Thorns' new  staffing company   (Suppliers)

Thorns Group, the catering equipment and furniture supplier, has announced the launch of a new specialist staffing company – Thorns Support Services Ltd. Abigail Parkin (15 Jan'09)

Thorns is to use its considerable experience in the event industry to provide both short-term staff and longer-term contract personnel to customers. Key clients include catering companies, hoteliers, restaurateurs, exhibition organisers and sporting arenas. Other target customers will range from office-based businesses to shopping centres.

The service will place staff ranging from kitchen cleaners to back-of-house staff and security personnel. Thorns' staffing initiative aims to exploit the synergy between its existing companies whose services include lighting and power distribution, specialist flooring, designer florals and exhibition furniture.

Managing director Wayne Smith (pic above) takes the reins of Thorns Support Services following previous senior management positions in the support services sector and the retail industry. Smith has managed support contracts at venues including Wembley Stadium, the NEC, the O² Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal football grounds.

“Companies are increasingly seeking flexible, cost-effective staffing solutions, whether requiring extra personnel for a large, one-off event or needing additional contract workers over a period of several weeks or months," he said. "Thorns Support Services will be able to meet these requirements through a combination of permanent staff and additional freelance workers."

Thorns promises customers competitive prices owing to the new company's lower overheads, achieved through the efficiencies of being part of Thorns Group’s existing administrative network.

While Greater London and the Home Counties is the current recruitment focal point, Thorns Support Services also sees scope for the service in other regions of the UK.

RK  _________________________________________