The Growth Bites Podcast 

Season 3, Episode 2: Jeanette Barrowcliffe

Balancing Growth and Risk: The Mindset of a Recruitment FD

 
 
Spotify Logo Stacked_Amazon_Music_CharcoalOnWhite_Square_RGB Apple Pdcasts Deezer_Logo
 

In this episode of Growth Bites, Jo is joined by Jeanette Barrowcliffe, Finance Director and co-owner of Meridian Business Support - one of the UK’s largest independent multi-sector recruitment agencies.

With nearly three decades in recruitment and two MBOs under her belt, Jeanette brings a sharp, no-nonsense perspective to what it really takes to scale sustainably. From navigating economic uncertainty to making smart tech investments, this episode is packed with insight for recruitment leaders who want to grow, without losing control of the numbers.

She shares how Meridian has weathered tough market conditions, why cash flow is still king, and the metrics that matter when making high-stakes business decisions. Jeanette also talks about the evolving role of finance in recruitment businesses and what founders need to understand before diving into M&A.

 

Meet our Guest

Jeanette Barrowcliffe (1)

Jeanette Barrowcliffe

Finance Director and Co-owner

Jeanette Barrowcliffe is the Finance Director and co-owner of Meridian Business Support. A qualified accountant who trained with EY, Jeanette joined Meridian in 1997 and became FD in 2003. She's been part of two MBOs and has helped guide Meridian through multiple economic cycles, overseeing finance and all central support teams across the business. Jeanette is also a former director of the REC and was a trustee of Walsingham Support for nine years. Known for her straight-talking style and strategic focus, she brings a deep understanding of what makes recruitment businesses both resilient and successful.

Past Episodes 

season 1

Season 1

Listen to all season 1 episodes here.

season 2

Season 2

Listen to all season 2 episodes here.

Growth Bites - Season 3

Season 3

Listen to all season 3 episodes here.