Redundancy proves spur for recruiter Chris
Feb 26 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal
A MAN made redundant by a Gateshead engineering firm nine years ago has been appointed to spearhead recruitment for the company’s new expansion programme.
And the opportunity to help Express Engineering recruit up to 40 new people over the next two years has enabled Chris Nunn to set up his own recruitment business.
Losing his engineering job back in 2000 was the catalyst for Chris, 35 and from Whickham, Gateshead, to switch to the recruitment sector and a chance meeting with Express Engineering managing director Nigel Davison led to the contract which will launch Spectrum Recruitment next month.
“It didn’t feel like it at the time but losing my job persuaded me that I should change my career direction and I’ve not looked back since,” said Chris.
“I’ve spent almost nine years working for major recruitment consultants in the North West and North East and gained lots of experience.
“I had begun to think about maybe doing something on my own when I bumped into Nigel at a dinner event and we got talking about the expansion programme. He gave me the opportunity to bid for the contract and I’m delighted to say I won it.
“It gives me enough security to keep the wolf from the door while I work to develop other new business and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity.
“It does seem amazing that the company which made me redundant has now provided me with one of the biggest breaks in my working life.”
Express is investing £3.2m to virtually double the size of its Team Valley operation. By taking on an additional unit of 18,000sq ft, the company will be able to produce larger, more complex components, increasing turnover by 50% over the next three years.
Express, which sells components and assemblies to international clients in the aerospace, defence and oil and gas sectors, is confident of more contracts in these areas, as well as developing opportunities in other markets, including the region’s renewable energy potential.
Managing director Nigel Davison said: “It is never easy telling people that their jobs are gone, especially when you know they are good conscientious workers like Chris.
“I am delighted he has moved onwards and upwards since those difficult times and particularly pleased that we have now been able to help his career.
“This is a very exciting time for us which heralds a new age of growth for the company.
“We have enjoyed an extremely successful couple of years and despite the recent downturn in some sectors we have a busy order book, stretching well into 2009.
“While we cannot be complacent, we are cautiously optimistic about the immediate to mid-term future.”
