RecTalk Podcast - Explore Recruitment Insights

Nitin Sharma, founder of rectools.io
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Welcome to RecTalk, the UK's biggest recruitment industry podcast on YouTube and a Top 15% Video Podcast on Spotify! Hear from trailblazers in the recruitment industry who want to have their say on all things recruitment - unbiased, unfiltered, unscripted.

  1. 1D AGO

    Guaranteed Hours, Umbrellas & Risk: What Recruiters Must Prepare For | Theresa Mimnagh of Lawspeed

    In this episode of RecTalk, host Nitin Sharma sits down with Theresa Mimnagh, partner at specialist recruitment law firm Lawspeed, to unpack some of the biggest legal and regulatory changes the recruitment industry has faced in years. Fresh off the back of Lawspeed’s recent industry seminar, Theresa breaks down what recruiters really need to understand about the proposed Employment Rights Bill, including guaranteed hours for agency workers, joint and several liability with umbrella companies, right-to-work changes, flexible working, unfair dismissal reforms, and why temp-heavy recruitment models may soon face serious pressure. This is not headline-level commentary — it’s a practical, recruitment-specific conversation about risk, margins, contracts, business models, and how agencies can still influence legislation before it’s finalised. What you’ll learn in this episode: What guaranteed hours for agency workers could mean for temp revenue, transfer fees, and marginsWhy these changes could be bigger than AWR for recruitment businessesHow government consultations actually work — and why recruiters still have a real chance to shape the outcomeThe reality of joint & several liability when working with umbrella companiesWhy accreditations alone don’t fully protect agencies from HMRC riskUpcoming right-to-work rule changes and the growing liability for agencies, RPOs, and supply chainsHow flexible working laws are evolving — and what “reasonable refusal” really meansWhy more agencies are moving toward consultancy, RPO, retained search, and hybrid modelsThe importance of having fit-for-purpose contracts that reflect modern recruitment models Theresa also shares real-world insight from Lawspeed’s decades of involvement in shaping recruitment legislation — explaining why early engagement beats reactive panic every time. 🔗 Connect with the guest Theresa Mimnagh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresamimnagh/ Find out more about Lawspeed: https://www.rectools.io/product/lawspeed/ Contact the Lawspeed team for expert advice and support: https://www.lawspeed.com/contact-us/ 🔗 Connect with the host Nitin Sharma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitin-rectools/ Discover recruitment tools and services: https://www.rectools.io/ New episodes of RecTalk, including Founder Diaries and Talking Talent, currently drop on Wednesday and Friday. Look out for new episodes of The Mixed Grill — the official podcast of the Recruitment Curry Club — dropping on Thursday. https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-recruitment-curry-club/ Listen on another platform: https://rectalk.co.uk/ 🔗 Get in touch with these recommended suppliers Robert Woodford — The Marketing Junction: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketing4recs/ Barry Cullen — recLAW: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrycullen/ Andrew Philipson — JOBBA: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewphilipson/  Ross Thompson — Infinity Staff Global: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossnthompson/ Dougie Loan — SourceWhale: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougieloan/ Andrew Constantinou — Nodex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apconstantinou/ #RecTalk #RecruitmentLaw #GuaranteedHours #EmploymentRightsBill #TempRecruitment #UmbrellaCompanies #JointLiability #RecruitmentCompliance #Lawspeed #RecruitmentBusiness #UKRecruitment

    1h 1m

  2. 2D AGO

    THE MIXED GRILL - Busy Idiots, AI Myths & Why Human Connection Still Wins in Recruitment

    Welcome back to The Mixed Grill, where Nitin Sharma and Bobby Banerjee pull up a chair, grab a metaphorical curry, and talk candidly about the good, the bad, and the ugly in recruitment. In this relaxed, no-filter episode, the conversation flows from the chaos of being “busy” in early 2024 to some big, honest takes on AI, recruiter reputation, candidate experience, and why human connection still matters more than ever. Topics covered include: Is the recruitment industry full of “busy idiots” and burnout risksWhy recruiters still get a bad reputation (and whether it’s even worth fixing)Unpopular opinions about recruitment and who really damages the industryThe reality of AI in recruitment – what it will replace and what it absolutely shouldn’tWhy mass AI outreach is destroying trust and credibilityHow AI should be used to improve candidate experience (status updates, feedback, empathy)The hypocrisy of knowing where your pizza is, but not your job applicationAuthenticity vs automation – and why 80% of people still pay for human connectionGenerational differences, community-building, and what recruiters can learn from Gen ZWhy in-person events, Curry Clubs, and real conversations still winThe long-term impact of the pandemic on how we connect, work, and build relationships As always, the tone is informal, thoughtful, occasionally opinionated, and full of real talk you won’t find in polished LinkedIn posts. Who this episode is for: Recruiters feeling overwhelmed by “busyness” and noise in the marketRecruitment leaders trying to figure out where AI actually fitsAnyone frustrated by poor candidate experience and broken processesRecTech founders building tools (this one’s especially for you 👀)Community builders, event organisers, and relationship-led recruitersPeople who believe recruitment should still be human-first 🔗 Connect with the hosts Bobby Banerjee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbybanerjee/ Nitin Sharma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitin-rectools/ Get your fill of curry, banter, and brilliant recruitment minds at The Recruitment Curry Club: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-recruitment-curry-club/ Look out for more episodes of The Mixed Grill dropping on Thursday. Listen on another platform: https://rectalk.co.uk/ #TheMixedGrill #RecTalk #RecruitmentCurryClub #RecruitmentPodcast #RecruitmentLife #RecTech #AIinRecruitment #CandidateExperience #HumanFirst #RecruitmentCommunity

    35 min

  3. 3D AGO

    Mortgage Myths & Financial Freedom – How Recruiters Can Remove Barriers with Contractor Financial

    In this episode of RecTalk, host Nitin Sharma is joined by Jo Elwell and Billie Davoile, founders of Contractor Financial, to tackle one of the biggest (and most misunderstood) blockers in the contract recruitment market: financial services for contractors. Jo and Billie share why they started Contractor Financial, how contractors are routinely misunderstood by lenders, and why myths around mortgages, IR35, fixed-term contracts, and self-employment are costing recruiters placements and contractors life-changing opportunities. This episode is a must-listen for recruiters who want to remove friction from contractor decisions, improve placement confidence, and add genuine value to both candidates and clients. What we cover in this episode: Why contractors are still unfairly treated by lenders (and how to fix it)Common mortgage myths that stop candidates from taking contract rolesHow contractors can secure mortgages from day one of a contractThe real impact of IR35, umbrellas, payroll models, and payslips on lendingWhy fixed-term contracts can actually be easier for mortgagesHow Contractor Financial educates lenders and underwriters directlyMortgages beyond PAYE: limited companies, SPVs, Buy-to-Let & investmentsFinancial literacy gaps hurting contractors (Klarna, credit scores, betting, cash withdrawals)How recruiters can partner with Contractor Financial at zero costUsing financial support as a candidate attraction and retention toolWhy free financial reviews help contractors stay contracting longerHow recruiters can use employee benefits to compete with larger agencies Jo and Billie also explain how recruiters can use Contractor Financial to: Unblock nervous contractors before they decline rolesImprove contractor confidence around mortgages, pensions, and protectionRetain contractors for longer by removing financial uncertaintyAdd a powerful, practical value-add without compliance risk or cost Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. 🔗 Connect with the guests Jo Elwell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-elwell-09679b3a/ Billie Davoile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billie-davoile-1327a1107/ Book a meeting with Jo and Billie: https://calendly.com/contractor-financial-directors/introduction Find out more about Contractor Financial: https://www.rectools.io/product/contractor-financial/ 🔗 Connect with the host Nitin Sharma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitin-rectools/ Discover recruitment tools and services: https://www.rectools.io/ New episodes of RecTalk, including Founder Diaries and Talking Talent, currently drop on Wednesday and Friday. Look out for new episodes of The Mixed Grill — the official podcast of the Recruitment Curry Club — dropping on Thursday. https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-recruitment-curry-club/ Listen on another platform: https://rectalk.co.uk/ 🔗 Get in touch with these recommended suppliers Robert Woodford — The Marketing Junction: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketing4recs/ Barry Cullen — recLAW: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrycullen/ Andrew Philipson — JOBBA: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewphilipson/  Ross Thompson — Infinity Staff Global: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossnthompson/ Dougie Loan — SourceWhale: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougieloan/ Andrew Constantinou — Nodex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apconstantinou/ #RecTalk #RecruitmentPodcast #ContractRecruitment #Contractors #IR35 #ContractorMortgages #RecruiterValueAdd #FinancialLiteracy #FTC #UmbrellaPayroll #RecruitmentAgency #RECtools #ContractorFinance

    1h 4m

  4. JAN 30

    How to Exit a Recruitment Business the Right Way: Valuations & Sale Readiness with Matt Fox

    In this episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma is joined once again by Matt Fox, founder of Exitus Advisory, for a no-nonsense deep dive into what it really takes to sell a recruitment business – and why most agency owners get it wrong. Matt has become one of the most trusted voices in the recruitment M&A and advisory space, and this conversation pulls back the curtain on exit planning, valuation myths, and how recruitment founders can significantly increase the value of their business before they ever think about selling. Together, Nitin and Matt unpack why only a small percentage of recruitment agencies ever successfully exit, what buyers actually care about, and how agency owners can reduce risk, increase profitability, and build a business that’s attractive to acquirers – whether they plan to sell in 12 months or five years. 🧠 Topics covered include: Why most recruitment businesses are never truly “exit ready”The biggest myths around recruitment business valuationsWhat multiples really look like for perm vs temp agenciesWhy owner-led billing businesses are unattractive to buyersHow risk (not revenue) drives valuationThe importance of leadership teams and revenue spreadDeferred consideration, earn-outs, and payment profiles explainedHow recurring revenue models and RPO-style services boost valueThe impact of PSLs, client concentration, and profitabilityWhen the best time to sell actually is (and why most miss it)Common reasons founders choose to exit – beyond just moneyPractical advice for owners starting to think about an exit Matt also shares real examples from his advisory work, insights from the Recruitment Agency Expo, and introduces a free sale readiness checker designed to help founders understand where they stand today. 🔗 Connect with the guests Matt Fox: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-fox-50b10311/ Check out Exitus Advisory: https://www.rectools.io/product/exitus-advisory/ 🔗 Connect with the host Nitin Sharma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitin-rectools/ Discover recruitment tools and services: https://www.rectools.io/ New episodes of RecTalk, including Founder Diaries and Talking Talent, currently drop on Wednesday and Friday. Look out for new episodes of The Mixed Grill — the official podcast of the Recruitment Curry Club — dropping on Thursday. https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-recruitment-curry-club/ Listen on another platform: https://rectalk.co.uk/ 🔗 Get in touch with these recommended suppliers Robert Woodford — The Marketing Junction: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketing4recs/ Barry Cullen — recLAW: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrycullen/ Andrew Philipson — JOBBA: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewphilipson/  Ross Thompson — Infinity Staff Global: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossnthompson/ Dougie Loan — SourceWhale: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougieloan/ Andrew Constantinou — Nodex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apconstantinou/ #RecTalk #RecruitmentBusiness #AgencyExit #RecruitmentM&A #RecruitmentOwners #BusinessValuation #RecruitmentLeadership #ExitStrategy #RecruitmentPodcast

    57 min

  5. JAN 29

    THE MIXED GRILL - Why Old-School Recruitment Is Breaking & Community Wins

    Welcome back to The Mixed Grill, a relaxed, no-filter continuation of the last episode on RecTalk – and the official podcast of the Recruitment Curry Club. In this episode, Nitin Sharma and Bobby Banerjee go deep (and occasionally off-piste) on what’s actually holding recruitment businesses back in 2025 and beyond – and why clinging to old habits is doing more harm than good. From spray-and-pray email marketing and soulless cold calling, to outdated ideas of productivity, presenteeism, and “bums on seats” leadership, this episode pulls apart the legacy thinking that no longer fits the market, the workforce, or human behaviour. They talk candidly about: Why mass email and untargeted BD is killing databases, brands, and motivationThe myth of “just get on the phone” with no strategy or contextHow Gen Z, Millennials, and even seasoned recruiters actually communicate nowThe rise of community-led recruitment and why micro-communities matter more than volumeWhy content with 10 views still matters more than you thinkBuilding businesses around outputs, not hoursNon-linear workdays, work–life integration, and ditching rigid modelsScar tissue, burnout, and the psychological baggage recruitment leaders carryWhy necessity (failure, illness, market shifts) is often the real driver of innovationBuilding in public, trusting your gut, and backing yourself without a blueprintAuthenticity on LinkedIn – and why AI-generated photos, comments, and personas damage trustWhere AI is useful… and where it absolutely isn’tThe future of Recruitment Curry Club events, community safety, and inclusive spaces There’s honesty, humour, lived experience, and plenty of strong opinions – exactly what The Mixed Grill is about. No sales pitches. No gurus. Just real conversations about where recruitment is heading and how to enjoy building something that actually works. Who this episode is for: Recruitment business owners questioning their current modelRecruiters burned out by volume-led BD and meaningless KPIsLeaders trying to engage modern consultants without forcing legacy behaviourAnyone curious about community-first growth in recruitmentRecruiters who value authenticity over algorithmsCurry Club members (and future members) who want to understand the “why” behind it all 🔗 Connect with the hosts Bobby Banerjee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbybanerjee/ Nitin Sharma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitin-rectools/ Get your fill of curry, banter, and brilliant recruitment minds at The Recruitment Curry Club: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-recruitment-curry-club/ Look out for more episodes of The Mixed Grill dropping on Thursday. Listen on another platform: https://rectalk.co.uk/ #RecTalk #TheMixedGrill #RecruitmentCurryClub #RecruitmentCommunity #ModernRecruitment #RecruitmentLeadership #Authenticity #FutureOfWork #RecOps #BuildInPublic #NoMoreColdCalling

    46 min

  6. JAN 28

    Candidate Source: Recruitment’s Best-Kept Secret — How Agencies Save Time, Money & Win Candidates

    In this episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down in the Candidate Source offices with Laura Carroll, Amy Kelly, and Tom Wickstead — three of the long-standing experts behind one of recruitment’s most under-the-radar support businesses. Candidate Source has been quietly helping recruitment agencies for over two decades, yet many founders still don’t fully understand what they do — or how much time, money, and stress they could save by using them. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the job board ecosystem, the hidden costs agencies don’t realise they’re paying, and how outsourcing job advertising, admin, and CV sifting can completely change how an agency operates — especially for startups and growing SMEs. We dig into: Why Candidate Source is often mistaken for a CRM or multiposter (and why they’re neither)How agencies can avoid wasting money on the wrong job boardsPay-as-you-go job board access vs long-term contractsWhy most job adverts fail — and how to write ads candidates actually readWhat makes a high-performing job advert in 2026How CV sifting works in practice (and how much time it really saves recruiters)The truth about “free” job boards and sunk-cost hiring mistakesUsing data and job board insights to push back on unrealistic clientsWhy branded job adverts are becoming a game-changer for agency revenueHow agencies can create new paid service lines instead of giving everything away for freeCandidate experience, rejection handling, and the long-term impact on employer brandWhy 2026 will reward agencies who differentiate, productise, and protect their time This is an honest, practical episode about doing recruitment smarter, not harder — and why asking for help might be the most commercial decision an agency owner can make. 🔗 Connect with the guests Laura Carroll: https://www.linkedin.com/in/csllaura/ Amy Kelly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cslamy/ Tom Wickstead: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-wickstead-b15689140/ Check out Candidate Source: https://www.rectools.io/product/candidate-source-ltd/ 🔗 Connect with the host Nitin Sharma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitin-rectools/ Discover recruitment tools and services: https://www.rectools.io/ New episodes of RecTalk, including Founder Diaries and Talking Talent, currently drop on Wednesday and Friday. Look out for new episodes of The Mixed Grill — the official podcast of the Recruitment Curry Club — dropping on Thursday. https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-recruitment-curry-club/ Listen on another platform: https://rectalk.co.uk/ 🔗 Get in touch with these recommended suppliers Robert Woodford — The Marketing Junction: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketing4recs/ Barry Cullen — recLAW: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrycullen/ Andrew Philipson — JOBBA: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewphilipson/  Ross Thompson — Infinity Staff Global: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossnthompson/ Dougie Loan — SourceWhale: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougieloan/ Andrew Constantinou — Nodex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apconstantinou/ #RecTalk #RecruitmentPodcast #AgencyLife #RecruitmentBusiness #HiringStrategy #JobBoards #CandidateExperience #RecruitmentMarketing #StartupAgencies #RecruitmentTips

    1h 16m

  7. JAN 23

    Live from TEAM Network North West – What 2025 Taught Us & How Recruiters Win in 2026

    This episode of RecTalk was recorded live at the TEAM Network North West Regional Meet Up in December of 2025, bringing together four experienced voices from across the recruitment ecosystem for an honest, no-BS panel discussion on where the industry has been, where it’s heading, and what recruiters actually need to do to stay relevant. Joining Nitin Sharma on the panel are: Owain Wilson – Goldfinch & Partners (Legal & retained recruitment specialist)Samantha Moore – Medical Technology Talent (MedTech recruitment across UK, USA & Canada)Vincent Seddon – Simplicity in Business (Recruitment finance & back-office support)Kirsty Craig – KCA People & TEAM North West Regional Director This wasn’t theory — it was real-world experience from operators who’ve lived through a turbulent market. Topics include: A brutally honest review of 2025: what worked, what didn’t, and why some recruiters thrived while others struggledThe growing divide between agencies that adapt vs those that stand stillMoving away from pure contingent models into retained, RPO, temp, L&D and advisory servicesWhy diversification is no longer optional for many recruitment businessesThe importance of employer branding, candidate experience, and people engagementHow clients really view recruitment (hint: often as a “distraction”) and how to turn that into opportunityExit strategies vs lifestyle businesses — and why most recruiters don’t actually have a planWhat makes a saleable recruitment business in today’s marketPredictions for 2026 and why optimism alone isn’t a strategyA refreshingly balanced take on AI vs automation — why AI is just a tool, not a silver bulletWhy recruitment will always remain a people business, no matter how advanced tech becomes There’s also plenty of audience interaction, war stories, strong opinions, and practical takeaways you can apply straight away. Who this episode is for Recruitment agency founders feeling stuck or uncertain about the futureRecruiters considering moving into retained, RPO, temp, or advisory modelsBusiness owners thinking about exit strategies (or realising they should be)Recruiters overwhelmed by AI hype and wanting a grounded perspectiveAnyone in recruitment who wants to future-proof their business for 2026 and beyond 🔗 Connect with the panel guests Owain Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owain-w-41772888/ Samantha Moore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthaleighmoore/ Vincent Seddon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-seddon/ Kirsty Craig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstycraig/ Watch the previous panel at TEAM South Midlands: https://youtu.be/Exdj3AIfSgg https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ONPLLAUPFVqV2jefLrIyI Check out TEAM Network: https://www.theteamnetwork.co.uk/ 🔗 Connect with the host Nitin Sharma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitin-rectools/ Discover recruitment tools and services: https://www.rectools.io/ New episodes of RecTalk, including Founder Diaries and Talking Talent, currently drop on Wednesday and Friday. Look out for new episodes of The Mixed Grill — the official podcast of the Recruitment Curry Club — dropping on Thursday. https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-recruitment-curry-club/ Listen on another platform: https://rectalk.co.uk/ 🔗 Get in touch with these recommended suppliers Robert Woodford — The Marketing Junction: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketing4recs/ Barry Cullen — recLAW: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrycullen/ Andrew Philipson — JOBBA: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewphilipson/  Ross Thompson — Infinity Staff Global: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossnthompson/ Dougie Loan — SourceWhale: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougieloan/ Andrew Constantinou — Nodex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apconstantinou/ #RecTalk #RecruitmentPodcast #TEAMNetwork #RecruitmentLeadership #RecruitmentAgency #RecruitmentTrends #FutureOfRecruitment #RetainedRecruitment #RecruitmentBusiness #RecruitmentStrategy #AIInRecruitment

    1h 8m

  8. JAN 22

    THE MIXED GRILL - BD Myths, LinkedIn Nonsense & Why Top Billers Still Need Coaching

    Welcome back to The Mixed Grill – a RecTalk podcast and the official podcast of the Recruitment Curry Club. In this laid-back, no-agenda episode, Nitin Sharma and Bobby Banerjee crack through listener questions, recruitment war stories, and a fair amount of nostalgic nonsense (Argos catalogues, pogs, and dodgy sticker trading included). This one is pure, unfiltered conversation covering what actually works in modern recruitment – and what seriously needs to be left in the 90s. 🧠 What’s on the grill this week: What the first real question should be when assessing a recruitment firm’s BD engineWhy most BD strategies are still just sales engines in disguiseRelationship-led BD vs pitch-slapping and lead chasingWhy most “new candidates” were already on your databaseThe truth about LinkedIn outreach, automation tools, and cold messagingPersonal branding: what works, what’s cringe, and why likes don’t pay invoicesGenerative AI on LinkedIn – where it helps and where it’s killing authenticityCoaching vs training: why top billers still need developmentWhat really separates consistent billers from everyone elseLearning from feedback, mindset shifts, and why desperation smellsCompletely unnecessary but essential 90s nostalgia tangents Expect strong opinions, plenty of swearing, and practical insights buried inside some very British banter. 👥 Who this episode is for Recruitment founders reviewing or rebuilding their BD strategyNon-execs and leaders joining recruitment businessesRecruiters fed up with cold outreach that doesn’t convertAnyone confused by LinkedIn “best practice” adviceTop billers who want to stay top billersSales managers trying to coach, not just manageMembers (and future members) of the Recruitment Curry Club 🔗 Connect with the hosts Bobby Banerjee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbybanerjee/ Nitin Sharma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitin-rectools/ Get your fill of curry, banter, and brilliant recruitment minds at The Recruitment Curry Club: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-recruitment-curry-club/ Look out for more episodes of The Mixed Grill dropping on Thursday. Listen on another platform: https://rectalk.co.uk/ #RecTalk #TheMixedGrill #RecruitmentCurryClub #RecruitmentLife #BusinessDevelopment #RecruitmentBD #LinkedInRecruitment #TopBillers #SalesCoaching #RecruitmentLeadership #HonestRecruitment

    32 min
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Welcome to RecTalk, the UK's biggest recruitment industry podcast on YouTube and a Top 15% Video Podcast on Spotify! Hear from trailblazers in the recruitment industry who want to have their say on all things recruitment - unbiased, unfiltered, unscripted.

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