A Dorset-based recruitment agency has received a £25,000 Start Up Loan to support their market launch.
Supply Tree specialises in recruiting for the education sector and caters for temporary and permanent positions within the Dorset, Poole, and Bournemouth area.
The loan, facilitated by South West Start Up Loans delivery partner SWIG Finance, was used to pay for the initial set-up of the business, including covering legal expenses such as contracts and HR.
The loan also helped kick-start the business with a strong online presence through their website and social media channels.
The new company is led by directors Vicki Solly, a qualified teacher and Sharon Golding, previously an administration manager. Both Vicki and Sharon have significant experience working within the education recruitment sector, they know their market well and have established an extensive network of industry contacts.
As well as managing the recruitment process for permanent positions, Supply Tree provides a round-the-clock booking service so that schools and nurseries can access teachers and assistants for last-minute temporary vacancies. Supply Tree have already built an excellent reputation for providing a bespoke service to each school by ensuring they select highly skilled candidates for each post.
To complement their recruitment services, the business plans to provide Tutoring packages to support schools to bridge gaps in learning that pupils may have, as a result of missing school during lockdown.
Of the loan, Director Vicki Solly said “Starting a brand-new recruitment business comes with high costs. We are grateful for the funding because it means that we were able to accelerate the business launch and create solid foundations. Sarah Osborn, our business manager at SWIG Finance, was insightful and supportive throughout the process”.
Sharon Golding commented “Vicki and I were delighted to receive recognition and funding from SWIG, a local leading finance provider. Working with ‘local’ schools and organisations is key to our vision and the success of Supply Tree. We are both knowledgeable about Dorset, having lived and worked in this beautiful part of the world for many years. We have worked hard to build our reputation in Educational Recruitment with schools and teachers across the county”.
Sarah commented “The need for all schools to continue to provide a full and appropriate education service for all ages of children and students, with full and flexible staffing, has been particularly difficult but so important while schools have managed the major disruption due to COVID-19. The social impact of Supply Tree is far-reaching because it focuses on plugging teaching gaps quickly, resulting in minimal disruption to the schools and nurseries they work with. In the longer term maintaining an excellent level of teaching is a vital for the business sector and future jobs.”
Richard Bearman, Managing Director at Start Up Loans, said: “Start Up Loans exists to help aspiring businesses owners and early-stage businesses to get access to the finance and support they need to thrive and so I’m delighted that Start Up Loans has been able to support Vicki and Sharon and play a part in the success of Supply Tree”.
