Teesside's Jo Hand Recruitment to become The Human Group with six-figure investment

Recruitment firm Jo Hand Recruitment & Consultancy has landed a six-figure investment.

The Teesside-based company will use the cash, secured through the Finance for Business North East Angel Fund, to re-brand and transform its existing business into The Human Group.

Moving forward as a new company, the venture will create and safeguard jobs while building on its existing services.

Recruitment professional Andrea Conway, who has more than 18 years’ experience in the industry, will head up The Human Group’s senior team and be at the forefront of the firm’s operational initiatives.

She said of the rebrand: “We are excited about our future following this re-brand. At least four new jobs will be created initially and as the business continues to grow more will be created.

“The feedback we have had regarding the new company name has been fantastic. We are a strong, highly motivated and dedicated team with a passion for becoming the leading employment services company in The Tees Valley within the next three years.”

James Robson MBE, meanwhile, will occupy the role of non-executive director and provide strategic advice to ensure the business remains on-track to hit its growth targets.

Jo Hand, the business’ founder, will be active as the venture’s managing director.

Moving forward, The Human Group will provide new services to enhance its core recruitment offer. Although set to develop over time, the additonal services will initially include HR consultancy and drugs and alcohol testing.

The North East Angel Fund is run by venture capital fund manager Rivers Capital Partners.

Rivers’ Dr Michael Dickens led the investment through the fund’s extension capital from the Finance for Business North East programme.

He said of the deal: “With their phenomenal success in the recruitment sector we’re looking forward to watching The Human Group continue to thrive in this space.

“Founded by a dedicated and passionate recruitment professional, the business is a great example to other North East entrepreneurs looking for funding to realise their growth plans.”

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