Understanding the Retained Business Partnership


Retained business partnerships are becoming increasingly popular across the real estate recruitment landscape.


A retained business partnership involves a company entering into a contractual agreement with a recruitment consultancy to exclusively handle a specific recruitment assignment or multiple assignments over an agreed-upon period. This arrangement requires an upfront fee, signalling a commitment from both parties to work closely throughout the entire recruitment process, accessing a premium bespoke service.

The Key Advantages

1. Dedicated Attention and Priority:

In a retained partnership, the consultancy prioritises the client's needs, dedicating time and resources to understanding the company's culture, values, and unique requirements. This exclusivity ensures that the recruitment consultancy is fully invested in delivering high-quality candidates tailored to the client's specifications.

2. Access to Top Talent:

With a retained model, recruitment consultants can proactively engage with passive candidates and tap into their extensive networks to identify top-tier talent. This proactive approach often results in attracting candidates who may not be actively searching for new opportunities.

3. Customised Recruitment Strategies:

Retained partnerships allow for the development of bespoke recruitment strategies. Consultants can conduct in-depth market research, analyse industry trends, and tailor their approach to the specific needs of the client. This level of customisation enhances the likelihood of finding candidates who not only meet the job requirements but also align with the company's long-term goals.

4. Time and Cost Efficiency:

While the initial investment may seem higher in a retained partnership, the long-term benefits often outweigh the costs. The focused and efficient recruitment process can result in quicker hires and, ultimately, cost savings associated with vacant positions.

5. Reduced Internal Workload:

By outsourcing the recruitment process, businesses can free up internal resources, allowing their teams to concentrate on core business functions. This is particularly beneficial for companies with limited HR bandwidth or those undergoing rapid growth.

Is a Retained Business Partnership for you?

Deciding whether a retained business partnership is suitable for your organisation depends on various factors, including your hiring needs, the urgency of the roles to be filled, and your budget constraints. If you are seeking a strategic, long-term approach to talent acquisition where quality and cultural fit are paramount, a retained business partnership with a GKR guarantees you a 100% success rate.

GKR's retained business partnership model offers a collaborative and personalised approach to recruitment across the real estate sector, enabling employers to access top talent efficiently. By forging a strong and exclusive relationship with our team, businesses can navigate the competitive landscape of talent acquisition with confidence and achieve sustained success in building a high-performing workforce.