At this year’s Marketing Showcase Live event at Villa Park, our very own Anna Smith took to the mic for a live podcast conversation hosted by James Marriott of Sound Media.
With nearly two decades of experience in marketing and creative recruitment, Anna was invited to share her perspective on how recruitment has evolved over the last few years, and where it’s headed next. From budget-conscious employers to salary-savvy candidates, the conversation touches on the challenges and opportunities facing everyone in the hiring equation right now.
Listen to the full episode below:

A few of the highlights we touched on:
• Why recruitment hasn’t “settled down” since COVID, and likely won’t anytime soon
• How salary expectations have shifted and why flexibility is more valuable than ever
• What candidates really want (and how that varies by seniority)
• Tips for hiring managers who want to attract great people but are working with tighter budgets
• What kind of roles and skills are still commanding higher salaries in today’s market
• How personalisation and employer brand are shaping candidate decisions
Whether you’re actively hiring or just trying to plan ahead, this conversation offers some useful context and advice for navigating recruitment in 2025.