The economic potential of Bicester has been hailed by the directors of a recruitment agency which has moved its office to the growing town.
Thorne and Wait, which specialises in recruitment for the transport, logistics and manufacturing sector, has moved from Kidlington to Bicester’s Market Square to be closer to its client base in those industries.
The office is also in a prime location in the town, with an on-street frontage, meaning the agency will benefit from better visibility and greater footfall.
Company directors Steve Thorne and Wesley Wait, who set up the agency just two years ago, were also excited about the economic prospects of the Bicester area.
Mr Wait said: “Bicester is a rapidly growing town, which has recently approved the construction of 10,000 new homes and many more industrial units over the next 12 years.
“This will help to grow the potential pool of labour within this marketplace and the ability to supply a quality local workforce to local companies is one area we’re very good at and keen to see grow.”
Mr Thorne added: “Bicester is one of the most rapidly growing towns in Oxfordshire and we have noticed similar growth in the demand for labour. There’s more roles out there than there are people to fill them right now, but hopefully the delivery of this new housing will expand the workforce.”
Thorne and Wait’s own story has also been one of growth. Mr Thorne and Mr Wait began their venture in May 2016, having both had 16 years of experience in recruitment behind them.
In their first financial year the business turned over £500,000, and during the most recent financial year, 2017/18, the business has nearly tripled that turnover to £1.4 million.
The success means that the business is this year recruiting two extra people of its own, who will join commercial manager Emily Owen and the two company directors.
Mr Thorne said the success was down to hard work and quickly building a reputation. He said: “Our success so far has all been down to the service we offer our clients. We may only initially be asked supply a client a few candidates, but once they see the quality, we then get trusted to supply more and more
“We know there is a lot of competition in the sector, but myself and Wesley have nearly 40 years’ experience in recruitment and we are keen to continue this growth and expansion.
“We’re really excited with the move to Bicester, we have already had great feedback from our clients that we are already supplying there and are looking forward to adding more to our portfolio.”
Thorne and Wait’s specialisms include driving positions, commercial office workers, logistics staff and manufacturing jobs and the agency caters for temporary, contract and permanent roles, skilled or unskilled, and at a range of levels from entry and junior, through to senior managerial.
For more information about Thorne and Wait, visit the website, www.thorneandwait.com, or visit their new office at 50 Market Square, Bicester.