Change Recruitment Group in talks to expand

CHANGE Recruitment Group is eyeing acquisition opportunities as it embarks on a new phase of growth.

The head-hunting firm has held talks with three companies and is in discussions with a UK-oriented firm which managing director of the domestic business Mark McFall said would make a “significant addition to revenue”.

Change, which has offices in Glasgow and Edinburgh, is focused on the professional services sector but is expanding into others such as oil and gas.

It is also building an international division under Laura Drysdale, who has been hiring a team of specialist consultants to give the company the ability to match individuals with hirers anywhere in the world.

Change was founded in 1970 as Douglas Llambias Associates. In 2006, private equity firm NBGI took a significant stake in a £14 million management buyout.

The remaining equity is now shared among McFall, Drysdale, finance director Brian Robinson and former advertising agency boss Jim Faulds, who is chairman.

Under Drysdale, the international side of the business has been expanded substantially in an attempt to replicate the success of the domestic business. There are now 50 consultants in both international and domestic divisions.

Drysdale said: “We can source jobs internationally without candidates having to deal with offices around the world.”

McFall, who moved from London to take up his post, said Scotland was seen as an attractive location in which to build a career.

“Companies are putting people into Scotland rather than London because it is cheaper, but it is not just about cost. It has to be based on talent, and we have a good story to tell in Scotland,” he said.