A RECRUITMENT agency which has helped more than 280 people find permanent work since launching 15 months ago is now looking to take on staff.

GEM Partnership, which was formed through a management buy-out of Premium People Recruitment in October 2009, has also found temporary work for more than 1,600 people across its industrial, contact centre and professional services client base.

The company, which has offices in Peterlee, east Durham, and Newcastle, achieved a £6m turnover in its first year.

The firm said it had focused on its key sectors such as manufacturing, contact centres, marketing and engineering, as well as expanding into industries such as chemical, process and oil and gas.

Managing director Lee Rankin said: “We have a great team, and they make the difference.

Encouraging creativity, innovation and initiative from our staff has proved to be the key.

“It’s our goal to raise the profile of recruitment as career choice and attract and nurture talent to work in our industry.

“We will be backing this by recruiting for a number of key appointments this year within our business.”