Hiring for Growth: How to Build a Long-Term Talent Strategy
- Michelle Denny
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
Part One of the "How to Hire Better with
MDR Consultancy" Series
Recruitment is often treated as a reactive process - someone resigns, a position opens up, and the race begins to fill the gap. But businesses that hire for growth rather than just filling vacancies gain a major advantage. Workforce planning is not just about plugging holes, it is about ensuring the right people are in place at the right time to drive business success.
For SME leaders and HR professionals, hiring strategically means looking beyond immediate needs and focusing on long-term business goals. Here’s how to start building a proactive, sustainable talent strategy that supports your company’s growth.
Align Talent Planning with Business Goals

Before you even think about recruitment, take a step back and assess your business strategy. Where do you want your business to be in the next 12 months? Three years? Five years?
Consider:
What new markets, products, or services are on the horizon?
What skills and expertise will be critical to achieving those goals?
Where are the gaps in your current workforce?
Hiring for growth means ensuring your team evolves alongside your business, rather than scrambling to find talent when it is already too late.
Identify the Skills You Need -
Both Now and in the Future
A strong workforce strategy focuses not just on roles but on skills. Instead of backfilling positions based on previous job descriptions, evaluate what competencies are actually required to drive success.
This can include:
Technical expertise needed to meet future industry demands
Leadership capabilities for succession planning
Adaptability and innovation to keep up with evolving customer needs
When you define hiring needs based on future skills rather than job titles, you create a talent pipeline that can grow with your business.
Build an Internal Talent Pipeline
One of the most overlooked aspects of workforce planning is internal mobility. Instead of constantly looking outward for new hires, invest in developing your current team.
Consider:
Career Pathways – Are there clear opportunities for employees to grow into leadership roles?
Training & Development – Does your business provide learning opportunities that align with future skill needs?
Succession Planning – Do you have a strategy in place for key roles in case of turnover?
A culture of development and progression not only improves retention but also ensures you have people ready to step into new roles when needed.
Understand Market Conditions & Employer Brand
The ability to attract top talent depends on two key external factors: labour market conditions and your employer brand.
Labour Market Trends: Stay informed about industry trends, salary benchmarks, and skill shortages in your sector. This allows you to plan ahead rather than compete in an already tough market.
Employer Brand: Candidates evaluate companies as much as businesses evaluate them. Your employer reputation, values, and workplace culture play a critical role in attracting high-calibre professionals. Investing in employee experience, flexibility, and company values will pay off in the long run.
Make Data-Driven Hiring Decisions
Strategic hiring should be guided by data and insights, not just gut feeling.
Workforce Analytics: Use data on turnover rates, engagement scores, and performance metrics to shape hiring priorities.
Job Role Analysis: Ensure roles are designed with clarity - what does success look like in each position?
Candidate Market Research: Understanding where talent is, what motivates them, and what competitors offer can shape a stronger hiring approach.
Taking the Next Step: Partnering for Success

Workforce planning is a strategic business
function, not just an HR task. Whether you handle recruitment in-house or work with external consultants, the key is alignment between hiring and long-term business objectives.
If you’re looking to refine your hiring strategy, Michelle Denny Recruitment Consultancy can support you in making informed, future-focused decisions.
Contact us to start building a talent strategy that supports your business growth.
Join the Conversation
To connect with other business leaders, owners, and like-minded professionals, join us at the next Diss Business Forum event on Thursday May 15th.
We’ll be there and happy to continue the conversation about building a long-term talent strategy.
Feel free to catch up with us at the end or book a dedicated time to chat -
Just click the contact button to secure your place or give our team a call at 01379 779 829
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