Member Article

Redcar-based Techconsult reaps rewards of MPI partnership

A strategic alliance between a Teesside-based recruitment specialist and an independent research and development organisation is reaping dividends with the appointment of three senior personnel within the last six months.

Techconsult UK, based at the Wilton Centre near Redcar, which specialises in finding candidates for highly specialised roles in the process and petrochemical, oil and gas, renewable and subsea sectors, has been responsible for bolstering the commercial team at the Materials Processing Institute (MPI).

MPI approached Techconsult in summer 2015 for help with identifying high calibre candidates to enhance its outward facing commercial team.

The move supported the Institute’s plans to diversify its business model to include providing research and process enhancement support for industries including automotive, aerospace, construction, nuclear, recycling, renewables and oil and gas industries, as well as help for SMEs as they develop, commercialise and improve technology. These appointments also strengthens the team as it looks to gain recognition as a catapult centre.

Since being tasked with finding talent from science and industry, Techconsult has placed MPI’s marketing manager Andrew Cargill along with Andrea Parr, business development manager for the chemicals and process sectors.

More recently Dawn Huntrod has been appointed as business development manager to look after the newly formed SME Technology Centre and Techconsult is currently searching for another business development manager with expertise in the energy and engineering sectors.

Chris McDonald, Chief Executive Officer of MPI, said: “The new appointments are helping to establish the Institute on both a national and international basis and are integral to our future growth plans.

“Andrew is working hard to integrate all aspects of marketing to ensure MPI’s capabilities are communicated to benefit industrial and commercial innovation; while Andrea is working closely with chemical and process companies and Dawn is heading up the business development for the newly built SME Technology Centre.

“Techconsult have really taken the time to get to understand our organisation and business plans and as a result we have been able to integrate three highly skilled senior personnel into the business who will undoubtedly help us on our growth trajectory.”

Steve Guest, Techconsult UK Managing Director, said: “The partnership between Techconsult and MPI is one that is working extremely well for both businesses. Its plans to diversify and grow is a really positive story at a time when Teesside and the wider region is still reeling from the closure of the SSI plant in Redcar.

“Through a focused resourcing strategy and access to an extensive network of contacts across a range of industry sectors, we have been able to help the Institue assemble a really strong commercial team.”

He added: “We act as consultants to our clients, building long-term relationships to really understand their business plans and growth ambitions and the success of this approach is evident in our work with MPI.

“There are lots of fantastic businesses in the North East that are developing some really exciting products and delivering fantastic services and our specialist skills means that we can find the right people to help them remain in the North East and grow.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →