About S:23 Recruitment
S:23 Recruitment was founded to do recruitment properly.
After more than a decade working across iGaming, technology, and high-growth businesses, we’d seen the same problems again and again, rushed hiring decisions, CV-led processes, and a lack of real understanding of what businesses actually need to scale.
S:23 was built as a specialist search partner for companies operating at the intersection of AI, data, and real-world operations, where hiring the right people genuinely moves the needle.
What We Focus On
Our core focus is AI-driven businesses, both pure-play AI companies and organisations embedding AI into complex environments.
We work across a small number of sectors where we have deep, hands-on experience:
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Including applied AI, data platforms, and AI-first product teams
Renewable Energy & Climate Tech
Particularly where AI, data, and optimisation meet physical infrastructure
iGaming
Spanning platform, product, data, and commercial leadership
Streaming & Digital Media
Where scale, performance, and real-time systems matter
Gary Still
Founder/Director
With 14 years of experience in technology recruitment, Gary Still founded S:23 Recruitment with a vision to create a brand that prioritises people over profits. His extensive experience in identifying top talent and building strong teams across various industries has been instrumental in the success of S:23. Beyond his professional achievements, Gary is a proud sports enthusiast who has represented the Great British baseball team internationally, an experience that has deepened his understanding of teamwork and success.
Leanne Allfrey
Head of Delivery
With over a decade of experience in recruitment, Leanne Allfrey brings a wealth of expertise in sourcing and placing top talent across technology and commercial sectors. She joined S:23 Recruitment to lead the delivery function, ensuring clients receive outstanding candidates and seamless service. Leanne’s passion for building strong relationships and understanding client needs has been key to driving success and growth at S:23. Outside of work, Leanne is deeply committed to sustainability and environmental care, actively supporting recycling initiatives and living with a strong focus on protecting the planet for future generations.
How We Work
We don’t work on volume, and we don’t operate like a traditional agency.
Every search starts with understanding the problem a business is trying to solve, not just the job title. We spend time with founders, leadership teams, and hiring managers to understand the technical, commercial, and cultural context before speaking to candidates.
That means fewer CVs, clearer thinking, and stronger outcomes.
Most of our work is retained or partnership-based, and the majority of our clients work with us repeatedly as their teams grow.
Working With Candidates
We work closely with senior and specialist candidates, many of whom are not actively looking.
People trust us because we’re honest about roles, expectations, and timing. We’ll give straight advice, even when that means suggesting someone stays put or waits for the right opportunity.
That long-term approach is what allows us to access high-calibre talent and build meaningful relationships on both sides of the process.
Why S23
S23 is intentionally small and focused.
Clients work directly with senior recruiters who understand their space, not a junior resourcer or an anonymous inbox. That allows us to move quickly, stay accountable, and deliver hires that genuinely make an impact.
If you’re looking for a recruitment partner who understands AI, values depth over volume, and thinks long term about teams and growth, S23 is a good fit.