Member Article

Gosforth-based recruitment startup buoyed by North East finance backers

North East recruiter Andrew Mackay has set up his own recruitment consultancy, Coleman James, specialising in built environment and construction jobs.

Andrew, who has years of experience recruiting within the construction, built environment and technology sector, says he has ambitious plans for the new business and plans to hire two consultants in the coming couple of months.

On starting the firm, he explained: “I’ve enjoyed a successful career over the last 12 years recruiting at every level within the construction, built environment and technology sectors both in the UK and internationally.

Previously a divisional manager at global technical recruiter CDI AndersElite, Andrew helped to drive the company’s growth in the North East and Scotland, winning the firm’s Presidents Club Award during his tenure.

Andrew continued: “[Recruitment] is something I’ve proved myself capable of doing time and again, but I’ve always wanted to step out under my own banner.”

North East businessmen Richard Blackett and Kevin Walker, founding directors of financial services companies Blackett Walker and BW Medical Accountants respectively, have both taken on directorships at the new business, a move which Andrew believes will help to quickly establish Coleman James in the market.

He explained: “I’ve known Richard and Kevin for a number of years and have a lot of respect for their acumen; they in turn are aware of my skill set, so we already have a solid working relationship.

“Their advice is available if needed but their approach is to trust in my skills and judgement as managing director and let me get on with what I’m good at.

“By basing the business in their building at BW House on Gosforth Business Park there is enough room for me to have completely separate offices with the ability to key into some of their established support services.

“As a result I’ve been able to hit the ground running and focus on bringing new business through the door.

Richard Blackett added: “We know Andrew and are aware of how much he is respected across the sectors he’s recruited in.

“He already has an extensive network of contacts throughout the North East, the UK and beyond; our job is to help provide him with the solid business foundations and structure in order to execute his skills and use his contacts without getting in his way; which I think we’ve done.”

Kevin Walker commented: “We advise people on how best to invest their money and therefore it is important we are not afraid do the same ourselves. With Andrew there is a proven record of success at a very high level.

“He’s now been able to reap the benefits from this opportunity using his skills as an established leading recruiter to launch his own company. Within the first six months he’s secured contracts with some leading national organisations and already delivered significant return on our investment.

“Having proved the business model works so successfully we look forward to an exciting year ahead as Andrew looks to bring a dynamic team in around him to grow the business and take it to the next level.”

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