ONE of the best-known names in the north's recruitment agency sector has disappeared from public view after being rebranded under its new owner's moniker.
Grafton Recruitment will now be know as Staffline Recruitment Ireland, leveraging its parent company’s strong brand name.
Founded in 1983 by Ken Belshaw and the late James Kilbane, Grafton grew to having 44 branches in 22 countries, and it twice won the Queen's Award for Enterprise.
It was acquired two years ago by Staffline, whose Ireland managing director Tina McKenzie said: “Today marks an exciting new chapter for our company.
“Despite the recent pressures of both Covid-19 and ongoing Brexit uncertainty, we are in an excellent position to further strengthen our offer, and we will continue to offer dynamic recruitment solutions in the fintech, cyber security, pharma, science, agri-food, manufacturing and professional services industries.
“Building on our strong reputation within Ireland, we expect to benefit from further group wide synergies as we become increasingly aligned with the broader Staffline business.”
Established in 1986, Staffline Ireland has 10 offices including Belfast, Dublin and Cork, and in the coming months will launch operations in both Galway and Dundalk.
On the future prospects of the business Ms McKenzie added: “The past few months have underlined the adage that change is the only constant in business.
“But Staffline Ireland has access to networks right across these islands which will ensure we not only continue to provide a first in class recruitment service, but are at the cutting edge of emerging global trends in respect of employment.
“The ongoing impact of Covid-19 has meant that the workplace will be crucial to shaping good practice, facilitating flexibility for as long as any disruption lasts and engendering a fast and decisive approach to decision making which takes full advantage of business possibilities.
“Both people and organisations will discover the benefits of a new way of working, which may challenge traditional business norms, but ultimately will improve the way we work and live.
“In the recruitment sector it may well mean pivoting towards new and emerging industries that harness an entirely new skill-set from employees.
“Our market leading people, resources and insights mean that despite the squeeze on the local and global economy we are armed with the best to weather the storm.”
