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Luan has officially been with MorePeople 13 years! Many of you know her for her expertise in Technical Recruitment, Luan answers 13 questions looking back over her 13 years of recruitment...1. What’s been the biggest change in technical recruitment for the food industry over the past 13 years? Adaptability is key – The UK food / fresh produce sector faces constant shifts (regulations, consumer trends, supply chain issues), so hiring people who can evolve with this fast-paced industry is crucial. 2. What’s one lesson I’ve learned that still guides me today? Life comes with its fair share of unpredictability. Some things are within your power to change, while others aren’t worth stressing over. Focusing on what you can influence usually leads to better decisions and less frustration. 3. How has the industry evolved in terms of skills and qualifications needed? Experience can often outweigh formal education, especially in hands-on roles. The increasing demand for HACCP & Food Safety Qualifications aligns with the industry's growing focus on compliance and quality assurance. Retailer-specific requirements for customer-facing roles also highlight how tailored recruitment has become. 4. What’s one piece of advice I’d give to someone just starting out in technical recruitment? Understand both the role and the industry inside out. Technical recruitment isn’t just about matching CVs to job descriptions—it requires a deep understanding of the skills, qualifications, and regulatory requirements specific to each role Building relationships with both clients and candidates helps bridge the gap between technical needs and cultural fit. 5. What’s the most rewarding placement I’ve made, and why? Well as you can imagine I have done several placements over 13 years and it isn’t always about the fee (although that does help!) I think if people have been through a tough time for example being made redundant and are keen to find a role, it's always rewarding and they are so very grateful for the help and support you have given. 6. How have candidate expectations changed over the years? Since COVID, candidates have become much more focused on hybrid and remote work options, and while these options were widely offered during the pandemic, it seems like many businesses are now reverting to office-based roles or removing hybrid work from contracts altogether. 7. What role or project am I most proud of working on? I’m proud of all the roles I work, maybe the most challenging ones make me feel prouder, whether that’s down to the location or just a shortage of candidates in the current marketplace. 8. What’s one challenge I’ve overcome that shaped my approach to recruitment? You are never going to fill 100% of the roles you work, they could go internally, be put on hold, have a direct applicant etc but as long as you have given it 110% you can’t do anymore. 9. How has networking within the food industry evolved since I started? LinkedIn & Industry Platforms are used so much more now. More professionals and employers now connect via LinkedIn and sector-specific platforms, making online engagement just as important as in-person events. Virtual Events & Webinars: Since COVID-19, many industry conferences and networking events have moved partially or fully online, increasing accessibility but reducing face-to-face interactions. 10. What trends do I predict will shape the next 13 years of recruitment? Looking ahead to the next 13 years, the shift toward experience and skills-based recruitment will accelerate, with more companies prioritising hands-on expertise over formal education. An ageing workforce, declining birth rates, and tighter immigration policies will all lead to skills shortages, especially in technical there is a lack of talent coming through. Companies may need to offer better incentives and invest in training more. 11. What’s been the most surprising change in candidate demographics or skill sets? There has been a noticeable decline in candidates entering the food industry, as they feel it is long hours, shift work, cold environment and can be very stressful. 12. What’s one thing that hasn’t changed at all in recruitment, despite industry evolution? One thing that hasn’t changed in recruitment, despite all the industry evolution, is the importance of human connection. No matter how much technology, AI, or data-driven processes have improved hiring, recruitment is still fundamentally about people hiring people. Employers want to connect with candidates who align with their company culture, and candidates want to feel valued, heard and understood. 13. What motivates me to keep doing what I do after 13 years? After 13 years in recruitment within the food and fresh produce industry, my motivation comes from a combination of personal fulfilment, and the impact I have on both companies and candidates. Helping candidates find their ideal roles and assisting companies in securing top talent is a rewarding process. Over time, seeing the positive changes in people's careers and helping businesses grow through the right hires can fuel a sense of purpose, when candidates come back to you and are turned in clients because they enjoyed the process as a candidate. Want to catch up with Luan? Find her contact details here!

The short-term let market has transformed the way we stay-cation, opening doors (literally) to incredible stays in the UK countryside, from cosy cottages to quirky converted barns. By offering travellers convenient, private short stays, it has created both opportunities and challenges for local communities. On the upside, in some cases, short-term lets have provided a lifeline for rural homeowners and small businesses. Renting out spare rooms or holiday properties is a (relatively) easy way to generate extra income in areas where jobs are often scarce. Visitors also spend money in the local economy - pubs, cafes, shops, and attractions - injecting much-needed revenue into the community. Then there’s the boost to tourism. Lesser-known destinations are now on the map thanks to platforms promoting hidden gems, drawing more people off the beaten track (opinion is divided on whether this is always a positive thing!) These visitors often create a ripple effect, encouraging friends and family to explore these charming spots too. It’s argued that the market for short-term letting has increased the popularity of holidays in the UK, funnelling more money back into the UK economy instead of abroad. It’s generally a win-win for rural and wider-UK tourism. Short-term lets have also contributed to the preservation of our agricultural architectural heritage. Many farm buildings with historical or architectural significance, which might be considered ‘redundant’ in modern farming, have been converted into holiday accommodation, giving them a new lease of life. Without this relatively straightforward route to return on capital - often far outstripping standard ASTs or even outright sale - some could have fallen into disrepair. However, navigating strict planning regulations for such conversions can be a challenge for property owners, though the rewards of restoration are nearly always worth the effort. But not everything is rosy. Housing availability is a key concern; with more homes and newly converted buildings being used as short-term rentals, it has become harder for local families to find affordable housing, straining community ties. Similarly, the conversion of farm steadings into holiday homes takes them out of availability for agricultural use, creating hurdles for new entrants into farming. Young or aspiring farmers need affordable steadings, and smaller farms with slightly outdated facilities are often the perfect place to start. Losing these options poses a risk to the sustainability of the farming sector. Environmental concerns are also mounting. More visitors mean more strain on local resources and infrastructure, from water and waste systems to the erosion of natural landscapes. It is vital to ensure tourism does not harm the very countryside that draws people in. Finally, inconsistent regulations around short-term lets create confusion. While some councils embrace the sector, others are still trying to catch up. Clearer, fairer guidelines could help balance the benefits for property owners with the needs of local communities. The verdict? The short-term let market impact on the UK’s rural economy is a real mixed bag. On the one hand, it has brought in extra cash for locals, boosted tourism, and helped breathe new life into heritage buildings. On the other hand, it has driven up housing costs, put pressure on resources, and sometimes created challenges for the very communities it helps on other occasions. Striking the right balance is crucial, and that means open and honest conversations between communities, councils, and hosts. By working together, we can ensure short-term lets continue to support rural areas without taking away what makes them so special.On that note, I am here to help with your rural recruitment needs...get in touch for a confidential chat!Max Johnsonmax@morepeople.co.uk01780 480 530

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