Carrot Recruitment is celebrating its 20th anniversary today, marking two decades of growth, innovation and impact within the life sciences, healthcare and consultancy recruitment markets.

Founded in 2006 by Martin Anderson, Carrot Recruitment was built on a clear vision: to create a specialist recruitment business underpinned by deep technical knowledge, sector insight and long-term partnerships. Drawing on his background across Pharma, Biotech, MedTech and consulting, Martin identified a gap for a recruitment offering that truly understood the full product lifecycle – from concept through to commercialisation – and the specialist talent required at every stage.

The business was later joined by his wife Debbie Anderson, whose experience and leadership further strengthened Carrot Recruitment’s strategic approach and culture. Together, Martin and Debbie remain central to the organisation today, continuing to shape its direction, values and client relationships.

From the outset, Carrot Recruitment differentiated itself through genuine specialism. Leveraging extensive industry experience, the team brought technical and strategic insight into every hire, ensuring clients and candidates alike benefited from recruiters who truly understood their functions, challenges and environments. This philosophy has remained the backbone of the business for the past two decades; a focus on being fully “plugged in” to the sectors they serve, with consultants who combine strong technical knowledge with real industry credibility.

Over the last 20 years, Carrot Recruitment has partnered with more than 1,200 organisations, successfully supporting over 10,000 vacancies across its specialist markets. Since its launch, the business has helped more than 4,000 candidates secure new roles across 11 countries, building long-term careers within life sciences and healthcare.

Carrot Recruitment has worked with over half of the world’s top 50 Pharma and Biotech companies, alongside a wide range of MedTech organisations. It has also established a strong track record within consultancy sectors including Market Access, Healthcare Communications, Business Intelligence and CROs, earning a reputation as a trusted recruitment partner within highly specialised and competitive markets.

In 2023, Carrot Recruitment joined Compass Recruitment Solutions Group (CRS), opening an exciting new chapter in its journey. The partnership has enabled the business to further enhance its capabilities while maintaining the specialist focus, independence and values that have defined Carrot Recruitment since 2006.

As it marks its 20th anniversary, Carrot Recruitment reflects on two decades of expertise, partnerships and progress and looks ahead with the same commitment that has driven its success to date: delivering specialist recruitment through deep knowledge, industry connection and a genuine passion for the sectors it serves.

Martin Anderson, Founding Director of Carrot said :

“These twenty years have passed in the blink of an eye! It’s been a long but very enjoyable journey, where Debs and I have been so fortunate to work with some amazing colleagues and to have so much fun coming to work each day. We’ve partnered with so many brilliant clients and been able to support thousands of candidates find their new dream job – that too has been very fulfilling. Now part of the Compass Recruitment Solutions Group, we are still on a journey to grow and to further improve our offerings.  A huge thanks to everyone who has played their part.”

Sam Leighton-Smith, Group Managing Director of Compass Recruitment Solutions said:

“Huge congratulations to Debbie and Martin, and their team for reaching this milestone. The average company in the UK is registered for 9 years; within recruitment it is even less and shortening all the time. It is a true testament to their quality of customer service, subject matter knowledge, and delivery record. You only need to look at the amount of 5-star Google reviews that points to how nimble Carrot have been as they have evolved with not only the Life Sciences industry but also the recruitment sector. They are a trusted client partner to many with no end in sight. The team should be very proud”

Looking for recruitment support or your next role in within Independent Health, Care and Specialist Education?

Compass Associates offer award-winning recruitment services with a proven track record across high-volume projects, strategic hires, team mobilisations, and sensitive transitions. Register your vacancy or visit their jobs page to discover how our consultants can support your success.

For all the latest new at CRS, click here.