Jan 25, 2021

Professional services has so far avoided being buffeted like it was in the previous recession, according to a recruitment firm specialising in the sector. The business is part of James Caans private equity stable Hamilton Bradshaw. Leeds-based IGA Talent Solutions, which is backed by investor James Caan, has seen its markets remain strong with firms able to function remotely through the pandemic. The business, which also has offices in London and Geneva, has taken on office space at Avenue HQ in Leeds as it looks to grow in the region. Sign up to our daily newsletter The i newsletter cut through the noise Sign up Submitting... Peter Knowles, founder of IGA, told The Yorkshire Post: “Business has been really strong. Therefore we’re actively recruiting for people to be based from Leeds. IGA has taken up space at Avenue HQ for a year. “We saw a quieting last year in 2020 but with the confidence around the vaccine roll-out and the sustainability of our markets, we see it as a good opportunity to take advantage of the bounce back by making an investment.” He added: “When I was working through the last recession, it affected the vast majority of sectors, especially the professional services sector. Whereas we are not seeing that experience now.” The business is part of James Caan’s private equity stable Hamilton Bradshaw. IGA employs 15 staff across its three sites and was founded in 2018. The former Dragons’ Den star invested in the business from the onset – taking on a 70 per cent equity holding. Mr Caan said: “I’m very proud to witness IGA Talent Solutions’ successes over the past two years, and most recently, their creation of new job roles within Leeds, especially during such a difficult period for unemployment rates. “IGA’s recent expansion and subsequent office upgrade is notable and has been assisted by Avenue HQ which has provided the perfect facility to simultaneously support the business’s present growth and future scale-up plans.” --- Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you'll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. So, please - if you can - pay for our work. Just £5 per month is the starting point. If you think that which we are trying to achieve is worth more, you can pay us what you think we are worth. By doing so, you will be investing in something that is becoming increasingly rare. Independent journalism that cares less about right and left and more about right and wrong. Journalism you can trust. Thank you