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Breaking Into the US Recruitment Market: Francis Larson on Opportunity, Tariffs & Tenacity

49 minWatch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)

About this episode

Nitin speaks with Francis Larson, CEO and founder of Ascen, about how UK recruitment businesses can expand into the US market. Francis explains what an Employer of Record does and shares insights on how UK recruiters are succeeding in America, even as tariffs and political uncertainty create challenges. The conversation covers market entry strategies, the importance of niche positioning and client service, and how to navigate US expansion without unnecessary complexity.

Francis discusses why UK recruiters are better positioned than they realise, the role of speed and specialisation in standing out, and how tariffs are affecting staffing trends. He also addresses the shift away from AI spam towards genuine business development connections, and how Ascen helps recruitment agencies scale in the US market.

Key takeaways

  • UK recruiters possess competitive advantages they often underestimate when entering the US market
  • Tariffs and political uncertainty are reshaping staffing trends and market dynamics across the pond
  • Niche positioning, speed and quality client service differentiate agencies more than size or scale
  • Employer of Record solutions can help UK agencies expand to the US while minimising administrative burden
  • Real relationship-building and genuine connection are replacing AI spam in effective business development

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