As we look ahead to 2026, one thing is clear at Stonehouse Recruitment Group: growth is not just about numbers. It’s about people, culture, and building something that lasts. To see what’s in-store for Stonehouse Recruitment Group this year, join Stonehouse’s Head of Marketing & People, Kitty Robertson, as she interviews Stonehouse’s Director & Founder, Sohan Modi.
What are your top priorities for next year?
First and foremost, success next year means seeing genuine growth across the business, division by division. But headline growth alone isn’t enough. What really matters is watching our people develop, progress, and move closer to where they want to be next in their careers.
At Stonehouse Recruitment Group, progression is open to everyone. Directorship isn’t about favouritism or politics; it is purely performance driven. That’s something we’re incredibly proud of. We’ve built a culture where people genuinely help each other, and we protect it fiercely. Our recruitment standards are high for a reason. We’d rather say no than compromise the environment we’ve worked so hard to create.
A big indicator that we’re doing something right is alignment. When leadership shares the same instincts, values, and vision for the business, it reinforces that we’re bringing in the right people for the Stonehouse family.
What is your vision for the business in the upcoming year?
We’re starting the year strong with our first academy in January 2026. Our focus is simple: make sure every one of them is set up for success. If we get that right, everything else follows.
Learning and development will continue to be a major priority. From professional qualifications to long-term succession planning, we’re investing in people at every level, including non-sales roles. Understanding the full business, spotting mistakes early, and building strong teams underneath them is how we future-proof Stonehouse Recruitment Group.
If we keep moving in this direction, we will not only look like a pretty serious outfit, but we will actually be one.
Are the major strategic shifts you plan to make?
Rather than dramatic strategic shifts, 2026 is about staying mindful as we grow. Roles will evolve naturally as the business changes. There will be periods where hiring slows and the focus turns to performance, support, and development. Growth without structure leads to chaos, and that’s something we’re not interested in.
What matters most is ensuring everyone has the right level of support, guidance, and one-to-one attention. You can’t over-strategise a growing business because things change. Adaptability and agility are key.
What are your top aims for next year? And why are they important?
One of our biggest aims is simple: keep moving forward. The recruitment industry is tough, and many businesses don’t make it past year three. Thankfully, we have just made it past year 4!
What new opportunities do you see emerging in your industry or market?
With changes across local authorities and leadership structures, we’re seeing new opportunities emerge, particularly at mid-tier and senior levels where there’s a clear talent shortage. These shifts have the potential to force positive change across the industries we specialise in, and we’re well positioned to support that.
How will you improve customer experience and retention?
Like any growing business, we’ve learned some hard lessons. Trusting your gut matters. Not every investment works out, but timing, people, and perspective make all the difference. What we’re most proud of is that the hires we have made are already making a significant impact.
We’ve chosen a different path to traditional recruitment growth. Instead of chasing headcount, we’ve invested in infrastructure, leadership, and support functions. The impact of our non-fee-earning team is invaluable, and the business simply wouldn’t be where it is without them.
I think it’s just by maintaining standards of quality. We do that and we’ll be just fine.
What marketing channels do you plan to prioritise?
LinkedIn remains our core marketing focus, but we’re building momentum across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube too. Consistency is key. Growth won’t happen overnight, but we’re laying the foundations and collaborating with the right people to do it properly.
What leadership changes do you anticipate next year?
I think people’s job titles will change. Definitely over the next year. Promotions, progressions, will definitely happen. And I think we will have protocols in place to equip people with the right skill set to handle tricky situations or help other employees develop during tricky moments. So those are the big things that I think will change a lot more.
How will you support train or strengthen your team?
Titles will change, promotions will happen, and new protocols will be introduced to help people handle challenges and support others. But ultimately, we’re focused on consistency. Strong teams aren’t built overnight; they’re built day by day with consistency and discipline.
What leadership habits do you want to improve personally?
Personally, one of the biggest goals for 2026 is learning to switch off. Taking time out, developing new interests, and trusting the team more than ever before. The business is now in a position where it doesn’t fall apart without one person, and that’s a huge milestone in itself.
What excites you most and what worries you most about next year?
What excites us most is seeing people we care about grow, not just professionally, but personally. Stonehouse is more than a workplace. It’s a close-knit team that feels more like family.
The biggest worry? Losing great people. But all we can do is lead with honesty, transparency, and kindness, create the right environment, and support people to be the best version of themselves. That’s the real measure of success.
How would you describe 2026 in a word?
If there’s one word that sums up 2026 for Stonehouse Recruitment Group, it’s intentional.
Stonehouse Recruitment Group offers expertise within Corporate & Regulatory Services. We provide high calibre contract, interim & permanent staff to Public, Private and Third Sector Organisations. To get in contact:
info@stonehouserg.com
020 4524 5225
For roles at Stonehouse Recruitment Group as an Executive Search Recruitment Consultant, contact:
kitty.r@stonehouserg.com
07494228460
