Three established finance recruitment specialists in Yorkshire have come together to launch a new venture aimed at revolutionising the recruitment process with a focus on social purpose. Joe Ingham, Rachel Frankland, and Javed Bobat have founded IFF Talent, combining over 50 years of experience in accountancy and finance recruitment to create a firm that prioritises both client and candidate needs while fostering social impact.
Launched this week, IFF Talent’s mission is encapsulated in its slogan, “beyond recruitment.” The founders aim to enhance the recruitment experience by providing added value beyond mere transactions and pledging a percentage of their recruitment fees to a non-profit social impact fund. The agency is committed to modernising the recruitment landscape through technology and AI-enabled solutions, ensuring a first-class customer-centric approach.
One of the innovative aspects of IFF Talent is the establishment of a coaching and mentoring cohort designed to support finance professionals throughout their careers. This initiative aims to create a supportive community that addresses the diverse needs of individuals within the industry.
Each founder has also chosen a personal social pillar to champion within the business. Joe Ingham, who has over a decade of experience in various recruitment roles, including a partnership at Pratap Partnership, will focus on social mobility. Ingham, who comes from a working-class background, is passionate about supporting underrepresented groups in entering the finance profession, particularly given the ongoing talent shortage in the sector. He states, “IFF Talent will look at ways we can educate ourselves on the importance of social mobility, especially in the current labour market.”
Rachel Frankland brings 17 years of sector experience, having recently launched a new division aimed at emerging leaders at HW Global Group. She is committed to empowering women in finance, addressing gender equity, and ensuring that female talent is embraced at all levels within the industry. Rachel highlights the ongoing challenges for women in finance, stating, “While female representation at the top is growing, challenges remain around pay, culture, and supporting women into leadership roles.”
With women currently holding only 18% of Finance Director roles and 8% of CEO positions in the UK, Frankland is determined to advocate for more robust support systems for women in the profession.
Javed Bobat, with over 20 years of experience, notably launched Marks Sattin in Leeds, transforming it into a top regional agency. He will focus on mental health and workplace wellbeing as his social pillar. Bobat emphasises the importance of mental health awareness, citing statistics that reveal 83% of finance professionals have contemplated leaving the sector due to mental health issues. He comments, “I’m excited to join forces with two reputable recruiters who share my values in creating a purpose-driven recruitment agency with IFF Talent.”
As IFF Talent sets its sights on ambitious growth, the founders are currently in advanced discussions to secure significant investment. Their plans include expanding the team with key hires and like-minded individuals, further enhancing the recruitment experience for clients and candidates alike. The launch of IFF Talent marks a significant step toward addressing the evolving needs of the recruitment landscape in Yorkshire while fostering a positive social impact. View more about IFF Talent at https://www.ifftalent.com.