A BELFAST recruitment firm founded in 2016 and backed by Dragons' Den star James Caan has merged its internal technology and professional services divisions in a move it says will bolster its market position.

It makes Hayward Hawk one of the largest specialist recruitment consultancies in Northern Ireland covering legal, finance, technology and engineering.

With offices in Belfast, Dublin, London and a team in the US, Hayward Hawk (www.haywardhawk.com) has grown steadily since its launch.

With a 22-strong team of experienced professionals, it plans to expand to 30 staff by the end of 2023.

Directors Richard Waterson and Gemma Murphy said: "We are thrilled at the merger, which brings together our extensive experience and expertise in the recruitment sector, further solidifying our position at the forefront of the local recruitment industry."

Hayward Hawk has had a significant focus since Covid on collaboration between the teams and maximising client relationships, and as a result it has experienced significant growth, which has been further bolstered by an increase in remote and hybrid working.

“Our approach goes beyond just matching candidates with jobs. We are consultative and strategic, helping our clients achieve their commercial goals and our candidates achieve their career aspirations. Bringing the two companies together allows us to offer our clients a full recruitment service across all functions,” the directors added.

The company is backed by businessman, global recruitment expert and Dragons' Den star James Caan.

He said: "When I first invested in Hayward Hawk, I knew it was the right decision. Having seen how both sides of the business have organically scaled to date, merging these two businesses makes sense for the business as a whole, the staff, but ultimately for the clients and candidates they work so hard for. I’m looking forward to seeing the next chapter of our journey."