Martin Wells: A Specialist Recruiter Shaping the Future of UK Talent Acquisition
Martin Wells is a name synonymous with excellence in recruitment, particularly in the sectors of leisure, hospitality, property, and retail across the United Kingdom. With nearly two decades of experience and a passion for sourcing the finest talent for mid-senior to executive roles, Martin has built a reputation as a trusted partner for both candidates and businesses. This article delves into his educational background, career journey, and the impact he has made through his leadership roles in various organisations, including his current position as Director at Evolving Futures.
Early Education and Foundations
Leeds Beckett University: The Beginning of a Career
Martin Wells’s professional journey is grounded in his academic achievements. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Consumer Services Management from Leeds Beckett University, formerly known as Leeds Metropolitan University, between 1994 and 1997. This educational foundation provided him with a comprehensive understanding of consumer behaviour, service management, and business operations — essential knowledge for his future roles in recruitment.
Before university, Martin attended St Edwards Church of England Comprehensive School from 1986 to 1994. These formative years nurtured his interpersonal skills and work ethic, both of which have been vital throughout his career.
A Career Built on Experience and Expertise
Early Roles: Asda and World Traveler
Martin Wells began his professional career at Asda Stores Ltd, where he was part of the Graduate Management Training Programme from 1997 to 1999. His role included department management and coordinating graduate recruitment programmes in London. This early experience gave him valuable insight into operational management and talent acquisition, setting the stage for his later specialisation in recruitment.
Following Asda, Martin took time to explore the world. Between 1999 and 2001, he travelled extensively across Asia, Australasia, and North America. During this period, he also worked as a manager within a telecommunications company in Sydney for nine months. This international exposure broadened his perspective on diverse markets and cultural approaches to business and recruitment.
Building a Recruitment Powerhouse: The Michael Page Era
Manager of Retail & Marketing
From 2001 to 2008, Martin was a Manager at Michael Page, a globally recognised recruitment consultancy. Here, he specialised in retail and marketing recruitment, covering various regions across the UK, including London, the Home Counties, and the North East. This role refined his expertise in sourcing top talent for retail and marketing roles, as well as managing client relationships and recruitment campaigns.
His experience at Michael Page was pivotal in developing his understanding of the UK’s dynamic recruitment landscape and prepared him for leadership roles in the recruitment sector.
Entrepreneurial Success: Switch Consulting
Founding a Specialist Retail Recruitment Firm
In 2008, Martin Wells took a bold step and founded Switch Consulting, a retail recruitment company that quickly grew to become a specialist in high-calibre management and above-level roles. Over nearly 12 years, he held various leadership positions, including Director, Managing Director, and Founder.
Under Martin’s leadership, Switch Consulting thrived even through challenging economic periods such as the 2008 financial crisis. He demonstrated a hands-on approach, combining open and honest communication with strategic vision. Notably, in 2013, Martin and his partner Alex developed “The 2020 Vision,” a long-term strategy focused on company purpose, values, and culture, which guided the firm’s expansion and success.
Martin’s dedication to customer service, strong leadership, and keen insight into retail recruitment helped the company build a solid reputation for delivering outstanding results for clients and candidates alike.
The Birth of Evolving Futures: A Bespoke Recruitment Approach
Director at Evolving Futures
In September 2020, Martin Wells founded Evolving Futures, his current recruitment venture based in Whiteleaf, England. Evolving Futures specialises in bespoke search campaigns within leisure, hospitality, property, retail, and marketing sectors. The company is distinguished by its transparent and collaborative approach, which Martin believes is key to building strong and trusted relationships with clients and candidates.
With around 20 years of recruitment experience, Martin has a deep understanding of the UK market and the types of talent needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving and diverse business environment. Evolving Futures focuses on sourcing exceptional mid-senior to executive level talent, consistently exceeding client expectations by delivering candidates who not only fit the role but also the culture of the organisation.
Martin’s leadership style at Evolving Futures emphasises a hands-on, collaborative ethos, where tailored recruitment campaigns are crafted to meet the specific needs of each client. This bespoke approach sets the company apart from its competitors and ensures a high success rate in placements.
The Values Behind Martin Wells’s Success
Commitment to Transparency and Collaboration
Throughout his career, Martin has championed transparency and collaboration as the foundation of successful recruitment. He understands that recruitment is not merely about filling positions but about building long-term partnerships that help organisations and individuals evolve and succeed.
His commitment to these values is reflected in the culture of Evolving Futures, where clients and candidates experience open communication, honest feedback, and personalised attention. This approach nurtures trust and fosters ongoing relationships beyond a single placement.
Deep Sector Knowledge
Martin’s specialised focus on leisure, hospitality, property, and retail means he possesses an in-depth understanding of these industries. This knowledge enables him to anticipate market trends, understand client challenges, and identify candidates who will add genuine value.
His sector expertise also ensures that recruitment campaigns are designed with the right language, criteria, and expectations, which increases the likelihood of successful matches.
The Broader Impact: Mabwiz and Other Ventures
Though Martin’s primary focus remains Evolving Futures, his career also includes leadership and consultancy roles within marketing, advertising, and branding sectors through companies like Mabwiz. His diverse experience across different industries informs his holistic view of talent acquisition and business growth.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Recruitment with Martin Wells
As the UK job market continues to change rapidly with evolving business models and emerging industries, Martin Wells remains at the forefront of recruitment innovation. His focus on bespoke solutions and strong relationships positions him and Evolving Futures as key players in shaping the future of talent acquisition.
Martin encourages organisations and individuals considering change or growth to engage in confidential conversations to explore how his expertise can help them achieve their goals. Whether you are a business seeking exceptional talent or a professional looking for your next career move, Martin Wells offers an experienced, trusted partner dedicated to helping you evolve and succeed.
Conclusion
Martin Wells’s career exemplifies dedication, expertise, and a client-centred approach in recruitment. From his early days at Asda and Michael Page to founding Switch Consulting and Evolving Futures, he has consistently delivered exceptional results while fostering transparency, collaboration, and trust. His specialisation in leisure, hospitality, property, and retail recruitment, combined with his strategic leadership, makes him a formidable force in UK recruitment.
For those looking to understand the dynamics of talent acquisition in these sectors or seeking to connect with a recruiter who values integrity and excellence, Martin Wells stands out as a premier professional to watch.
