A STOURPORT-based recruitment firm has launched a new division dedicated to helping the region’s fledgling hi-tech engineering sector to recruit sough-after expertise.

Manufacturing and engineering recruiters, Consilium Group, based in Stourport, has unveiled the specialist team after witnessing a surge in investment within the industry which has been fuelled by a renewed confidence in British manufacturing and Whitehall-led funding.

Experts at the recruitment firm are concerned the shortage of engineering talent is proving to be an obstacle to growth for small and medium enterprises and start-ups in the region’s technology sector – a problem they hope the new division will help address.

Steve Doyle, director of the group, said: “There are a huge number of small yet high innovative businesses in the region’s engineering industries who are developing a range of breakthrough products and technology.

“But with a widening skills gap many are finding it tough to compete in fierce recruitment battles with larger companies, let alone secure the skill-sets that are required to develop the technologies of tomorrow.

“Our new division is all about helping these high-growth SMEs communicate their opportunities and attract highly-skilled engineers. There are many companies across the region who are innovative and dynamic, but without the right technical skills they can’t fuel their growth. We want to help change that.”

The group have recently placed engineering professionals into Warwickshire-based Aeristech Ltd.

Consilium Group was formed in 2001 by a team of former manufacturing and engineering professionals.