A Middlesbrough-based recruitment company has taken on a new team member and moved into larger offices with the help of finance from UK Steel Enterprise’s Regeneration Fund.
Hainton Recruitment Group, started in 2015 by Tom Smith, focuses on placing software developers and testers in roles across the North East and Yorkshire.
The three-strong team that also includes Director Qasim Asghar and recruitment consultant Robyn Jackson now supports more than 40 companies. Turnover has doubled year on year, reaching more than £280,000 in the last financial year, and the company is currently looking to recruit more consultants.
The £7,500 from UK Steel Enterprise’s Regeneration Fund, designed to support fledgling businesses, helped Tom to kick-start growth at an important stage.
“The finance was important as it came at just the right time,” he said. “It was a smooth process and helped me to start moving the business forward. I am very pleased with the way it has grown and am extremely confident about our future.
“Developers are now increasingly recognised for the role they play in helping businesses to generate money rather than just saving it. We use a testing programme that determines developers exact skill level so we can make sure our clients and developers are the best possible match, saving companies time and money.”
Hainton also organises free monthly meet-ups where up to 50 developers at a time benefit from hearing Microsoft experts on subjects from Machine Learning to Cloud Technologies.
Sarah Thorpe, Area Manager for UK Steel Enterprise, the Tata Steel business-support subsidiary, said: “We support growing businesses in steel areas with investments of up to £1m and managed premises. Our Regeneration Fund is designed to help younger businesses with the smaller amounts of investment that can be vital at a particular stage but are sometimes difficult to access. Many of our Regeneration Fund- supported businesses have gone on to real success and we have confidence that Hainton Recruitment will follow in their footsteps,” she added.
Details of UK Steel Enterprise’s support for businesses from 01642 777 777 and www.uksteelenterprise.co.uk. Hainton Recruitment is on 01642 271 428 and www.hainton.net