The MNA believes it is the first UK news company to branch out into recruitment with the creation of standalone agency Star Employment Services.
(Pictured are Star Employment Services manager Mike Clare, left, with MNA group classified advertisement manager Lee Smith.)
The agency, which will operate from dedicated shop premises at the MNA’s headquarters in Queen Street, Wolverhampton, will be committed to placing high calibre temporary and permanent staff with local employers.
Star Employment Services will offer a stringent recruitment process to place staff with businesses across the West Midlands.
Experienced recruitment consultants will offer a range of services including online ads, candidate screening and CV matching.
MNA managing director Phil Inman said: "We know we are entering a competitive market but we can draw upon our strong experience of local recruitment and the local high regard for our brands.
"The Express & Star has established an unrivalled reach and been a trusted part of life in the region for 130 years.
“We are certain we can establish a successful new business and remain committed to seeking revenue opportunities to complement the core publishing.”
Group classified advertisement manager Lee Smith, who will be managing the agency, said: “We have put in place a three year plan to generate a significant new revenue stream for the MNA.
"Star Employment Services will be led by Mike Clare, who brings 12 years of experience in local employment agency management to the business.
"We believe we have the team in place to succeed and look forward to placing our first staff with local employers."
The launch is the latest innovation by the MNA, which also publishes Britain’s fifth biggest selling regional title the Shropshire Star, along with a portfolio of weekly newspapers and monthly magazines.
With one of the fastest growing online regional news networks, the MNA launched what it says are the UK’s first responsive websites this autumn, when Expressandstar.com and Shropshirestar.com moved to new designs.
