Partner Article

Getting to know... Sim Hall

We know you as the founder of Populus Select and a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick…
At heart, I’m just a Teesside lad who’s never lost his curiosity about people and what drives them. I’m a husband of 24 years to Elaine, Dad to two incredible daughters who keep me on my toes, and proud owner of two black Labradors who think they’re human. I’m happiest when I’m outdoors, whether that’s on a trail run, under the bonnet of an old Land Rover, or riding a motorbike somewhere muddy. What makes me tick? Connections. Whether it’s helping a client find that game-changing hire or chatting with someone on the fells, I love understanding what makes people come alive.

Did you always want to work in your industry?
Not exactly. Like most people, I didn’t wake up at ten years old and say, “I want to work in recruitment.” I wanted to be a soldier or a house DJ. Recruitment found me rather than the other way round, but once I realised it’s essentially about understanding people, building trust, and solving problems, I was hooked. It’s a bit like engineering, really: you take complex systems (in this case, humans and businesses) and make them work better together.

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst?
The best bit? Easy! seeing the moment when everything clicks. When a candidate lands their dream opportunity, a client secures the expertise they need, and you know you’ve helped change the trajectory of both. That’s magic.
The worst bit? Time zones. We work internationally so there’s always someone somewhere wanting to chat just as I’m about to tuck into my tea. That said, I’ve learned to make a decent tea at 3 a.m. so it’s not all bad.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
Building a business that genuinely puts people first. Populus Select isn’t just about placing candidates; it’s about long-term partnerships and doing recruitment differently. On a personal level, raising two strong, independent daughters with my wife while running a growing business feels like the biggest win of all. They keep me grounded, honest, and occasionally embarrassed.

How do you relax outside of work?
Trail running clears my head, especially when it involves rain, mud, and a questionable route choice. I love tinkering with my old Land Rovers, there’s something therapeutic about fixing something mechanical when your day job revolves around people. And of course, walks with the dogs, because they remind you to live in the moment (and to carry extra biscuits).

What makes the North East such a great place to live and work?
It’s the people. Straight-talking, big-hearted, adaptable and resilient. There’s a strong sense of community here that you just don’t find everywhere. Add in the coastline, the moors, and a growing ecosystem of innovative businesses, and it’s a brilliant place to build something meaningful. Plus, you can’t beat a Pacittos lemon top after a long walk on the beach.

Tell us something about you we didn’t know…
I grew up in Qatar and once took part in a four day adventure race that involved running, kayaking, mountain biking and generally regretting my life choices in deepest, wettest Wales. I finished muddy, blistered, and smiling, which is probably a fair metaphor for entrepreneurship.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Entrepreneurs' Forum .