Building credibility was another early hurdle. While John had a strong network in the feed industry, he had to prove De Lacy’s value as a recruitment partner. This meant investing time in face-to-face meetings with clients and candidates—an approach that helped build trust and long-term relationships. Financial limitations also made the early days tough. With minimal capital, John relied on grit and persistence to get the business off the ground. Just weeks after launching, De Lacy secured its first clients: Morning Foods and BOCM Pauls, both seeking management level hires. Expanding the Team and Reputation As the business grew, so did its reputation for delivering results. De Lacy became known for its integrity, people-first approach, and deep sector knowledge. In 2005, John brought on his second Recruitment Consultant, Margaret, a former colleague with a background in nutrition and arable farming. Like John, she didn’t come from a recruitment background but brought valuable industry insight and connections. With the team expanding, De Lacy moved into its first dedicated office in Ledbury, followed by a relocation to Handley Swan near Malvern. A third team member was added to support recruitment and administration, ensuring the business could maintain its high standards as demand increased. In 2011, Grace Nugent joined the company in a temporary summer admin role, unaware that she would still be with De Lacy 14 years later, now leading the business as Managing Director. As more team members joined, John remained closely involved in training, instilling the company’s values and commitment to excellence. One non-negotiable remained: every team member needed a solid agricultural background and a genuine passion for the industry, a principle that still guides hiring today. A New Chapter with Farms.com In 2017, De Lacy entered a new phase when it was acquired by Canadian group Farms.com. John Davies retired, and Stuart Goodinson stepped in as Managing Director. Despite the acquisition, De Lacy retained its independence and continued to operate under UK leadership. The partnership opened new doors, enabling the company to support international recruitment and expand its reach. This included the launch of De Lacy North America. In 2019, the team moved into new offices in Worcester to accommodate continued growth. Looking to the Future Now celebrating 25 years in business, De Lacy Executive Recruitment is entering a new era under the leadership of Grace Nugent, who became Managing Director in 2024. With a clear strategic vision, Grace is steering the company forward while staying true to its founding values: working with the best people and delivering a premium, personalised service. Since its inception, De Lacy has evolved into a trusted recruitment partner across all areas of agriculture and agri-food. The team supports clients and candidates globally, with expertise spanning livestock, arable, machinery, horticulture, ag-tech, equestrian, bioenergy, food production, and sustainability. With a strong foundation and a forward-thinking team, De Lacy is well-positioned to meet the changing needs of the agricultural industry for years to come. 5 25 Years of De Lacy Executive recruitment
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