Full steam ahead as PRG embarks on rapid expansion strategy

PRG, the specialist recruitment consultancy which has changed the way the sector operates, is about to embark on an aggressive expansion campaign which will see its office space and staff numbers nearly double by next year.

Fuelled by unprecedented success in its core markets, PRG is investing more than 3m in new offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Belfast. The expansion strategy will dramatically increase market share for the go-ahead group and turnover to the end of December 2007 is on target for 7m, up from 4m last year.

ìLimitations of physical space have been a big business issue for us over the past few years,î said Steve McCutcheon, managing director of PRG. ìWe have had the drive, the ambition and the talent to create growth, but simply not enough people or capacity.î

The new offices have all been acquired in select locations, in line with PRGís policy of creating an excellent working environment as well as industry-beating rewards for its staff.

The Edinburgh office, for instance, is at 14 South St Andrew Street, just round the corner from St Andrew Square. Situated in the old badminton court on the top floors of the old YMCA building, the new 3500 sq ft centre will have its own in-house gym and views out over the city

In Glasgow, the prime location is at 12 St Vincent Place, in the heart of the cityís historic banking district. Again, the 4500 sq ft offices it will be on the top floor and will have an open outlook to George Square and the City Chambers. Belfast, too, has an enviable location, being 30 secondsí walk from Donegall Square, home of Belfast City Hall and of two major bank HQs, and nearly doubles in size to 2500 sq ft.

The locations are not accidental. Steve McCutcheon believes that a happy, enthusiastic and well-rewarded staff is a productive staff and it is that emphasis on individual productivity which has pushed PRG into the pole position in a highly-competitive field.

To that end, PRG offers newcomers a remarkable suite of benefits including pensions, life insurance, health care and gym membership. Support staff receive help with their travel costs. Other, less tangible, benefits include morale-boosting extras such as in-office therapeutic massage.

Steve McCutcheon said: ìWe are quite comfortable about providing good rewards for staff, despite the costs to us. Staff are only expensive if they are not productive, and we create an environment at PRG where people get support, encouragement and the scope to be effective.

ìMany people who have joined us say that they feel a sense of freedom at PRG which allows them to fill their personal potential as well as being a terrific asset to the company.î

PRG is now actively recruiting staff across all its fields of expertise but, as befits its excellent package of benefits, it is only seeking the best people. This, of necessity, will involve enticing targeted candidates in competitor firms, but Steve McCutcheon is convinced that the companyís reputation will be a persuasive tool.

The new Glasgow offices, currently with 15 staff, will be able to accommodate 40; Edinburgh will have room for 35, up from 17; and Belfast will be able to house 26, up from 12 ñ in total a capacity for more than 100 people by next summer.

Steve McCutcheonís believes this level of expansion ñ without dilution of quality ñ of staff will enable PRG to enter into a new phase, potentially moving into senior-level recruitment in the health and local government sectors. In the meantime, PRG will continue to provide an unparalleled service to both clients and candidates in its key areas of accountancy, legal and financial services.

He said: ìWe are successful for one reason ñ we are good at what we do and we provide value to our clients. Our people know that and I believe an increasing number of top rank recruitment professionals are going to want to be part of it.î