When Goliath Raids the Village

Why Small Businesses Keep Losing Great People to Big Brands

You finally hire that dream candidate. They’re smart, talented, and fit right in. They're even funny and a great team member. Then… poof. Just as they getting started, they’re off to a bigger brand with beanbags, budgets, and benefits you can’t spell out on one line.

Sound familiar?

In today’s market, small businesses do the hard part spotting raw talent early, building it, and giving it room to grow. And once that investment starts to pay off (or even before in some cases), bigger companies often come in flash the cash with fancy titles and perks.

It’s frustrating — much more common than you think.

The Numbers

• A LinkedIn study found that 67% of professionals would leave a role at an SME for a job at a larger company, citing job security and perceived career growth.

• 40% of startup employees are approached by recruiters from larger firms within their first year (TechCrunch, 2023).

• SMEs lose 1 in 4 hires to larger employers within 12 months (UK Business Forum, 2022)

So What Can You Do About It?

Small companies can’t always compete on salary or scale — but they can win on experience. Here’s how:

• Be clear about growth — map out what’s possible inside your business and communicate it early.

• Build connection — people stay when they feel seen and valued, not just paid.

• Hire well from the start — focus on motivation, not just credentials.

• Create a culture people want to be part of and make sure your team actually feels part of it

Have you ever lost a great talent to a bigger company?

• Yes, more than once
• Occasionally
• Not yet
• I am the bigger company 😅

We see it happen all the time — and not just with our clients. As a small recruitment business, we’ve experienced it too. We invest time developing good people, training them, and giving them the space to grow, only to see them poached away by bigger firms offering more structure, more perks, or a more recognised name.

It’s part of the game, but it doesn’t make it easier.

Small businesses play a big role in shaping talent. We just don’t always get the credit for it.

We’re always on the lookout for great people to join our team. If you’re looking for a place where you’re seen, supported, and valued — let’s talk. (Small businesses, big energy:)