MP visits local firm to discuss developing talent in the North

MP Chi Onwurah – Labour’s Industrial Strategy Minister – visited local business, Samuel Knight International, last week to discuss the firm’s growth plans and further investment in Newcastle and its people.

The energy and rail recruitment specialist has already noted extensive growth since it’s inception, increasing headcount from four to over fifty in under five years and hitting impressive turnover figures of £16 million. Earlier this year the firm secured significant investment from Gresham House Ventures and used the meeting with Chi to discuss how this will be used to support the local economy, including through its own internal hiring and improving the recruitment opportunities for energy and rail professionals across the region.

Commenting on the visit, the Minister said:

“It’s great to engage with like-minded individuals and business when it comes to developing the Northern economy. Samuel Knight’s niche as an energy and rail recruiter puts it in a great position to influence and support the career development of our highly talented local communities while also supporting firms across the region to attract the right people to help their own business growth. As an engineer myself, my ‘next job’ was always through people I knew, but recruitment agencies break that cycle to widen opportunities to individuals so new skill sets and talent pools can be tapped into. I’m looking forward to seeing how the company uses its recent investment to support a number of initiatives, including the advancement of skills in its specialist sectors and achieving gender balance.”

Steve Rawlingson, CEO of Samuel Knight, added:

“We very much believe that in order to continue to build the Northern economy up to be hub of growth and success that we know it can be, we need a collaborative approach. Securing investment through the VCT scheme is just one way to expand our firm for not only our own goals, but also the benefit of the community around us. Partnering with like-minded individuals and organisations is another crucial method of achieving this, and we’re looking forward to continuing to work with Chi to secure the investment in Newcastle and the surrounding areas that we know it deserves.”