Machell backs Derby base for international consultancy

Ford & Stanley, a leading rail recruitment agency and consultancy, has opened its new headquarters in Derby after moving into new premises on Pride Park.

Phillip Machell has been appointed managing director tasked with expanding the business overseas. Mr Machell joins from global recruitment business, Michael Page.

Phillip Machell has over 25 years experience in the sector and will focus the company on rail and manufacturing. Machell believes Derby makes the perfect UK base for Ford & Stanley.

Says Phillip, ‘I have had a pan-European outlook in recent years and honestly cannot think of a better place for rail and engineering specialists to be based than Derby. We looked all over England at various locations. But Derby has such a strong heritage in these areas and has some outstanding businesses in the rail sector. It is, of course, a centre for rail excellence and it feels like the perfect fit.’

Says Chairman, Peter Schofield, ‘Front-line recruitment services and talent consultancy are complementary disciplines and the two go absolutely hand in hand as they enable an employer to receive true employment lifecycle support; particularly important in the skills-short market employers will increasingly be experiencing as the economy continues to grow.

Recruiting someone of Phillip’s experience of international as well as local talent markets will be a massive advantage both to our clients and Ford & Stanley itself as we push forward with our own expansion.’

He added, ‘As part of our wider business consulting services we have spent many years supporting employers in acquiring, developing and retaining key talent through three recessions and subsequent recoveries. We have learned many lessons from this and understand perfectly the challenges that employers face in a recovering economy. This experience enables us to not only provide front line recruitment services, but also to help employers make themselves more attractive to in-demand workers through our talent consultancy.’