Portsmouth recruitment agency Key Recruitment marks 21 years in business

Key Recruitment, in Cumberland Road, Southsea, held a small celebration with its staff to mark the milestone earlier this month.

The business, which specialises in industrial, commercial, technical and HR recruitment, also gave away 21 prizes such as Prosecco, meals out and football vouchers throughout April to thank its customers.

The business first opened in Charter House in Lord Montgomery Way in 2000 before it expanded into large 4,000 sq ft high street premises in 2002, signing a 15 year lease at Stanhope House in Commercial Road.

Richard Williams, from the firm, said there had been many changes over the years, particularly around technology.

He said: ‘When we opened we were one of the first recruiters in the area where each consultant had their own PC at their desk as opposed to a central one for the whole office.

‘At that time, we all had to access the internet via dial-up modem. Although we were mostly able to send CVs via the internet, there were some companies that still only wanted CVs sent via fax.’

Key Recruitment’s first permanent placement in the year 2000 was for a senior HR manager for a multinational pharmaceutical company.

The company has grown from humble beginnings and a series of acquisitions and expansions has seen it grow into the business it is today.

In 2005 the company expanded into an additional office based at Gunwharf Quays. During this time it also acquired Elite HR, a specialist HR and training consultancy.

In 2017 the firm moved to its current premises at Cumberland Gate and in 2020 it expanded again, by acquiring Wildwood Recruitment, specialists in technical services.

Richard said the business has no intention of slowing down, despite facing a challenging year during the pandemic.

He said: ‘We are continuing to expand, planning further acquisitions and are very positive for the next 21 years.

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‘Key Recruitment is focussed on a strong service driven approach and a culture where people are not just numbers but where they are truly our most valuable asset.

‘We are very proud to say that many of our team have more than 10 years’ plus service with our company and our success is down to the amazing service and care they deliver to customers and candidates alike.’

Ann Oxley, the firm’s longest serving employee, joined the company in September 2000.

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