He built a successful search firm from the ground up, growing it through the recession to emerge stronger on the other side before achieving a successful sale. We sat down with Jigsaw Co-Founder Graham Goodwin to find out what makes him tick.

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Hi Graham. Can you tell us more about your past experience and how it helps you in your role at Jigsaw?

I didn’t have a traditional route into business. I left school at 16, starting an apprenticeship, before being commissioned into the Army. I spent my 20s travelling the world in the forces and nurturing an ambition to be successful – so I was hungry for success by the time I left the Army aged 30.

I found myself working in the recruitment sector and found, to my surprise, that I was quite good at it! I built up a name for myself in my firm, but the entrepreneur in me needed to go it alone, so I set up GatenbySanderson – a search firm – in 2004.

I grew this business from a start-up to a £4 million net profit business in a few years. Then, the 2008 recession happened, and everything went sideways! At one point, we were down to making just £90,000 profit, but through hard work and perseverance, we were able to build the company back up, and after 12 years at the helm, I sold to private equity in an eight-figure exit.

Along the way, I made some great decisions, hired some fantastic people, and innovated to become a market leader in our sector. I also made many mistakes and learned many things that I wish I had known beforehand. I have since chaired two successful start-ups, one a search business and another a rally company running huge events all over the world. Both these companies had to navigate the difficulties of the pandemic, not wildly dissimilar to the recession in its severity.

It’s this experience and the contacts I’ve made along the way that help me guide businesses through their growth with Jigsaw.

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What excites you about investing in recruitment businesses?

Some people are naturally built to focus on an individual project, driving it forward as their sole focus. However, I can get bored with a single project if it is not constantly evolving and remaining exciting. In fact, my family has a term for it: ‘Grahaming’! It’s shorthand for when I am starting to switch off and think of new initiatives or ideas. Investing is great for me personally because I can be involved in lots of projects at once. I love getting involved in new businesses and working with energetic people, and I get a real buzz out of supporting others and watching them succeed.

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How do you like to work with other businesses?

To do well in business, you have to be humble enough to recognise your strengths but also your weaknesses. If you are comfortable with this, you can bring in fantastic people to fill your gaps and collectively do great things.

I like to work with others who are leaders in their chosen field and my job is to nudge, coach and cajole them to create something special.

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What single change would make succeeding in business in the UK easier?

The UK is an excellent place to start a business and turn it into a success. Of course, it would be nice if the UK economy was booming and lots of companies were hiring, but on the other hand, difficult markets are a great time to launch a new company and an excellent opportunity to tempt new people to join you.

However, there are still many things the Government could do to promote entrepreneurialism in British industry. I think we should reinstate the £10 million entrepreneurs’ allowance and take this further with a package of measures to support small start-up companies through their first three years. Measures could include reduced corporation tax, more investment incentives, and more management and share incentives such as the EMI scheme.

It’s important that the UK remains an attractive place to base and grow businesses, and measures like these will help encourage greater entrepreneurialism in the country.

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Thanks Graham. One last question – who would come to your fantasy dinner party?

This is a great one!

Muhammad Ali

What he achieved in a very difficult time for black people in the USA was incredible. His talent for marketing and promotion was also remarkable. He lifted himself beyond sport, and I find him fascinating.

Ranulph Fiennes

I have often wondered what gave him the courage and motivation to just keep going even as he got older. Is he totally crackers or is an absolute legend?! I can’t decide, and I suspect a bit of both, but to spend some time talking with him would be special.  

Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair

They were both politicians with a vision, leadership and conviction. They were from different times and different perspectives but they both made a big impact on the UK we know today.

My mother

Finally, my mother. She passed away during the first phase of the pandemic and I miss her dearly. I would love to have dinner with my parents and their parents when we are all the same age. We would share the stories of our lives and I have no doubt we would have a great evening.