Heathrow Airport Supplier Forum: Driving growth and niche talent acquisition
Rob Baker

2 minutes

Heathrow Airport Supplier Forum: Driving growth and niche talent acquisition

In December 2025we hosted a supplier forum at Heathrow Airport, working to continue and build on our partnerships with key permanent suppliers in the face of growth and evolution in the aerospace sector 

Having worked closely with Heathrow for over a decade and we’re constantly collaborating to address changing challenges, seize new opportunities, and optimise the developing workforce of the airport.  

Niche talent acquisition remains highly sought after  

One of the standout themes of the event was the focus on sourcing and developing niche talent. As Heathrow expands its operations and with technology moving at an exceptional pace, the need for specialised skills for niche roles is becoming more pronounced.  

Our team is playing a pivotal role in identifying and recruiting candidates who possess the unique expertise required to support Heathrow’s ambitious plans and will continue to do through 2026 and beyond 

By tailoring our services to meet these specific demands, we aim to ensure that the airport remains at the forefront of industry innovation and maintains its reputation for operational excellence,” states Rob Baker, Senior Client Services Manager at Guidant Global. 

Optimising human decision making with technology 

Another theme was around Innovation at the forum to allow us to identify top-tier talent through a thoughtful, personalised and tech enabled process. 

In our approach to recruitment, we continue to prioritise strong human judgment and personal interaction in selecting candidates, alongside utilizing modern technology 

For example, technology tools for screening and assessing applications initially can be used to save time in streamlining administrative taskswhile experienced professionals control key decisions and candidate evaluations. 

Rob Baker at Guidant Global confirms that, “although technology contributes to a smoother recruitment workflow, we believe that genuine human engagement is vital. Our commitment to supporting candidates throughout their journey guarantees a comprehensive experience, with meaningful guidance and feedback provided by our team at every stage. 

There were some more lighthearted activities as well with a quiz on astonishing facts of Heathrow Airport, including how many Toblerone's are sold annually in weight – the equivalent to 8 African Elephants. 

As Heathrow looks ahead to sustained growth, our commitment is to help the airport attract, retain, and develop the specialised talent needed for future success. By combining deep- sector expertise with innovative recruitment methods, we look forward to supporting Heathrow’s evolving needs while contributing positively to its journey of expansion and excellence. 

Workforce insights in your inbox

Sign up for our newsletter with the latest workforce management news, insights, analysis and more.