Two experienced recruitment consultants have unveiled ambitious expansion plans for their North East business after successfully completing a management buyout. Heather Croft and Vanessa Slater have officially become the new directors of KES Solutions UK, seizing the opportunity presented when founder Kelly Swann decided to pursue new ventures.
A Strategic Transition of Leadership
The company, which specialises in providing recruitment services across multiple key industries, has seen a smooth transition of ownership. Based in Houghton-le-Spring, KES Solutions UK was originally established in 2007 and currently employs a dedicated team of seven professionals. The firm has built a strong reputation in sectors including automotive, manufacturing chemicals, petrochemicals, warehousing and logistics, alongside technical and engineering fields, achieving an impressive turnover of £3.7 million.
Founder Kelly Swann specifically offered the purchase opportunity to her two most senior consultants, recognising their deep understanding of the business and commitment to its continued success. This strategic decision ensured continuity and stability during the ownership change.
New Directors Share Their Vision
Heather Croft, who hails from Peterlee, expressed both excitement and recognition of the challenges ahead. "When we were given the chance to buy the business from Kelly, we were both thrilled, but we also understood that running a business presents very different challenges compared to working within one," she explained. "Vanessa and I have comprehensive knowledge of how this business operates, and I believe Kelly felt confident handing it over to people who care about it as much as she did. When we shared the news with our team, there were emotional moments – everyone's happiness and support gave us tremendous confidence that we'd made the right decision."
Vanessa Slater, from South Shields, described the management buyout as a logical progression. "Although it represented a significant decision, ultimately the buyout made perfect sense for us. We recognised it was the right moment both personally and professionally, and we knew it was the best move for our team as well," she stated. "The most substantial challenge involved adapting to the broader responsibilities of business ownership, particularly understanding financial management, leadership dynamics, and strategic development. Heather and I collaborate exceptionally well, and over recent months we've developed a comprehensive understanding of all operational aspects. We feel incredibly optimistic about the future prospects for KES Solutions UK."
Careful Growth Strategy
Both directors emphasised their commitment to measured, sustainable expansion rather than rapid, uncontrolled growth. "We're both ambitious and want to facilitate business growth, but we believe in doing so appropriately," Ms Slater continued. "We won't rush into expansion too quickly. Our approach must be correct to ensure we can deliver on our promises and maintain our commitment to treating every client with equal importance and value."
Ms Croft elaborated on their strategic planning, revealing they have established clear objectives for the business. "We've now developed a firm plan outlining what we aim to achieve. Our strategy involves implementing subtle improvements and focusing on organic growth. The business is already well-established, and we excel in our field, so there's no need to fix what isn't broken. It's about enhancing what we already do well and seeking opportunities for improvement where possible."
The management buyout represents a significant milestone for KES Solutions UK, marking the beginning of a new chapter under leadership deeply familiar with the company's operations and values. The directors' combined experience and thoughtful approach to growth suggest a promising future for this North East recruitment specialist.
