Financial recruitment specialist, Ardent has launched a procurement, supply chain and logistics division. The division forms part of Ardent Search, its executive recruitment business.

Lee Hutchinson, who heads up the new division, will be based in the Leeds office, servicing the M62 corridor.

Commenting on the launch, Hutchinson says: “Virtually every business needs some form of procurement, from the transport and retail sectors to manufacturing and engineering. This market has made this need even greater, with businesses looking to acquire goods and services in the most cost effective way.
 
“I believe procurement is becoming a more vital role in the financial services market than HR and we will be working with businesses to help place the best specialists into their organisation.”
 
The development comes a year after Ardent Group was established, following a management buy-out of the Manchester, Leeds and Midlands operations of ECHM and Imprint Search & Selection.