Lauren Williams took over as Managing Director of TopScore in 2024, following its acquisition by the Unseen Group at the start of 2023. We speak to Lauren about how life at TopScore has changed since then.

Can you tell us about the early days of TopScore? What inspired the creation of the business?

TopScore was the brainchild of our co-founder, Phin Naughton. While working as an associate assessor for several large organisations worldwide, Phin encountered the inefficiencies of traditional assessment centres firsthand. One day, as he observed stacks of paper assessor packs and the tedious process of manually entering scores into spreadsheets, he thought, "There has to be a better way to run these." That moment sparked the idea for TopScore.

At the time, the early careers industry was quite cautious about embracing new technology. However, when COVID-19 struck in 2020, businesses were forced to rethink their recruitment methods. TopScore rose to the challenge, quickly integrating built-in video technology to support virtual assessment centres. This innovation met the urgent demand for remote solutions and propelled the platform’s growth.

How did you find the integration process? Was it a smooth transition? Did you feel supported along the journey?

During the acquisition process, we quickly realised that both businesses shared similar values, which gave us confidence from the outset. The Unseen team, along with others already in the Group, were incredibly welcoming and seemed just as excited about us joining as we were.

A clear plan was outlined, and the Unseen leadership team took the time to meet with each member of TopScore to understand their roles, their perspectives, and the company culture. This thoughtful approach allowed them to identify key areas for development and determine how best to support us.

By working closely with key stakeholders, they were able to initiate projects while maintaining a compassionate understanding that we also had our ‘business as usual’ to manage.

At no point in this process did we feel unsupported. No question was too big or too trivial, and no idea was dismissed without careful consideration. We couldn’t have wished for a smoother, more collaborative transition.

How did the TopScore team feel about becoming a part of the wider Unseen Group?

Naturally, there was some initial anxiety about such a big change. But there’s been something uniquely special about being able to maintain the ‘start-up’ spark of our brand while benefiting from the support and resources of a larger organisation. The ability to bounce ideas around, tap into subject matter experts, and share knowledge has been a huge advantage.

Our team has worked closely not only with Unseen but also with other brands within the Group. This collaboration has enabled us to complete impactful projects, expand our industry knowledge, and share our own expertise in return.

It’s been clear from the outset that we’re seen as a vital piece of the puzzle, and that has been deeply rewarding for the entire team.

“At no point in this process did we feel unsupported.”

You’ve since become MD of Topscore. How did being a part of the Unseen Group support your own personal and professional growth?

Joining the Unseen Group has accelerated my personal growth far beyond what I ever anticipated.

It’s so easy to become absorbed in the day-to-day running of a business, focusing on your team’s development while neglecting your own. Having the Unseen team take that responsibility for me has ensured I’ve continued to develop both personally and professionally. They’ve encouraged me to reflect on my performance, not just in terms of financial outcomes, but also by recognising and celebrating non-financial achievements.

I’ve had the opportunity to complete external courses and qualifications, and I’ve worked closely with experienced Managing Directors and subject matter experts across marketing, finance, technology, HR, and more. This experience and exposure over the first year post-acquisition played a huge role in me progressing into the position of MD at TopScore – a promotion that was fully backed and supported by the Unseen leadership team.

The journey I’ve been on with TopScore and now Unseen has been transformative, allowing me to grow in ways that have benefited both myself and the wider business.

How has TopScore grown since becoming part of Unseen? What's been the major benefit of joining the group?

For me, it feels as though TopScore has taken its biggest step yet in evolving from a start-up into a sustainable, market-leading business.

Financially, we’ve seen growth in turnover, EBITDA, and renewal rates. However, these results are a direct reflection of the internal growth we’ve experienced through changes in mindset and processes.

The team can now focus entirely on their individual roles, without being stretched thin across multiple areas. We’ve been able to leverage the expertise and support of the wider Unseen Group, whether in marketing, finance, or technology. This has allowed the TopScore team to concentrate on what they know and do best.

Finally, what's next for TopScore? What's the big ambition over the next couple of years?

At TopScore, we have ambitious plans for both the short and long term. Our goal is to solidify our position as the go-to market leader in digital assessment centres and interviews, further establishing ourselves as experts in the field.

We aim to continue enhancing our technology to provide even more streamlined and efficient functionalities for our clients. All whilst maintaining our reputation for exceptional customer service which remains a top priority, ensuring it continues to be a defining feature of our business.