One of the UK’s leading multi-specialist recruitment and training agencies, Acorn, has made a key promotion, appointing a new technical and engineering manager as the company continues to offer specialist technical and engineering recruitment services across the country.

Debbie Cole, who has worked for the company since 2003, moves up from her previous role as branch manager in Bristol to take on the position within Acorn.

As part of her new challenge, Debbie will continue to develop Acorn’s technical and engineering division by providing key strategy support, staff development planning and specialist recruitment services for a range of leading companies within the engineering, automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, nuclear, biotechnology and food and drink fields.

Debbie said: “I’ve worked in recruitment for more than 20 years and have a thorough understanding of what businesses need from their recruitment partner, particularly within the technical and engineering industry.

“During my career I have developed some fantastic relationships with technical employers, professional engineers, technicians and programmers looking for their next career move. These successful relationships have grown purely on the basis of the way I work; I understand the industry, I get to know the company and professional to ensure the best recruitment match, for both skills and personality, and I keep everyone updated throughout the whole process.”

Debbie said: “Acorn has already established a sound reputation for providing an expert recruitment service within these specialist sectors across Wales and the South West, which has provided me with a great platform to continue to retain these relationships and develop long-term strategic partnerships with businesses across the M4 corridor. I also plan to develop Acorn’s offering into the Midlands.”

Maria Larcombe, director of operations (South), said: “I have worked with Debbie for more than ten years at Acorn, and it’s great to be able to offer her this opportunity. We share Acorn’s company vision in that everything we deliver will ultimately bring value to all our customers, so she’s not just going to play a key role in Acorn’s growth, she’ll also have a significant role to play in the success of the businesses she works with.

“Debbie has an excellent reputation based on her strong history in technical and engineering recruitment and I have no doubt she’ll deliver outstanding results for all.”

Acorn has taken a lead in a number of markets over recent years such as in IT & digital, construction, technical and engineering, nursing, executive search and more recently with the launch of their specialist legal division.

The company’s place in the top one per cent of recruitment companies UK-wide has been affirmed by leading trade publisher Recruitment International, with many of its specialist divisions placed within the top 20 of their respective sectors across the UK.

Acorn places up to 6,500 people into the workplace for around 1,200 different employers every week, UK-wide and internationally. The group also delivers training and apprenticeships for more than 1,000 individuals annually.