West Lindsey District Council has bought its own recruitment agency

The purchase signals a new era for the council as it pushes ahead with its commercial agenda. The council is exploring new ways to counteract reductions in government grants to make sure it can keep delivering the services residents need.

Surestaff is a well-established, Gainsborough based company that has been supplying agency staff to local businesses including the council for years.

Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Councillor Jeff Summers said: “This is a major step forward for the council and it is a decision we are thrilled with.

“Surestaff is a well-known and well respected company which has been trading locally for ten years. The council has been a key customer for years, as Surestaff has supplied agency staff, using local people to deliver services.

“It means we can continue to deliver best value services to council tax payers as well as investing in local business.”

The recruitment agency will be run completely independent of the council – operating as any other business and will be self-sufficient in terms of paying for staff, office accommodation etc. The difference being, the council is the only shareholder of the company.

As part of the deal, the former owner of the business, Andrew Phillips, is building support for the business by working closely with the newly appointed manager.

It will serve businesses throughout Gainsborough, Lincoln, Doncaster, Scunthorpe and further afield for their recruitment needs.

Andrew Phillips said: “Sadly after 10 years with SureStaff it is time for me to move on.

“West Lindsey District Council has taken over the business and fully understand the challenges that lie ahead. It is a very exciting time for SureStaff and I wish the business every success in the future and look forward to continuing the legacy of supporting local people for local jobs.”

The recruitment agency which is based at The Plough Business Centre, Gainsborough will continue to provide a bespoke recruitment service to businesses.

Coun Summers added: “Surestaff is passionate about getting things right and prides itself on its attention to detail and we hope it will continue to build on its success, offering temporary staff that local businesses need.”

To register with Surestaff as a candidate, or if you need help recruiting employees for your business, please call the agency on 01427 811812.

Alternatively visit the website www.surestaff.co.uk.