Partner Article

Stark Brooks buoyant as it celebrates milestone

Recruitment firm Stark Brooks is enjoying its best month for almost three years as it toasts its 30th anniversary.

Chief executive Gron Ffoulkes-Davies said this month is on track to be the strongest for Stark Brooks since the beginning of 2011, in a strong indication of how the employment market is improving.

Stark Brooks, which has its headquarters in Manchester and an office in Leeds, specialises in recruiting for management and executive roles across a range of sectors.

Roles filled this month include those of finance director at Car Loan 4u, of Macclesfield, head of human resources at NCC Group in Manchester, sales director at Turtle Wax, corporate services director at the National Association of Head Teachers and senior positions for clients including Findel, the Big Four accounting practices, advisory business Dow Schofield Watts and law firm DWF.

New assignments won during this month include posts for chief executive, operations director and non-executive director in various sectors.

Gron said: “There is no doubt that companies are now investing and preparing for growth as the economy improves, in many cases creating entirely new roles or filling ones which have remained vacant for some time.

“We are also seeing increased mobility in the employment market, as people become more receptive to a career move after opting to stay put during the recent economic downturn.

“While we have seen a steady upturn over recent months, the acceleration we have experienced in November, in terms of the number and range of roles filled, also demonstrates our expertise and ability to find the right candidates for all manner of companies and sectors.

“Our strong pipeline of activity for December and into 2014 puts us in a good position as we enter our 31st year of business.”

Stark Brooks was founded in November 1983 and is owned by executive chairman Sally Toumi, 45, who joined as a consultant in 1993 and became managing director in 1998.

She led a management buyout in 2002 and took overall control in 2007.

Since 1983, Stark Brooks has placed more than 12,000 people in senior roles in the public and private sectors across the UK and worldwide.

Future expansion plans are currently being drawn up by the firm’s executive team.

Sally said: “I’m fortunate to lead a highly talented and dedicated team, and must also thank all those who have contributed to the business over the years as we celebrate our 30th anniversary.

“Achieving business milestones helps you to reflect on what a business is about and has achieved.

“We are immensely proud of the part we have played, and continue to play, in helping to shape many individual careers and businesses.

“I’m also extremely proud that we’ve made a significant contribution to the wider business community. With over 12,000 jobs filled and more than £11m paid in tax over the years, we typify the SME businesses that will help continue the drive for recovery and growth in this country.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Stark Brooks .