Talent Strategy Drives Bruton Knowles Growth Amid Market Demand

National chartered surveyors Bruton Knowles is advancing its strategic growth plans with the implementation of a refreshed internal talent team, designed to meet the increasing demand for specialist skills across their core service areas.

Under the leadership of HR Director Neil Young, the newly structured Talent Team has implemented a direct sourcing model that is enabling the business to meet strategic hiring needs with greater speed and precision. The team’s work is contributing to delivery capacity across Bruton Knowles’ expanding service lines, including National Utilities & Infrastructure and Valuation Teams, areas within the business that are experiencing increased demand.

Key appointments include Talent Acquisition Specialist Chris Doyle, who brings volume recruitment experience from agency environments, and Naomi Corcoran, who joined in April with a background in targeted search and headhunting. The team is focused on building closer collaboration with hiring managers to ensure better alignment between business need and candidate fit.

Chris joined the business following a competitive career search in September, with several offers on the table. However, it was the culture at Bruton Knowles that made his decision a clear one. “There’s a real sense of personal investment here,” he said. “From the Senior Leadership Team right down, there’s an energy in the business and a commitment to doing things the right way for both our clients and our colleagues.”

Naomi, who came on board earlier in the year, has been instrumental in helping shape the new approach. With a background in high-level headhunting and executive search, she brings a consultative and strategic edge to the team’s operations. Chris and Naomi’s complementary skills, from his high-volume, fast-paced agency experience, and her relationship-led style, are helping to reimagine recruitment across the business.

“Having a team that’s not entrenched in legacy processes has allowed us to question, challenge, and build something new together,” Naomi said. “We’re not just looking at vacancies and trying to fill them as quickly as possible. We’re partnering with hiring managers to better understand their needs so we can get the right fit.”

That partnership-driven model is already delivering results. Naomi’s structured approach to hiring manager briefings ensures clarity from the outset, while Chris brings market insight and agile recruitment strategies to the table. Both prioritise personal, authentic engagement through informal chats with potential candidates or tailored outreach that cuts through the noise.

“People respond to authenticity,” said Naomi. “Most professionals get bombarded with generic LinkedIn messages. But when you reach out as a human first, with a real understanding of what matters to them, it changes the conversation. Don’t sell anything.”

Since joining, Chris has secured six MRICS-qualified hires, signalling the amid strong market demand. “2026 is all about delivery,” he said. “We’ve got the work, now we need the right people. That means more engagement, more conversations, and more visibility for the Bruton Knowles brand.”

Supporting these conversations is Bruton Knowles’ WorkYourWay approach, which has become a cornerstone of the team’s appeal, both in how they attract talent and foster an inclusive culture internally.

Working with the Talent Team is HR Coordinator Olivia Gardiner, who joined in August and plays an important role in ensuring operational efficiency. From drafting contracts and managing onboarding to making sure everything is in place for the best employment experience and long-term career. Olivia has also helped build streamlined people processes by embracing technology which underpins the team’s agility.

“Olivia brings structure, calm, and precision to the process,” says Neil. “It’s crucial our recruiters can move quickly. With Olivia’s expertise, they can do that with confidence, knowing the offer and onboarding process is solid. Olivia has also led on the recruitment of two support colleagues since she joined.”

The Talent Team’s impact is already clear, but it’s the culture of openness and collaboration that’s likely to have the longest-lasting effect. “When you get the right people in the right seats, with the right mindset, you create momentum,” Neil said. “The team we’ve built is outstanding, and it’s going to play a huge role in how we drive the business forward.”

Bruton Knowles, one of the UK’s most well-known chartered surveyor firms, brings extensive expertise to the Utilities & Infrastructure sector. With its National Teams – Valuation, Commercial, Utilities & Infrastructure – supported by Building Consultancy, Land and Development, and Rural Service Teams, Bruton Knowles offers a seamless, high standard approach to delivering complex client projects.