Firm News

PRESS RELEASE

March 20 2009

Sphere plans to double in size

TECHNICAL recruitment specialists Sphere Solutions is set to expand into new sectors with the aim of more than doubling turnover and staffing in three years.

As experts in recruiting skilled professionals for the construction and related industries, Sphere has helped engage senior managers for the Cardiff’s £675m St David’s 2 development, and been involved in many other high profile projects in Wales, England and the Middle East.

Sphere, which was launched in 2005 with the help of South Wales accountants BPU, now employs 10 at its Cardiff headquarters and has a turnover of £4 million. Following an overhaul of marketing and a rebranding, Sphere is planning to take its skills into other industry areas, as construction enters a period of economic correction.

Long term friends James Hughes and James Parsons from Cardiff set up Sphere after working for a major international recruitment company.

“We felt that a more targeted approach to recruitment would be better for both employers and candidates, particularly at the skilled and professional end of the market,” said James Hughes. “We wanted to take a different approach to the traditional ideas in the recruitment industry. Our view was that taking time to understand the needs of employers and candidates would benefit everyone.”

The approach is to build a long term relationship with clients, spending time to thoroughly understand their needs and the aims of there business. Sphere also aims to provide a comprehensive service to candidates, ensuring their skills are promoted to the full.

Construction company BAM is another important client, as are Wates Group, who are fitting out the new John Lewis store in St Davids 2, As well as Blue Chip companies, Sphere also works for local indigenous companies in Wales, such as  S Dudleys & Sons in Newport.

As regards the present climate in the construction industry, Sphere is preparing for a period of consolidation in that market. “Clearly there is markedly less activity, but we had been aware that we were in a boom over the last three years, and everyone in the sector knew that a correction would come eventually,” commented James Parsons.

“Having said that, there is activity in civil engineering, rail, power, education and affordable housing, often because PFI funded projects are running, and as a result of other public-funded schemes.”

“Our business plan aims to achieve £10 million turnover within three years, and at that stage we envisage staffing levels will have increased to 20,” added James Parsons.
 
Nick Toye of leading independent South Wales accountants BPU said: “Sphere has been a fast growth firm and has taken full advantage of the opportunities available in the construction industry in recent years.

“Our role has been to help create financial systems to rationalise their expansion and prepare them for further growth in their three year business plan. We are delighted by the success they have enjoyed and confident their move into new areas will be successful.”

Sphere believes that the approach it has developed in the last four years, and the systems that are now in place, are applicable to other industries.

“We see leisure, IT, accountancy and administration as areas in which we can build,” said James Hughes. “The current environment offers companies like Sphere an opportunity to diversify in parallel industries while building on our successes in the construction industry.”

Ends