Growing a Recruitment Business in a World of Change

Thursday, 29 May, 2025

5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Parmelia Hilton Perth
FORWARD recruitment event series brings together forward-looking recruitment leaders to learn and network in a welcoming and collaborative environment.
The first FORWARD EVENT in PERTH will address the critical subject of how to grow recruitment businesses amid unprecedented uncertainties and a tumultuous business environment.
'Queen of Temp' Sophie Robertson will headline the event, focusing on how to grow a contractor base and win more clients. Raj Sesha, Australia's pioneering contracting expert, will address the importance of a contracting health check and building a roadmap for consistent financial growth.
You are invited to be in the room with experts and peers to learn, network and reconnect.
Agenda
WELCOME & INTROS
OPENING KEYNOTE
How to Build & Grow a Contractor Base in Turbulent Times
What must recruitment leaders do amid a rapidly and constantly changing business climate? This session explores in depth what recruitment leaders and business owners must do to survive and thrive in a turbulent environment. It will hone in on how to build a successful contractor business.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the differences between perm and temp/contract
- How to uncover contracting opportunities within your clients' businesses
- Understand what you are selling when you sell temp/contract
- Understand the quickest way to grow your contracting business
PANEL DISCUSSION
Challenges and Opportunities for WA Recruitment Leaders
A panel discussion addressing the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing recruiters in WA.
WORKSHOP
How to Audit & Build a Financial Roadmap for Recruitment Firms to Succeed in a World of Change
Are cash-flow bottlenecks hampering your agency's growth? Do you know your funding options to grow your business? Are you aware of the risk to your contracting business from new regulations and compliance?
This session offers a microscopic view of agencies' contracting business and financial operations, points out the major stumbling blocks, and offers a proper roadmap to achieve more success.
Key Takeaways:
- How to conduct a contracting health check
- Building a roadmap for financial growth
- Best practices and contractor management tips
ASK THE EXPERTS

Sophie Robertson
Recruitment Advisor,
Coach and Author
Sophie Robertson is a recruitment industry expert with over 30 years of experience in Australia. She specialises in helping businesses grow their temp desks and improve profitability through strategic insights, coaching, and her book, Secrets to Running a Lucrative Temp Desk.

Dani Tamati
Founder and Director
THE resources HUB
With over 30+ years in the mining and resources sector, Dani is a well-versed Recruitment, Careers, and Behavioural Predictive Analytics Strategist. Since founding THE resources HUB and Resourceful Women in 2012, she has specialised in connecting candidates with companies aligned to their skills and values, creating meaningful employment outcomes for both parties.

Matthew Iustini
CEO
Technical Resources
Matthew has a passion for recruitment and for helping people find jobs that they love. As CEO, he is responsible for the strategic direction of Technical Resources and ensuring that they reach goals while having fun! Family is everything to him, he is a father to three beautiful children.

Josh Fowler
Director
Drive Personnel
Josh Fowler is the Director of Drive Personnel, a leading Western Australian labour hire company supporting the mining, engineering, maintenance, construction, and civil sectors. With a strong background in blue-collar supervisory roles across critical industries, Josh brings firsthand experience and deep insight into the operational needs of both clients and workers on the ground.

Raj Sesha
CEO
SDP Solutions
Raj Sesha is the Founder of SDP Global Pay and TemPay, with over 20 years of experience driving innovation in global workforce solutions. His leadership focuses on trust, integrity, and delivering seamless cross-border employment and efficiency for Australian consulting and recruitment firms.

Elaine McKelvey
Customer Success Director
SDP Solutions
With a deep understanding of international workforce management, Elaine helps businesses navigate the complexities of global hiring, ensuring seamless onboarding, compliance, and talent retention across borders.

Mandar Erande
Director of Client and Contractor Success
SDP Solutions
Mandar helps recruitment and consultancy firms, from startups to global enterprises, scale faster with risk-free funding and payroll solutions. In his time at SDP, he’s earned a reputation as both a strategic problem-solver and a trusted advisor.
Entry to this event is strictly limited to registered participants, and SDP Solutions reserves the right, at its sole discretion and without liability, to refuse entry or remove any individual who fails to provide valid registration or comply with entry requirements.