Qualitas expands into Leeds

Contingency recruiter Qualitas People Solutions is continuing its national expansion with the opening of a new branch in Leeds. The new office will offer a full range of recruitment solutions with a strong focus on the legal, banking, finance and IT markets.

Since being founded in 2003, Qualitas has already established branches in London, Dublin, Edinburgh and Norwich. The new office is to be headed up by Suzanne Kerley, an experienced figure in the Leeds recruitment market. Qualitas plans to bring in another five consultants to help grow the office into a significant regional operation.

MD of Qualitas, Mike Berry, said: ìQualitas People focus on delivering consistent quality and in depth industry knowledge to the individual market. Our consultants have worked in their markets for many years and have typically been employed in industry themselves. I have been involved in recruitment in Leeds for many years and have a strong personal interest in the market. That we are appointing Suzanne - who has over 12 years experience in the recruitment industry and vast experience of running regional offices for national recruiters - demonstrates our commitment to the new Leeds operation.î

Suzanne Kerley said: ìLeeds is going to be a key market for us. Leeds has a diverse economy. Itís the home of the UK headquarters of Carlsberg, Asda Walmart, Arla Foods, and Northern Foods. Over 33% of the UK's internet traffic goes through Leeds, making it the UK's largest internet city. And outside London it is one of the UKís largest centres for financial and business services. Over 110,000 people are employed in the banking sector alone, which accounts for 25% of the cityís GDP. There are 30 national and international banks based in the city including First Direct, Leeds Building Society, Yorkshire Banks, Direct Line, Halifax Direct and the UK operations centre for GE Consumer Finance ñ they are all potential clients. We look forward to forging new relationships in the city, while strengthening ones we have already.î