Axis CLC x Candr

Candr partnered with Axis CLC on some bids roles towards the end of 2025. Stuart had actually known Chris from his ISG days, having placed a few candidates into his team - so when Chris landed as Group Head of Bids at Axis CLC, it was a natural reconnection.

Chris has built a really strong team around him - dedicated, talented people who are serious about bids and work-winning. With private equity backing, growth is central to everything they do, and that's exactly where Candr came in.

They were looking for multiple hires across the team, but finding the right people wasn't straightforward. They needed strong writers - but not just writers. They wanted people who could own the full end-to-end bid process, from small quick-turnarounds to large, complex submissions.

The bid team hierarchy at Axis CLC was made up of:

• Bid Coordinator

• Junior Writer

• Writer

• Senior Writer

• Bid Team Lead

• Group Head of Bids

Every person in the team is expected to write well and manage independently (minus the Coordinators), and they were recruiting across almost every level. We placed two people into the team before the end of 2025, and we're proud to still be working with them as we head into 2026.

Here's what Chris, Paul and Joel had to say about working with Candr.

Chris Haynes
Group Head of Bids, Axis CLC

“Stuart is exceptionally organised and communicative, always taking the time to understand exactly what we need so he tailors his search rather than overwhelming us with CVs. His ability to find strong bidding professionals from his wide network has helped us secure fantastic candidates, and his support has made the whole process far easier and far less daunting.”

Joel Blackwood
Bid Writer, Axis CLC

“Stuart was really supportive and helpful during the recruitment process. I have settled into my new role and am very happy with the change and step up in my career. Stuart was very responsive and was always on the ball to get in touch with the hiring team quickly, resulting in me getting interview(s) scheduled quickly, and ultimately getting the job offer. I would definitely recommend Stuart to anyone looking to find the best Bid and Business development jobs.”

Paul Raggett
Senior Bid Writer, Axis CLC

“I’d happily recommend Stuart to anyone searching for their next role, or to employers looking for someone who genuinely cares about finding the right match — in fact, I already have! Having worked as a recruitment consultant myself (many years ago), I know what sets a great recruiter apart, and Stuart is truly exceptional.”