Sam Spoors, Talentheads
Sam Spoors has spent over a decade transforming the way recruitment works in the North East – putting people, purpose and long-term impact at the heart of her business.
After years in agencies and as an internal Head of Recruitment, she saw first-hand how the industry had become transactional and impersonal. “Recruitment had largely become stale,” she says. “Firms and in-house teams were focused on just filling vacancies at any cost. I launched Talentheads to flip that on its head.”
Founded during the pandemic from her home in Morpeth, Talentheads was born with a bold mission: to act as the internal recruitment team for growing businesses. By embedding within each client’s organisation, Sam and her team work to understand culture, values and long-term goals thereby helping clients attract and retain the right people for sustainable growth.
The approach struck a chord. In just a few years, Talentheads has earned a strong reputation across the North East for its values-driven partnerships, with Sam recognised as Entrepreneur of the Year by the North East Chamber of Commerce and named a finalist in the Impact category at the 2025 Entrepreneurial Awards. The firm has moved into a new headquarters at Sanderson Arcade and continues to expand its team and client base.
One of the most transformative moments in Sam’s leadership journey came when she joined the Scale-up Leaders’ Academy (SULA), delivered by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum.
“SULA completely changed my mindset as a leader,” she says. “It gave me the space to step back, think strategically and see Talentheads not just as a business I run day-to-day, but as something I can shape and scale for the future.”
Through the programme, Sam explored new ways to build resilience, strengthen her leadership style and create a clearer vision for growth – not just for the company, but for herself and her team.
“The Academy helped me reframe what success looks like,” she reflects. “It’s not only about turnover or team size, but it’s also about clarity, confidence and purpose. I now approach decisions with much more balance and self-assurance.”
That mindset shift has been pivotal as Talentheads continues to grow. In 2023 alone, the company achieved a 59% year-on-year increase in turnover, welcomed seven new team members and saw several internal promotions – all while launching the ‘More Than a Number’ campaign to champion ethical, people-first recruitment.
Sam’s leadership philosophy is rooted in purpose and legacy. “We only get one life – I want to leave something behind that shows my mark,” she says. “For me, that’s about creating opportunities, supporting communities and showing that recruitment can be about real impact.”
As Talentheads looks to the future, Sam continues to focus on balance, wellbeing and growth, both personal and professional. “The Scale-up Leaders’ Academy gave me the confidence to lead with clarity and conviction,” she says. “It’s changed how I see myself, my business and what’s possible.”
The Scale-up Leaders’ Academy equips ambitious North East entrepreneurs with the tools, peer support and leadership confidence to grow with purpose.
If you’re ready to take your next step and scale sustainably, join the next cohort of the Scale-up Leaders’ Academy and apply online today.
