To meet its commercial goals, Firstport needed to accelerate digital transformation under the leadership of a newly appointed Chief Digital Officer. But legacy outsourcing models and fragmented hiring approaches were slowing delivery, diluting accountability, and falling short on ROI. To build a high-quality, mixed-resource team at pace, Firstport needed to rethink its existing technology organisation. 

• The historic MSP model lacked agility and quality
• Inconsistent hiring channels made scaling internal capability difficult
• Time was short, budgets were fixed, and expectations were high

Qurated was brought in as a strategic partner, not just to fill roles, but to design and stand up an integrated, high-performing technology function. Working closely with the CDO, we replaced the fragmented MSP and agency model with a single, accountable solution:

• A managed Adaptive Teams solution to help them stand up technology
• Enduring capability built through permanent recruitment
• Aligned to Firstport's strategic goals, delivery timelines, and cost controls
• Fully embedded into the internal structure and ways of working

Within just 12 weeks, 26 critical roles were filled across product, engineering, architecture, and programme delivery, surpassing the original target of 20 hires for Firstport in the first quarter. The acquisition was completed successfully, and Qurated’s contract continues under the the ownership.

Final outcome?

• 26 roles hired in 3 months
• 48 hour turnaround on shortlists
• Contract renewed post-sale by new ownership