Square Mile Connections Limited (SMC) is a boutique and consultant-led recruitment firm focused on providing tailored solutions to financial companies of all sizes, from start-ups up to large FTSE 100 financial institutions and banks. SMC is uniquely committed to enriching recruitment for the financial sphere and, with a team holding decades of market experience and connections, the firm is truly making a difference. We heard more from Nicola Ogston, Managing Director and Owner of SMC, as the firm was recently awarded in our UK Finance Awards 2025. Most Client-Focused Banking & Finance Search & Selection Firm 2025 SMC’s work is centred around its people – its team and its clients. Of course, in the world of recruitment it’s of utmost importance that we find a person-centred partner with the knowledge needed to help us to thrive. Nicola expanded: “When recruiting new talent, it is always essential to listen, know and understand the brief, whether it is the client culture, intricacies of the role or the candidates preferences of their next role, each independent brief/candidate is important, because outside what's on a sheet of paper, they are people and not one thing fits all. Understanding each variance is essential.” Many large recruitment agencies take a generalist approach, seeking to cater to every market. SMC differentiate themselves as a niche business, delivering deep expertise and tailored support to our clients and candidates across the debt/capital markets, structured finance, corporate trust/services, loan/loan agency space. Another standout quality of SMC is its ability to support clients and its candidates both in the UK and internationally. The firm is a true believer that no request is too large or too small, and its team works tirelessly together to create a seamless experience and valuable partnerships every day, and for every role filled. Nicola added: “Our team are our success! We have worked together for a long time and our blood, sweat, and tears have gone into SMC in equal measures.” The team go above and beyond for clients and candidates every time but not only at the beginning of the process or once the role is filled – SMC is ultimately devoted to supporting both clients and candidates throughout each step, beyond project completion nurturing long-term relationships. “Our ethos which is at the core of what we/SMC are: relationships! Keeping things simple in an ever-evolving world, you will always be able to pick up the phone and speak to a human, who understands the market, the client and the candidates they represent. Building lasting relationships with clients and candidates alike, has always been at the heart of SMC, every one person is important and remains part of our journey.” Every industry is being impacted by the rise of Artificial Intelligence, but SMC is taking good care to move with the times while remaining human. Nicola shared: “We are leaning into AI as a company, however, what will always remain our 'thing', is the ability to speak to a human/personality with many years of firsthand experience and connections.” AI is able to alleviate some of the repetitive strain of tasks that can be automated to free up time for those human touches that truly matter and make or break a company, and SMC is staying true to its values while keeping its processes fresh. SMC is a fine example of a recruitment company doing all it can to adapt to the ever-changing industry and the ever-evolving needs of those who utilise the expertise within this industry. “The beauty of SMC is that we have a big reputation but small enough model to easily adapt to the ever changing universe we live in, continually adapting to the needs of our clients/ candidates,” said Nicola. SMC’s future ahead is full of expansion and the deepening of its reputation as its clients request more support in the EMEA and APAC region. This global move will ensure that the firm can continually provide clients and candidates with a down-to-earth professional service, that goes beyond all expectations, for all talent acquisition and recruitment needs in the financial and banking industries. It’s a pleasure to bestow SMC with the accolade of Most Client-Focused Banking & Finance Search & Selection Firm 2025, especially as its team continues to aim higher year upon year. Contact: Nicola Ogston Company: Square Mile Connections Limited Website: https://www.squaremileconnections.co.uk/ “Easier and More Enjoyable Recruitment”
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