Northumberland businesses team up to recruit local talent

A North East talent and resourcing consultancy has been appointed by Northumberland’s newest tourist destination to help resource the team that will launch the business. In-house recruitment specialist Talentheads has partnered with Ad Gefrin Visitor Experience and Distillery to provide recruitment services in the run up to their opening in February 2023.

Ad Gefrin is the brainchild of Alan and Eileen Ferguson whose family businesses have been operating across the county for nearly 100 years. The state-of-the-art development will include a major museum experience, bistro, and shop, and will be home to the first Northumbrian English Single Malt Whisky.

Founder of Talentheads Sam Spoors said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Ad Gefrin to be their internal recruitment team and use our seven decades of collective talent acquisition experience to help the firm grow. The team share values similar to that of Talentheads, so I have been super keen to get involved and support them in their goals.

“To work with local businesses of this calibre and such amazing intentions to offer opportunities for local people has always been my hope. We’re extremely proud to partner with such an inspiring and community-focused team.”

Co-founder of Ad Gefrin, Eileen Ferguson added: “We chose Talentheads due to the team’s unique approach to recruitment and the energy and enthusiasm they displayed for Ad Gefrin. We’ll be recruiting for jobs right across the business, and we’re delighted that the best solution for our recruitment is a fellow business based in the heart of Northumberland.

“It’s really important to us that everything we do promotes and supports our local community. We’re passionate about, and are committed, to creating long-term sustainable jobs, and Talentheads share this passion.”

Ad Gefrin joins a growing list of major clients supported by the talent-hunting consultancy. Since it started, Talentheads has enjoyed consistent growth and exceeded all its original goals, enabling it to expand its team. Founder Sam has been recognised for her hard work by being shortlisted in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

Sam added: “It is an extremely exciting time for us here at Talentheads – we have grown our client base by 45 per cent over the last six months, have additional local partnerships in the pipeline and have hired four new staff members recently, with a fifth planned later in the year.

“Like all our clients, we are scaling and growing. To do this effectively, Talentheads need the right people. The new team members bring enthusiasm, drive and fresh ideas and perspectives, meaning we can continue to offer our existing and new clients an excellent service in a challenging and competitive talent market.”

On her award shortlisting, Sam added: “I’m delighted to be recognised as a North East Entrepreneur and waving the flag for the service industry. I’m extremely proud to be able to do something I love and believe in – and offer long-term opportunities for my people, our partners and our local communities.”