Member Article

‘We have turned the recruitment process on its head’, says Darlington startup

North East recruitment firm KMS Partners is hoping to quickly establish itself as a key player in the industry through its distinctive approach to operating in the sector.

The brainchild of Keith Miller, MD of Ecco Finishing Supplies, and recruiter Melissa Thompson, the firm is is sharing the financial risk businesses face when recruiting, by only asking for half its fee when companies take on one of its clients.

The Darlington-based business will only claim the remaining 50% of its fee once the new recruit has been employed for six months, passing the usual probationary period.

Keith said: “I’ve had experience of good and bad recruitment agencies, but have never worked with one that is willing to say to a business “we’re in this together”.

“I think we have created an innovative and professional approach. I believe this fresh perspective, which has been developed by employers for employers, creates a bond of trust between KMS and our clients – and we will never let them down.”

The firm, which was established last year, moved into its new home at Business Central, in Darlington, at Easter.

As well as sharing the financial risk, the firm also operates with a transparent fees policy and has introduced software that enables the client businesses to log into their system and monitor the number, caliber and suitability of potential applicants.

Melissa commented: “The recruitment of new employees should be a cause for celebration, it’s a statement that your firm is growing.

“We want all of our clients to feel that way and to prove it we’re sharing the risk with them and, of course, we wouldn’t do that if we weren’t absolutely confident of the service we are providing.”

Claire Preston, CEO of Middlesbrough-based Sound Training, is one business leader in the region to have used KMS’ services.

She said: “Great staff are key to any business; recruiting new staff can be time consuming, expensive and ultimately fruitless.

“The fact that KMS is willing to put its money where its mouth is, instils confidence and made us feel they would go the extra mile to make sure we had access to potential recruits of the highest caliber.”

Melissa continued: “The industry doesn’t enjoy the best reputation, but we have pulled together a talented group of motivated and skilled people to help address that.

“We have turned the recruitment process on its head and we not only share the financial risk with clients, we also work closely with them to make the process simpler, focus on quality of applicant over quantity, and, hopefully, make the whole process a more enjoyable and less stressful experience.

“Our whole ethos is tailored towards making recruitment an enjoyable, transparent and simple process, and there’s no reason why it should be anything else.”