INVESTING in graduate recruitment has paid off for Nelson-based computer software company PSE Ltd.

The firm doubled its turnover to £500,000 this year and that figure is set to double again next year, thanks to the hard work of its nine staff - including four graduates recruited through ELTEC's Graduate Recruitment and Development service.

GRADS, which is supported by the Government Single Regeneration Budget, helps local employers recruit and train people whose skills and potential meet their specific needs.

Over the past two years PSE Ltd has recruited four graduates and each of them has made an immediate and invaluable contribution to the company.

Director Jim McGrath said: "Darren Hallsworth from Rawtenstall was our first recruit followed by Steven Richards from Brierfield. Both are based at two of our major customers' sites helping to secure important contracts worth thousand of pounds. "Our third GRADs recruit, Vincent Brindle from Burnley, is based at our head office in Nelson. He has taken over all the technical work, freeing up my time so that I can concentrate on expanding the business.

"Our most recent recruit, Michael Hallas from York, is now our marketing manager, responsible for promoting PSE and seeking out new business opportunities.

"All four are highly motivated and enthusiastic but perhaps more importantly they are also very productive, which is reflected by the increase in our turnover."

ELTEC's organisational development director, Paul Heald, said: "Graduates can bring all sorts of benefits to an employer, not least an injection of fresh ideas and enthusiasm.

"However getting the right graduate can be difficult and time consuming which is why I would urge employers to make use of the help available from GRADS."

For more details, employers and graduates can contact Donna Grogan or Nicola Blythe at ELTEC on 01254 301333.

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