The senior team – led by CEO Simon Aspinall and national operations director Scott Linnen – has also been bolstered by a significant investment in the agency, a company statement said.

Entrepreneur Gary Dewhurst, founder and former CEO of gap personnel, has taken a 50% stake in the business “after recognising the opportunities for strategic growth”, which Aspinall and Linnen have identified, the statement said.

Dewhurst is an investor in a variety of businesses and is chairman of Welsh Premium League side Connah’s Quay Nomads FC.

Meanwhile, Catch 22’s former managing director Vince Parker has relinquished his role in the business but will continue to advise the team at the Leeds-headquartered business.

The company’s plans include expanding its national reach outside its core areas of the South-East, North-West, Midlands and Yorkshire. It also intends to grow its share of the technical recruitment market including the building maintenance, heating, air conditioning, electrical and mechanical sectors.

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