72. Hiring-Hub.com

Founders: Simon Swan and Sara Jones
Founded: November 2010 (launched February 2011)
Website: www.hiring-hub.com

Manchester-based Hiring-hub was formed when Sara, while working in recruitment, realised there must be a better way for employers to find the right recruitment agency. The online model she created as a result has introduced a competitive element among agencies in filling vacancies, and lets employers fix the placement fee at a level they’re comfortable with. Employers can upload a vacancy, and approved agencies can join the business’ network, for free. Hiring-hub.com then takes a commission from every successful transaction.

The site has now amassed over 1,300 registered users, with 900 approved recruitment agencies servicing 400 employers. With offers of venture capital and private equity investment on the table, the next 12 months is focused on aggressive growth.