A family-run recruitment business has tripled its turnover in three years, taken on its first apprentice and moved to new premises.

Experienced recruitment consultant Lindsay Mitchell took joint ownership of Fenton-based Xpert Recruitment Solutions eight years ago with a determination to pass on her 27 years of experience in the sector. She became Managing Director in 2021

Lindsay has put together a six-member team which she leads alongside her husband, Alex Mitchell.

She said: “I wanted to set up an agency where specialist recruitment consultants could use their experience to provide the best possible advice both for companies looking to recruit and job seekers.

“I also wanted to create a business with a family ethos. As a sector, recruitment is often perceived as a business where people move on regularly. Conversely, our staff retention rate is high, we work together, sharing our skills to give the best customer experience possible.”

“With 50-plus years in recruitment, we have a wealth of pooled knowledge, and we love to share this.

“Xpert has recently recruited our first apprentice which is a commitment to our philosophy of growing talent from the bottom up.

“I see it as a major responsibility, but one I cherish, as it allows me to pass forward the knowledge I have gained over my 27 years in recruitment.

“Alongside learning new skills, I am committed to instilling values of customer service and other fundamentals, such as a work ethic, developing and passing on transferable skills and knowledge, and more specific skills around supporting companies and job seekers.”

Lindsay, from Longton, began her career in recruitment in 1997 and was previously an employment broker and team leader with Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Xpert works across a wide range of job sectors with specialism in recruiting for manufacturing, industry, commercial and professional services.

Alex Mitchell is a manufacturing and industrial recruitment specialist and Operations Director at Xpert Recruitment Solutions. Alex brought with him 20 years’ experience in industry, including leading roles in transportation and logistic management.

Lindsay added: “We always aim to get to the heart of the matter – what does a company require and how we can provide the best available candidate.

“This is a hands-on process, always done face-to-face. We take time to get to know the companies we work with and their potential recruits – it is a three-way partnership.

“We will not simply put forward a potential employee based on their CV. Alongside providing the best candidates for any job, we always take time to mentor job seekers, ensuring they are taught the skills necessary to succeed at interview.”

Outside of the business Lindsay is Chairperson for the minis and juniors section at Longton Rugby Club. Alex coaches the sport in schools across North Staffordshire and was recently recognised as Longton RUFC’s Valued Volunteer of the season.

Xpert Recruitment Solutions has entered the Small Business of the Year and Growth categories of the Staffordshire University Business Awards and Lindsay Mitchell has entered the Entrepreneur of the Year category.