 2025, when we moved into our new office at Fire Up Rochdale and made our very first team placement. Since then, we’ve grown not only in numbers but in strength, reputation and reach.
We were proud to welcome Joanne Sizer and Cassidy Rae Pinder to the team early in the year. Both brought passion, expertise and energy that’s helped propel ALF Recruit forward. And the growth continues, with plans already in motion to expand to a team of four recruiters in the new year (watch this space!).
Highlights from Year One
- ✅ 100% placement success rate
- ⭐ 41+ 5-star Google reviews and counting
- 💼 65 placements made across Finance, Accountancy, Financial Services and Business Support roles
- 💬 130+ candidate meetings – taking the time to understand people properly
- 🧑💻 28 face-to-face client meetings and 18 networking events attended
- 💼 30+ businesses trusted us as their recruitment partner
- 📋 Successfully launched our Temporary & Interim offering
- 🏆 Proud finalist in the Rochdale Business Awards, Turnover under £1m category
And there’s more.
In March, we were awarded a place on our very first Preferred Supplier List, led by Joanne Sizer, with a large Greater Manchester-based Financial Services group. This was a huge achievement that cemented our credibility and commitment to delivering quality.
In November, we were thrilled to win a competitive pitch to become the retained recruitment partner for a fast-growing FinTech headquartered in Manchester City Centre.
And finally, this December, we put the final touches on the introduction of ALF Retain, our employee retention support for clients, which is set to launch in January 2026.
Commitment to community
We’ve always believed recruitment is about more than just placements. It’s about people and partnerships. That’s why we’re proud of the community support and CSR activities we’ve been able to get involved in this year:
- Delivered mock interviews and work experience at Rochdale Sixth Form
- Sponsored grassroots sport, including Rochdale Mayfield Youth, Rochdale Cricket, Sacred Heart Football, and Warrington Wolves Academy on their Australian tour
- Joined Springhill Business Buddies
- Sourced and donated presents to the Sedulo Christmas Toy Appeal
- Attended several charity events, providing support for local organisations
- Supported multiple client charity efforts with one-off donations
Building relationships the right way
We’re incredibly proud of the percentage of repeat business and strong new client wins this year. This shows our relationship-led, consultative approach is resonating. Clients are coming back to us and referring to us because they trust us to get it right.
And we’ve more than doubled our internal targets this year. Proof that quality, focus and integrity lead to results.
Thank you!
To our clients, thank you for trusting us with your hiring. To our candidates, thank you for letting us support your career journey.
And to our wider community, thank you for cheering us on. We can’t wait to see what 2026 brings.
