A four stage process. Stage 1; a round table pitch with other people looking for funding - we weren't told that this was the format. It was a bit like speed dating. Stage 2; invited back in to have a lengthy interview with one of the senior management. It became more of a sales pitch from the. Stage 3: After preparing a detailed investment plan we were invited back to see another two people from RE where they told us they would take a majority stake and would want a massive monthly fee for the pleasure. We didn't go back for stage 4, a business plan.

1. Submit précis plan 2. Round table with lots of other applicants Pitching their ideas; some of these were not great and that made me sceptical about the calibre of applicants in general. 3. In depth meeting with CEO/CFO/COO going through plan and understanding the "business side" of recruitment from a management perspective 4. Offer: Didn't accept the offer-I disliked the "hub" aspect of the scheme, which looked more like a big recruitment company office. Not the right partner for a search focussed niche business.