A SPECIALIST motor recruitment company has made a move across the Pennines as it expands its franchise network.

The company, kream motor recruitment, which matches motor dealers' vacancies with potential candidates, has signed up its sixth franchisee, Gill Barker, of Manchester.

The company, which is based in York, is now more than a quarter of the way through its plan to open a network of 22 franchises nationwide.

It already has franchisees operating in East Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands.

The Tyneside and Teesside areas of the region are covered by Alan Dodds.

Founder Nick Leech said: "We are delighted with the way the company is moving forward.

"It's clear that dealers appreciate the benefits of using a specialist service run by people with backgrounds in the motor industry, who understand the particular challenges they face."

Mr Leech established kream motor recruitment in November 2005 to help the thousands of motor dealers in the UK find and retain high quality staff.

He said: "Turnover of staff in the industry, especially at sales executive level, is very high.

"Franchisees with experience of the motor industry or recruitment are ideal because they can offer a fantastic service to clients and candidates."