Jonty Barnes - CEO Formation Games / Bungie, December 2025
“Top-tier entrepreneurial talent in the gaming industry is rarely looking for work; they are usually happily employed. James is an exceptional partner who knows how to capture their imagination and showcase the unique potential of our company. He has helped us secure vital new capabilities and operates as a true extension of our team. His contribution has been critical to our studio's success and his games industry thought leadership has been energising”
Fiona Allan - CEO Opera Australia / Birmingham Hippodrome, December 2025
“I’ve worked with James on a number of executive level appointments: what impressed me most is how quickly he understood what I was looking for, and then his ability to gently challenge my thinking with some excellent suggestions which led to better scoped roles. He then embarked on very thorough searches including across related businesses I would not usually have thought to consider. This lateral thinking and understanding how skills can transfer across the creative industries led to exceptional hires.”
Zoe Brown - Lead Producer Surgent Studios, December 2025
"James helped us with a challenging executive hire, allowing us reach that we would have struggled to get on our own. He is creative, methodical and dogged in his approach to his work and has an astoundingly good network. This is in part due to his dedication to giving back via his work with industry bodies like Ukie, BAFTA and Out Making Games. He loves the industry and really understands what his clients need to produce their best work." - Zoe”
Lars Janssen - CEO Deck13, November 2025
“James took the time to truly understand our studio’s unique needs and went above and beyond to help us fill a crucial role. His dedication and ability to deliver outstanding results are second to none and it's a pleasure to work with him.”
Alex Reedijk OBE FRC - General Director Scottish Opera, December 2025
“We at Scottish Opera have always really enjoyed working with James – his rigour, efficiency, client and applicant liaison skills, and most importantly the special mix of enthusiasm, quality research and great sense of humour has meant we have always arrived at great outcomes.”
Lisa O’Daly - Managing Director Chatham House, December 2025
“James placed my Head of IT, a critical placement during my time as Managing Director at the world-leading think tank, Chatham House. His care, attention to detail, and genuine focus on candidate experience are second to none. James delivered an outstanding hiring process end-to-end, and I recommend him highly and without hesitation”
Neil Dejyothin, Production Director CLUB, November 2025
“James was a huge part of helping us hire key roles when we were building our studio, and he genuinely blew me away. His interview approach is incredibly thorough and thoughtful, but still human — he creates a brilliant, empathetic experience for everyone involved. Every time I watched him in action, it felt like a masterclass; you could see an expert at work, and I always came away feeling levelled up just from observing his craft. He knows the creative industries inside out, cares deeply about diversity and inclusion, and was a fantastic sounding board for me throughout the whole process. On top of all that, he’s just an uplifting, positive person to work with, and every interaction is engaging and enjoyable.I’d recommend James without hesitation — he’s one of the unsung heroes and true stars of the industry”
Ho-Yee Li - Senior Producer, Trailmix Games / Formation / Mediatonic, December 2025
“James really took the time to get to know me — what I was good at, what I cared about, and where I wanted to push myself next. He contacted me about a role that not only fit my skills but also gave me room to grow, and throughout the whole process he made everything feel personal and supportive rather than transactional. Even after I started the job, he kept checking in and offering help whenever I needed it. It genuinely felt like he was in my corner the whole way.”
What our clients say about our consultancy services
Our clients’ feedback reflects the professional and considered approach we bring to every consultancy assignment. From the initial brief through to delivery, we focus on understanding each organisation’s needs and providing clear, thoughtful support. The testimonials below offer an insight into our service, highlighting the value clients place on our communication, understanding and attention to detail. We are proud to build lasting professional relationships through a dependable and personal approach. Get in touch to discuss your requirements. Explore our blog for further insights and guidance.
