Member Article

Tyneside recruitment firm defies economic uncertainty with 'relationship-driven' approach

Recruitment consultancy, Edward Reed, is celebrating its first year in business after defying the ongoing political and economic uncertainty to put down strong roots in the North East recruitment sector.

Founded by Managing Director, Chris Stappard, the consultancy focuses on mid to senior management appointments across a number of sectors, including senior finance, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing, and has rapidly grown its client base over the last 12 months.

Chris, who has 10 years’ experience in banking, set up the Newcastle-based firm after spotting a gap in the market for relationship-driven management recruitment which offers a more personalised approach working closely with clients.

Despite the economic and political travails that have been unleashed by June’s Brexit vote, Chris said that the business is going from ‘strength to strength’ and that the business, which is based at Windsor Terrace in Newcastle city centre, is ‘expanding rapidly’.

He said: “We are seeing positives in businesses right across the region regardless of sector or size. The political and economic uncertainty isn’t necessarily stopping our clients investing within their workforce and pushing ahead with business.

“Against this backdrop, we are still seeing increased activity amongst exporters and equally within household names in the North East across sectors such as manufacturing, FMCG, pharmaceutical and professional services.”

One such client is specialist pharmaceutical firm Shield Therapeutics, which has bases in both London and Newcastle, who have turned to Edward Reed for all of their northern recruitment since January.

Angela Hildreth, Finance Director at the firm, commented that the recruitment consultancy’s relationship-driven approach means Chris takes his time to ‘understand the roles, the company and its culture’ despite the broad range of sectors that the firm deals with.

She added: “The roles recruited have varied from scientific to financial and in general have been very niche in their nature. Chris’ bespoke approach of listening, understanding and questioning have really added value and contributed to successful placements.”

Now, after manoeuvring through the economic headwinds, Edward Reed is hoping to expand its client list as it looks to further entrench itself in the region’s recruitment sector.

“We look forward to taking the business forward into its second year and working with new and existing clients as Edward Reed Recruitment continues to grow,” added Chris.

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