The Challenge
Hiring for a start-up brings unique demands, especially when the company operates internationally.
Chris needed someone who could:
- Handle full ownership of systems implementation and accounting
- Understand the dynamics of working across UK and Spanish teams
- Fit the start-up culture, where infrastructure is lean and every role matters
- Ideally speak Spanish, though this was not a mandatory requirement
Our Approach
We began by gaining a deep understanding of the role, team, and cultural dynamics.
What we did:
- Candidate Assessment Process: Each candidate was evaluated for both technical capability and cultural fit, providing a full picture beyond the CV.
- Bespoke Longlist: We curated a shortlist of six top candidates, three of whom were Spanish-speaking, adding value without being prompted.
- Cultural Sensitivity: We prioritised candidates who demonstrated flexibility, start-up experience, and cross-border collaboration skills.
The Result
Chris hired a Spanish national based in London, a perfect match for both the role and the wider team.
The impact:
- The Financial Controller quickly took over systems and accounting responsibilities
- Chris was able to step back from day-to-day tasks and focus on strategy
Why It Worked
Unlike high-volume recruiters, Artemis Clarke takes a strategic and tailored approach to every hire. In this case:
- The shortlist was focused, relevant, and high-quality
- Candidates were aligned on both technical skill and cultural fit
- Our process delivered hidden value (e.g. bilingual capability) without needing to be asked