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Stuart Gentle Publisher at Onrec

Rutherford Cross brings in top talent as it targets the fast-growing interim recruitment market

Specialist search firm Rutherford Cross is stepping up the pace of its expansion by launching a dedicated interim employment division backed by the appointment of two of Scotland’s most experienced interim recruiters

Specialist search firm Rutherford Cross is stepping up the pace of its expansion by launching a dedicated interim employment division backed by the appointment of two of Scotland’s most experienced interim recruiters.

The Scottish-based, internationally-operating firm, which has established a strong reputation in senior finance appointments, has secured the services of Derek Lauder and Lucy Edgar to lead the new division.

Derek and Lucy will oversee expansion in the interim market across the Central Belt with Derek focussing on Commerce and Industry in the West as well as the Public Sector. Lucy will be responsible for Commerce and Industry in the East as well as the Financial Services market. Both have an impressive track record at the highest levels of recruitment.

Their appointment and the establishment of the interim and contract division is a direct response by Rutherford Cross to significant and fast-changing macro-economic trends which are radically altering the UK's employment landscape.

The appetite for hiring interim and contract staff has hit levels not seen since 2006, according to the latest Bank of Scotland Report on Jobs. Demand for interim staff in Scotland rose sharply at the beginning of the year and the UK as a whole saw vacancies increase at the fastest rate on record.

Mark Lewis, who led the set-up of Rutherford Cross, said: "We regard the appointments of Derek and Lucy as a coup for the firm at a time when the interim and temporary market is in a transformational phase.

"In a rapidly recovering jobs market, there is a substantial scarcity of talent and there are longer lead times to fill permanent posts. Interims can resolve these problems. Structural changes in the financial sector are also creating demand for change professionals on a project basis."

Mr Lewis also pointed out that, with commercial uncertainty in advance of the Scottish referendum, some employers are using interims until they see the outcome. Consolidation within the public sector is also leading to increased use of interim staff to cover periods of peak demand.

Derek Lauder, who has more than 15 years’ experience of delivering accountancy and finance contract and interim solutions to clients in both the public and private sectors, said: "This is a very exciting time to be joining the talented team at Rutherford Cross.

"The demand for interim and temporary employment is being driven by real changes in the employment market. In the public sector, consolidation in the police, fire service and colleges means permanent headcount is being scaled back, creating strong opportunities for interim workers."

Lucy Edgar, who brings to Rutherford Cross considerable experience of delivering project and interim solutions for clients across the commercial and financial services sectors, said: "I am joining a firm with great ambitions and a clear road map for growth.

"There is also strong demand on the candidate side for interim employment. Many talented individuals have discovered the benefits of becoming a professional interim: higher pay, increased flexibility, and interesting project-focused work."

Billy McCarthy, who spearheaded Rutherford Cross’ move into Edinburgh, added: "Interim employment assists cost savings, allowing employers to maintain a flexible and responsive team. Buying in specialist expertise helps CFOs to deliver their objectives.

"Interim solutions can relieve pressure on the permanent recruitment process after resignations, as it is extremely difficult to recruit a role within the notice period."

Rutherford Cross is the financial specialist arm of the Livingston James Group, the market-leading executive search and leadership advisory business. It has made an immediate impact in both domestic and global markets since its launch last year.

The quality of its team ensures a world class standard of service to both clients and candidates in fields including tax and treasury, audit and assurance, advisory, commercial and financial analysis, financial and statutory accounting and financial leadership and control.