The founder of Jo Hand Recruitment has launched a new agency after her business was forced into liquidation due to the recent closure of the SSI steel plant in Redcar.

In a statement, the firm's founder Jo Hand revealed she has set up a new firm that started trading yesterday as Jo Hand Recruitment and Consultancy, after the Middlesbrough-based recruiter was forced into liquidation due to £500k owed by SSI.

Hand added she has the “full support” of former clients and has been able to preserve the jobs of seven staff and more than 200 contractors.

Rowlands Recovery and Insolvency, the accountants appointed by the directors of Jo Hand Recruitment Ltd, said in a statement the firm had ceased trading after nine years, with the loss of more than 30 jobs.

Anyone who has a specific question or concern about the closure of Jo Hand Recruitment Ltd should contact John White at Rowlands by email at [email protected] or on 01642 790790.

• Want to comment on this story? The Comment box is at the bottom of the page. Sorry for the glitch but just scroll right down and share your opinions!