Innovation in recruitment is ushering in transformative changes for both companies and job seekers. This is becoming increasingly evident as new platforms emerge, such as the talent-sharing initiative conceived by Final Stage.
Co-founded by Eddie Lewis and Will Morris, Final Stage is making inroads by connecting unmatched candidates with top companies, aiming to shift traditional hiring paradigms in a forward-thinking manner.
The Shift from Traditional Recruitment Models
The recruitment industry is experiencing a paradigm shift, with a notable move away from traditional agency models. Many companies now prefer in-house recruitment processes, seeking more control and alignment with their brand. Eddie Lewis, co-founder of the innovative platform Final Stage, noted, “Companies don’t want to be paying agencies these days. They want it all done on-site and under their brand.” This change reflects a broader trend towards efficiency and cost-effectiveness, as organisations recognise the drawbacks of agency-led hiring, which often prioritises financial metrics over finding the right fit for roles.
Final Stage: A Revolutionary Platform
Positioning itself as a game-changer in the recruitment sector, Final Stage connects unsuccessful candidates with top-tier companies, thus reducing the waste of talent. This Manchester-based start-up encourages a collaborative rather than competitive approach among businesses. Partners such as Capgemini, Grant Thornton, Bloomberg, and Balfour Beatty highlight the platform’s growing influence.
Eddie Lewis and Will Morris, the brains behind Final Stage, were inspired to create a solution after witnessing talented candidates walk away from unsuitable roles. Their vision is not just to fill vacancies but to establish a talent-sharing community that benefits both job seekers and employers. “We’re very much looking to open it up as a business networking site rather than just a recruiting site,” expressed Lewis.
Growth and Investment Prospects
With a foundation built from personal investments, Final Stage is now seeking angel investment to further its growth ambition.
The company aims to raise between £300,000 and £500,000, targeting investors who can offer strategic value beyond mere capital. “We’ve had a lot of interest,” said Lewis, underlining the potential of the platform. This investment will propel Final Stage into its next phase, expanding its capabilities and enhancing its technology.
A Unique Invite-Only Network
Final Stage operates on an invite-only basis, maintaining exclusivity for both companies and candidates. This approach ensures that the quality of talent remains high and that companies can trust the network’s offerings. The platform charges a subscription fee of around £1,000 monthly, depending on the chosen features, which makes it accessible yet premium.
Currently, the focus is on entry-level positions, but there are plans to widen the scope to include experienced professionals and outgoing contractors. This expansion will broaden the horizons for talent movement across industries.
Developing a Business Networking Tool
The platform aspires to evolve into a business networking tool, facilitating connections beyond recruitment. Eddie Lewis envisions Final Stage as a community hub where mutual growth is the objective. “We call ourselves a community. If you contribute to the community, you’ll get more out of it,” he explained.
By moving the recruitment process online, Final Stage aims to streamline how companies interact with talent, providing a centralised location for career networking. The feedback from candidates already suggests that the platform fosters connections that extend beyond initial assessments.
Future Vision and Strategic Goals
The long-term vision for Final Stage is to become the go-to destination for top talents seeking job opportunities. By continually enhancing its platform, the company aims to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses and job seekers.
Eddie Lewis and Will Morris plan to scale their operations and bring in capabilities that will support higher-level recruits and diverse industry sectors. The founders believe that their model can transform the landscape of recruitment, ensuring a more equitable distribution of opportunities.
Conclusion: A New Era of Recruitment
Final Stage stands at the forefront of a new era in recruitment, redefining how companies and candidates connect. By embracing innovation and focusing on community building, this platform addresses significant gaps in the hiring process. The vision and strategy behind Final Stage highlight a promising future not just for the company, but for the entire recruitment industry.
As Final Stage continues to innovate, the potential to fundamentally change the recruitment landscape cannot be understated. The platform is set to deliver enhanced connectivity and efficiency, aligning with modern recruitment needs.
