Kellan Group Regulatory News (KLN)

15 Nov 2007 07:02

Berkeley Scott Group Plc15 November 2007 BERKELEY SCOTT GROUP PLC APPOINTMENT OF NEW DIVISIONAL MANAGING DIRECTOR AND EXCELLENT PROGRESS IN LAST SIX MONTHS 15 November 2007 Berkeley Scott Ltd is delighted to announce the appointment of a new ManagingDirector. Berkeley Scott Ltd is a division of the Berkeley Scott Group Plc, amarket-leading provider of human resource services to the hospitality, leisureand professional service sectors. The Group also highlights the excellentprogress made since the offer for Quantica Plc was declared wholly unconditionalon 25 September 2007. Appointment of Managing Director Berkeley Scott Ltd has appointed Mark Darby as Managing Director of nationaltemporary and permanent recruitment, effective from 3 December 2007. Mark hasbeen a Business Director at Berkeley Scott since 2005. Prior to this he was aconsultant at Optima Consultancy. After 10 years in the recruitment industryMark founded his own business which he ran successfully for four years before itwas acquired by Parity Group plc. He was then Operations Director with Parityfrom 2001. John Rose CEO of Berkeley Scott Group said, "Our future success depends ondeveloping our successful and motivated people. The appointment of Mark Darby toManaging Director, underscores our commitment to developing talent and hisappointment will help us accelerate our objectives. It's a very exciting timefor the company as it moves through restructuring into a more confident andprofitable future." Berkeley Scott Ltd's restructuring Solid progress has been achieved in developing and rationalising the BerkeleyScott business by Restructuring to concentrate on higher value, higher margin business This has involved the following key developments: * Branch network has been rationalised to focus on high earning branches. Branches in Cardiff and Edinburgh have been closed while 2 regional London branches have been consolidated into a 'Centre of Excellence' based in the heart of the West End. * Business now comprises solely temporary and permanent recruitment. Lower value solutions and cruise recruitment businesses have been exited. * Increased focus on 'higher value, higher margin' business to drive increased productivity and profitability. * Temporary recruitment business is concentrating on professional roles, moving away from short assignments in minimum wage, craft level positions. * Investment of significant resources to increase the company's share of the London permanent recruitment market. * As a result the business has a clearer strategy and growing critical mass in key markets. Berkeley Scott Ltd Corporate developments * Mark Darby appointed as Managing Director. * Recruitment of a Sales Director to drive sales culture and key account management throughout the organisation. * Eight additional new managers have been appointed with further recruitment being focused on key profitable regional areas. * New bonus schemes introduced to focus behaviour on driving NFI growth. As a result of these changes Berkeley Scott has made excellent progress * Net Fee Income (gross margin) in Quarter ended September 2007 was up 15.4% on prior year and increased by 23% in the month of October (like for like sales growth on continuing division / branches). * Average permanent recruitment fee increased by 17% compared to the first half year to March 2007. * Significant reduction in staff turnover. The integration of Quantica acquired on August 24th is going very well * Integration of Quantica and RK going well. There is extensive talent within these companies including excellent management and consultants which support overall group development towards accelerating profitability and growth. Commenting on progress John Rose, Chief Executive Officer of Berkeley ScottGroup Plc said: "Berkeley Scott is making significant progress towards achieving consistentgrowth and profitability. The company is working to mine the existing clientbase, and entering the most promising recruitment sectors and geographies. Weare investing substantial resources accordingly. "The acquisition of Quantica has allowed the Berkeley Scott Group to operate inwider recruitment markets including professional services and technology. It isan exciting and challenging time for everyone involved with Berkeley ScottGroup". Enquiries:Berkeley Scott Group PlcJohn Rose, Chief Executive Officer 01483 414141Will Coker, Chief Financial Officer Brunswick Group LLPJames Hogan / Helen Barnes / Helen Brown 020 7404 5959 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange