At Parke Lane People, we’ve always believed recruitment is just one part of a bigger business picture. A successful hire doesn’t stand alone, it fits within culture, onboarding, marketing, logistics, and the relationships that keep a company running smoothly.
Our new Trusted Partners Directory is designed to support that wider ecosystem, giving clients access to people and businesses we know and trust. It also reflects something our founder, Andy Parke, feels strongly about, a genuine commitment to seeing other small, local companies grow and thrive. Supporting the local business community has always been part of who we are, and the directory brings that belief to life.
What do we mean by “added-value service”?
Added-value service goes beyond filling a vacancy. It’s about what happens next, how that new person is welcomed, how their role is supported, and how your business continues to grow around them.
In practice, it means sharing reliable contacts, from accountants and marketing experts to workwear suppliers and venues, all ready to help your business operate with confidence.
As the Chartered Management Institute (UK) notes, “added value” now refers to “support that extends beyond core delivery, offering clients efficiency, expertise, and reassurance through collaboration.”
What is a “trusted partner”?
A trusted partner is more than a supplier. They’re someone who shares your values, understands your standards, and consistently delivers.
As the UK Institute of Customer Service puts it, “trust is built on consistency, competence and credibility” — qualities that underpin every relationship we include in the directory.
Why we’re doing this
As Andy Parke, Founder of Parke Lane People, explains:
“We realised our clients often need help beyond recruitment. They want a joined-up network of reliable suppliers who already understand their pace and expectations. By sharing the partners we use ourselves, we’re helping clients save time and gain peace of mind.”
For a small consultancy, it’s a simple idea — but one that genuinely changes how clients experience recruitment.
Examples of trusted partnerships in the UK
The concept of trusted partner networks isn’t new. UK organisations from professional bodies to tech firms have adopted similar models to give clients access to vetted providers.
For instance, the APSCo Partner Directory lists verified specialists offering services to recruitment firms, while platforms like iubenda and HubSpot’s Solutions Directory show how curated partnerships build reliability and accountability.
Our directory takes that same principle and applies it locally, supporting Oxfordshire-based businesses who want to grow sustainably, through people and partnerships they can trust.
How it works in practice
One example is Urban Element, a Oxford based digital marketing agency we’ve worked with for many years. They’re featured in the directory because they deliver the same professionalism and relationship-driven approach we value.
“Thank you to Andy and the team, we really appreciate being included,” says Natasha Ellard, MD of Urban Element.
“When one of your clients is introduced to us, it’s always a warm and qualified lead. They already know we’ve done work for you, so the trust is built in from the start.”
Similarly, hospitality partner Chris Brewster, who runs The Back Lane Tavern, OXTWO, and The Duke of Marlborough, adds:
“We’ve hosted interviews, team meetings, and celebrations for PLP clients. It’s reassuring to know those introductions come through an existing relationship. Everyone arrives with the right expectations — it feels friendly, not transactional.”
This kind of collaboration doesn’t just make business easier, it deepens relationships across the local network.
Why it matters
For clients searching for marketing recruitment agencies in Oxfordshire and other disciplines, the difference with Parke Lane People lies in our consultancy approach. We don’t just match CVs to roles — we look at the wider needs of your business and connect you to a network that supports long-term success.
The Trusted Partners Directory is an extension of that commitment. Whether you’re expanding your team, planning an event, or simply looking to collaborate with suppliers you can rely on, it’s a practical way to connect with businesses who share our standards.
As Andy sums it up:
“We’re not trying to reinvent recruitment. We’re just making it more human, more connected. It’s about helping clients build the kind of trusted network that keeps good people and good businesses growing together.”
You can explore the full list of featured businesses and learn more about our approach at Parke Lane People’s Trusted Partners Directory.