James Smethurst
Founder & Director, Velocity Talent
TIC Recruitment Expert | Executive Search Strategist | Startup Talent Partner“I built Velocity Talent on one core belief — that better leadership builds better businesses.”
Professional Biography
With over 13 years of hands-on experience in executive search, James has successfully placed more than 100 senior leaders across regulated markets — from calibration labs and certification bodies to CROs, CDMOs, and diagnostics.
Before launching Velocity Talent, James was a shareholder in multiple VC-backed startups, where he developed a deep understanding of how people and performance drive business growth. This unique blend of recruiting expertise and strategic insight allows him to help clients not only hire better — but build lasting leadership infrastructure.
Areas of Expertise
We understand the unique hiring needs of each niche within the TIC industry. Our specialisms include:
- TIC Executive Recruitment (UK & Global)
- Medical Labs & Diagnostics Talent Acquisition
- CRO & CDMO Recruitment Strategy
- Startup Talent Advisory
- C-Suite & Commercial Leadership Placement
- Disruptive Recruitment Models (Retained, Embedded, RPO, Fractional)
Why Clients Work with James
“James gets under the skin of your business. He listens deeply, connects quickly, and delivers with speed. His hires don’t just fill a role, they transform teams.” — Client Feedback
Over 90% of Velocity Talent clients return for future hires — a testament to James’s delivery-driven, relationship-first approach. Whether supporting early-stage startups or global certification bodies, he brings the same level of precision, energy, and care to every search.
Trusted by Clients Across:
- Testing & Inspection Bodies
- Scientific Instrumentation Companies
- Product Certification Firms
- Regulatory & Quality-Focused Organisations
- PE/VC-Backed Scaleups
- Public and Private Life Science Enterprises
Need a specialist to lead your next critical hire?
Partner directly with James and discover why he’s trusted by 100+ clients across the TIC and life sciences landscape.