Avayler is a cutting-edge SaaS business developed within Halfords PLC to digitise and optimise automotive services. Originally built to support Halfords' own expansive network of garages and mobile service vans, the Avayler platform quickly showed potential as a commercial solution for the global automotive industry. Now operating independently under the Halfords umbrella, Avayler is focused on international growth and innovation in the mobility tech space.

Challenge: Scaling a SaaS Team Across the UK and US

As a newly launched startup within a large corporate group, Avayler needed to rapidly assemble a team capable of taking their platform to market, both in the UK and internationally. Their challenge was twofold: build a lean, expert SaaS team and recruit commercially minded talent who understood the intricacies of software scaling, particularly in unfamiliar markets outside the UK. With limited in-house SaaS recruitment expertise, Avayler required a partner who could execute quickly and across borders.

Key Search Data & Process Insights

• Recruited multiple commercial roles: Sales, Product, Implementation, Project Management, Customer Success, and Software Application

• Hires made across both the UK and US over a three-year period

• Average time to hire: 17 days

• 2-stage interview process for UK hires:

  • Stage 1: MS Teams

  • Stage 2: Face-to-face

• 2-stage interview process for US hires:

  • Stage 1: MS Teams

  • Stage 2: In-person – COO and VP of Operations flew to the US

• Candidates needed deep SaaS experience and cross-market adaptability

• Roles critical to enabling scalable service delivery and global market entry

Result

The recruitment strategy proved pivotal to Avayler’s growth trajectory. The company secured a $3 million investment from Bridgestone, valuing the business at $60.5 million just three years after launch. Bridgestone plans to roll out Avayler’s technology across its global mobility platforms - validating both the strength of the product and the team built to deliver it. The commercial hires across the UK and US have been instrumental in supporting Avayler’s expansion and operational excellence on a global stage.