A LEADING education recruiter is celebrating 10 years based in Wrexham this month.

New Directions Education held a celebration event last week at their Wrexham Technology Park base, attended by more than 70 delegates from across the education sector and wider business communities.

Branch manager Jenna Whittam, said of the celebration: “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to say a personal thank you to our North Wales community for embracing us so freely.

“To think back to our small beginnings in The Foundry with only two people working tirelessly to make this business work, to our current day situation with 18 people based in this office alone. We really have come such a long way’.

The business first opened its doors in Cardiff in 1999 and is now the ‘appointed managed service provider’ of supply staff to the education sector throughout Wales.

Gary Williams, director of business development, talked about the move to Wrexham in 2009.

He said: “The Wrexham office was our third branch to open for New Directions Education.

“It was a bit of a bold move on our part, but after visiting the region and being made to feel so welcome, we knew it was set to be our jewel in the crown for North Wales.

“The team have relocated several times, but always within the parameters of Wrexham. To see the team come so far and support so many people across the region is just awe-inspiring.”

Such has been the success of the team, this year they opened a branch in Bangor to help support the North West education ambitions.

The celebration event was attended by several dignitaries, including town mayor Andy Williams, who praised the ambitions of New Directions.

He said: “It is wonderful to support this celebration. It is testament to the ambitions of the team that they have survived in an increasingly competitive landscape.

“It is wonderful to see a group of people who actually enjoy working to support our education system.

“It is their fluidity and consistency as a business that makes them so successful.”

Supply teacher, John Williams, who attended the event, has worked for New Directions for more than three years, and added: “It is great to support today’s event - the team here in Wrexham always give me consistent work. Congratulations New Directions!”

Jenna closed the celebrations thanking everyone who attended.

She said: “It has been wonderful to see so many faces here today, old and new.

“Here is to another successful academic year for Wales, we are proud to be a part of your community.”

New Directions recruit for all positions within the education community, including teaching and support services, and are always keen to hear from individuals looking for new opportunities across North Wales.

New Directions Education Ltd was established in 1999, and has quickly become one of the UK’s leading agencies, specialising in the recruitment and training of education professionals and ancillary staff.

New Directions Ltd is an umbrella body for the DBS (CRB) and has links with teacher training universities across the UK, as well as professional associations such as ASCL and NAHT.

Links are provided online at www.ndteach.co.uk