Consultants with experience of the sector they are selling into have helped spur Recruitment Now, based in North-East England, to contract wins.

The Gateshead-based firm is on target to turn over £1.1m this year and Peter Nixon, director, said the industry knowledge of his consultants has been key.

Nixon told Recruiter: "I would look within the sector to find the right person. Coming from the industry is a real advantage, it helps build trust with clients because the consultant really understands what they do."

For example, Paul Lawson, who heads up the company's catering and hospitality division, used to be a chef. The firm has recently won contracts to supply staff to GNER and energy company E.ON.

Nixon adds: "For every three consultants we've employed, I'd say there's been one who's no good, one who is average and one is exceptional. We've kept on the exceptional ones."

Recruitment Now was established four years ago by Nixon and his wife Sarah, who used to work for Adecco. It operates in sectors including catering and hospitality, engineering and technical, and media.