Business

Belfast-based recruitment firm announces six-figure investment in new venture

Hayward Hawk Professional Services co-founders, Lindsey McCracken and Gemma Murray
Hayward Hawk Professional Services co-founders, Lindsey McCracken and Gemma Murray Hayward Hawk Professional Services co-founders, Lindsey McCracken and Gemma Murray

A BELFAST-based recruitment firm, backed by a 'Dragon' businessman, has announced a six-figure investment in a new service offering.

Hayward Hawk, which set up in the city in 2016 and is supported by the former Dragons Den Star James Caan, has launched a new brand with experienced local recruiters, Lindsey McCracken and Gemma Murphy.

The venture will extend the company's offering from technology recruitment to professional services, covering; accountancy and finance, legal and compliance, sales and marketing and human resources (HR).

The expansion has been driven by growing financial services technology investment in Belfast.

Speaking about the launch of the new Hayward Hawk Professional Services brand, Ms Murphy said it will bring something "truly unique" to the Irish market.

"This Irish professional services market is extremely buoyant with many large businesses recruiting at pace across a range of sectors, including; accountancy and finance, legal and compliance, sales and marketing and HR – all of which we have worked with collectively for over 30 years," she said.

“This partnership allows us to offer something truly unique to the Irish market – a recruitment business focused on putting the candidate and client experience at the centre of what we do with director level expertise across the top industries in Ireland."

Hayward Hawk director, Anthony Stuart added:

“We are delighted to welcome this dynamic duo to the business. And whilst the day-to-day running of the new company will operate independently, we will collaborate and utilise our shared skills for the benefit of the entire group."

Hayward Hawk was set up by Anthony Stuart, Richard Waterson and Stephen McDowell in 2016, backed by James Caan. 

Since then the business has experienced exponential growth progressing from start-up to a team of 20-strong recruiters operating out of their Belfast-based premises in the Scottish Provident Building. The firm also operates a London office.