Our Experience: Two Decades of Recruitment Excellence
20+ Years of Building the UK's Most Trusted Staffing Agency
Experience That Delivers Results
Since 2003, Staff Direct has grown from a small London recruitment agency into one of the UK's most trusted staffing partners. Our experience spans recessions and booms, industry transformations and market shifts—through it all, we've continued to deliver the quality and reliability our clients depend on.
From placing our first construction workers to building comprehensive services across hospitality, warehousing, transport, and more—our experience has taught us what works, what matters, and how to get it right every time.
Our Journey: From Start-Up to Industry Leader
Our story is one of steady growth, continuous improvement, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Here are the key milestones that have shaped Staff Direct:
The Beginning
Staff Direct is founded in London with a simple mission: to provide reliable, quality staffing for the construction industry. Starting with a small team and a handful of clients, we begin building what would become one of the UK's most trusted recruitment agencies.
Sector Expansion
Responding to client demand, we expand beyond construction into hospitality and industrial sectors. Our specialist teams begin developing the deep industry expertise that sets us apart from generalist agencies.
Proving Our Resilience
The global financial crisis tests the entire recruitment industry. While many agencies struggle or close, Staff Direct's focus on quality and long-term client relationships sees us through. Our reputation for reliability strengthens as clients value our consistency during uncertain times.
Technology Investment
Major investment in recruitment technology transforms our operations. New database systems, compliance tracking, and communication tools enable faster response times and better candidate matching while maintaining our personal service approach.
10 Years & Growing
Staff Direct celebrates a decade of service. By now, we've placed over 100,000 workers and serve clients across the UK. Our reputation for quality earns us REC membership and industry recognition.
24/7 Service Launch
Recognizing that staffing needs don't stop at 5pm, we launch our 24/7 helpline service. Round-the-clock support becomes a key differentiator, helping clients with emergency staffing whenever they need us.
Hatton Garden HQ
We move to our current headquarters at 34-35 Hatton Garden in London's historic jewellery quarter. The central location enables better service to clients across London and the South East while supporting our nationwide operations.
Pandemic Response
COVID-19 reshapes the recruitment landscape. Staff Direct adapts rapidly—supporting essential services with key workers, helping furloughed hospitality staff find temporary warehouse work, and maintaining service continuity throughout lockdowns.
20 Years of Excellence
Staff Direct celebrates 20 years in business. With over 1 million placements made, 250,000+ active candidates, and a 4.8-star rating from 6,134 reviews, we've established ourselves as one of the UK's most trusted recruitment agencies.
Today & Tomorrow
Today, Staff Direct continues to grow while staying true to our founding values. We're investing in new technologies, expanding our specialist teams, and preparing for the future of work—always with quality, reliability, and client service at our core.
Our Experience by Numbers
Years in Business
Successful Placements
Businesses Served
Active Candidates
Verified Reviews
Average Rating
Deep Experience Across Multiple Sectors
Over two decades, we've developed genuine expertise in each sector we serve. This isn't surface-level knowledge—it's deep understanding built through thousands of placements and long-term client relationships.
Additional Sector Expertise
Production operatives, machine operators, QC inspectors
Receptionists, PAs, data entry, customer service
Technical support, field engineers, installers
Corporate events, weddings, conferences
What Our Experience Means for You
We've Seen It All
Twenty years means we've handled every type of recruitment challenge. Urgent same-day requirements, complex multi-site projects, seasonal scaling, specialist skills searches—we've done it before and we know how to get it right.
We Know What Works
Our processes have been refined through over a million placements. We've learned what questions to ask, what checks matter most, and how to match the right people to the right roles consistently.
We Build Relationships
Many of our clients have been with us for 10+ years. We're not interested in quick transactions—we build long-term partnerships where we truly understand your business and can anticipate your needs.
We Stand Behind Our Work
Twenty years of reputation means we're not going to risk it on a poor placement. Every candidate we send reflects on us—and our service guarantee ensures you're protected if anything isn't right.
What Long-Term Clients Say
Relationships built over years of trusted partnership
"We've been using Staff Direct for 12 years now. They've grown with us, they understand our business, and they consistently deliver. When you find a recruitment partner that works, you stick with them."
— Operations Director, Construction Group
Client since 2013
"Through COVID, Brexit challenges, driver shortages—Staff Direct has been there through it all. That kind of experience and reliability is invaluable. They've never let us down."
— Logistics Manager, Distribution Company
Client since 2015
"I've worked with Staff Direct across three different companies now. Each time, I bring them in because I know they deliver. Twenty years of experience shows in everything they do."
— HR Director, Hotel Group
Personal relationship since 2010
Nationwide Experience
From our London headquarters, we've built experience serving clients across the entire United Kingdom. View our full coverage map.
North England
Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool
Scotland
Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen
Wales
Cardiff, Swansea, Newport
South West
Bristol, Plymouth, Exeter
Experience the Staff Direct Difference
Put our 20+ years of recruitment experience to work for your business. Contact us today to discuss your staffing needs.
Get in Touch
Contact Us Today
Head Office:
34-35 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8DX
Main Office: 020 3627 5550
24/7 Helpline: +44 333 188 0008
Email: [email protected]