Member Article

New recruitment venture expands into the North East

Recruitment business Morgan King is opening a new office in Teesside headed by Jo Bailey who joins as senior consultant.

The expansion follows the launch of the business in Leeds just two months ago with backing from well-known Yorkshire entrepreneur Martin Penny.

The business, which aims to professionalise the hiring of staff in the crucial grey collar and white collar skills sectors, is currently working on dozens of vacancies ranging from positions at managing director level to engineers and skilled labourers.

With over 13 years’ experience working within the construction, engineering and technical recruitment industry, Jo will lead the new office in Redcar.

She has worked at MC2 Technical Recruitment, McGinley Human Resources and Leda Recruitment at senior consultant or branch principle level.

Jo’s specialisms include recruiting for the petrochemical, chemical and building sectors as well as for professional and technical white collar positions.

Morgan King is the brainchild of Howard Slinger, a recruitment specialist with over 25 years’ experience in the recruitment industry, particularly within the construction, rail and technical recruitment markets at senior and executive levels.

Slinger’s vision to get back to basics and build a recruitment business around people rather than relying on technology struck a chord with former ghd founder Penny who made a significant six figure investment into the new business.

Morgan King co-founder Howard Slinger said: “We’ve met with a really positive response and, as a result, we’re opening our second office in Teesside earlier than planned and also recruiting two new members of staff.

“With her solid track record in the technical recruitment sector, we are confident that Jo will play a key role in helping us to drive forward the business in the North East and we have also recruited an office manager to ensure that the Leeds office runs smoothly.

“The idea of a recruitment business that focuses on the traditional values of really getting to know the people and businesses involved to make sure they are the right match, seems to be resonating with many employers.

“This, combined with the fact that businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to find able people for technical positions and for what we term ‘grey collar’ roles, those between blue collar and white collar positions, means that Morgan King has got off to a great start.”