Michael Page is looking to expand into more specialist niche sectors in the UK toward the end of 2012 and early 2013. 

UK managing director Olly Watson told Recruiter that the firm was “gathering resources as we speak” in gearing up to launch “one or two new Michael Page businesses” here. “We have to find ways of growing the business,” he said.

Watson would not identify the sectors at this time.

Part of the expansion drive will likely involve recruiting experienced recruiters from the sectors involved, in contrast to the traditional Michael Page approach of focusing on graduates as new recruits, and growing staff and expertise organically. The reason for looking at external experienced hires in this case is “it can be beneficial to bring in specialists to develop and help kickstart the business”, Watson explained. However, he added, external candidates will not be recruited to run the new businesses, “and we’re not hiring at director level either”.

The company’s stated strategy is of organic growth with long-term investment in diversification. In 2012, Michael Page’s expansion to date has been focused on its overseas presence.