25 Years of Searchlight.

This year marks the celebration of Searchlight’s 25th anniversary, a significant milestone in our journey. In commemoration of this remarkable achievement, we chose to embark on a special trip to Paris, a fitting tribute to both our past and future successes. The atmosphere was infused with a sense of excitement and nostalgia.

In reflection of the past 25 years, we have chosen to gather first-hand insights from those who were instrumental in the founding of Searchlight, as well as from early team members who remain with us to this day. These stories, rich with personal experiences from Gary Hodes (Principal), Anne Fenton (Chair), Cathy Alford (Managing Director), Amy Osterley (Deputy Managing Director) and Melanie Hill (Senior Administrator), capture both the triumphs and challenges faced along the way, offering glimpse into the moments that have defined our journey thus far.

The Founding Vision

The creation of Searchlight was inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of its founders. Anne recalls the early days when the business began to take shape: “Gary had been dabbling in Executive Search for a few months, and once I joined, we formalised everything — registering the company, trademarking the name, and launching our first website.” Gary humorously reflects, “I realised under my leadership it wouldn’t reach where it is today, so I ‘kicked myself upstairs’ and moved to the Chairman role.”

From these modest beginnings, Searchlight grew steadily, guided by a commitment to personal relationships and a deep understanding of the media sector. Melanie, who joined early on, shares, “I never thought about the future but always wanted to make the company a success, building a very personal business where relationships were key.”

Trials, Triumphs, and Twenty-Five Years of Success

Building a company that has stood the test of time has come with its challenges. Cathy reflects on the ups and downs, from the 2009 recession to the impacts of Brexit and COVID-19. Despite these hurdles, Searchlight has remained resilient, growing into a market leader in media recruitment & executive search. “It’s rewarding to have become one of the most recognized names in our industry and to have watched candidates progress from entry-level roles to senior positions,” she notes.

Embracing Evolution

The recruitment landscape has transformed dramatically over the years, particularly through digital technology and AI. Anne recalls a time before LinkedIn when the company’s candidate database was its most valuable asset “Gary always says, people aren’t digital, and the personal touch remains crucial, especially now with AI on the rise.”

Amy reflects on the company’s ability to adapt: “We’ve stayed flexible, continually learning and evolving to meet client needs. Recruitment is no longer just about filling roles; it’s about shaping company cultures and supporting career transitions.”

Roots of Integrity

Throughout its journey, Searchlight’s core values have remained constant: respect, honesty, and a commitment to excellence. Cathy explains, “Every few years, we revisit our values to ensure they still resonate with the team. Our reputation is built on deep industry knowledge and our ability to create opportunities for growth for both clients and candidates.”

Searchlight also prides itself on its dedication to Corporate Social Responsibility, with projects supporting underrepresented groups and nurturing the next generation of talent. “It’s about more than just business for us,” Amy notes. “We’re passionate about giving back and ensuring diversity in the industry.” It is important to support marginalised and unrepresented groups navigating evolving challenges.

Throughout Searchlight’s legacy there have been numerous moments that still spark a smile. Cathy recalls faxing 30 CVs to ESPN Sport on Christmas Eve, only to discover the office had closed, leaving a sea of paper waiting for their return. Melanie reminisces about the early days, where dealing with mice in the kitchen was part of the job, and reading over 1,000 humour-filled cover letters for “The Grand Tour” recruitment process. Amy adds, with a laugh, that Cathy’s turn on the bucking bronco at a Crystal Maze team event still tops the list for the funniest memories.

The Celebrations and Looking Ahead

Paris was chosen as a way to thank the team for their hard work. “You’re only 25 once,” Gary quips, “and if everyone’s up for it, I’m up for it!” The celebration was a moment to reflect on the company’s achievements and look ahead to the future.

As Searchlight moves into its next 25 years, the team remains focused on innovation and growth. Cathy envisions further expansion: “We will continue to change and develop, grow our market share, and work closely with our partners to maximize our contacts.” And  Melanie hopes to see Searchlight expand into new areas.

As the company looks forward, it remains committed to staying true to its values while continuing to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing industry.

In Gary’s words, “Treat people properly, and they will respect you and be loyal to you.” It is this philosophy, combined with a deep knowledge of the media landscape and a passion for building meaningful connections, that will ensure Searchlight’s continued success for many years to come.