Bluestones Group

Technical Partners launches

MC — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:18:09 +0000

We’re proud to announce the launch of Technical Partners, a new specialist recruitment brand created to bring together its established technically-focused businesses under one unified identity.

Technical Partners has been formed through the coming together of EC&I Partners, Mechanical Partners, and Green Carbon Talent, combining their sector expertise, networks, and market insight into a single, focused technical recruitment offering.

The new brand has been created to meet increasing demand for highly specialised recruitment support across complex and regulated engineering industries, and the domestic and commercial built environment. By uniting these complementary businesses, Technical Partners provides a strengthened ability to support clients and candidates across the full lifecycle of technical and engineering projects.

Operating across sectors including energy, renewables, manufacturing, infrastructure, nuclear, buildings and building envelopes, utilities, and industrial services, Technical Partners will continue to deliver permanent and contract recruitment solutions across its technical disciplines.

Each of the specialist divisions within Technical Partners will continue to operate with the same dedicated focus and deep technical understanding they are known for, while benefiting from shared systems, best practice, and group-level support.

Speaking on the launch, Kirsty Brewer, Technical Partners’ Managing Director commented:

“Technical Partners represents a natural evolution of our technical recruitment businesses. By bringing these specialist brands together, we are strengthening our proposition while remaining true to what matters most – expertise, integrity, and long-term relationships.”

To find out more about Technical Partners, please visit their website – www.technical-partners.co.uk or follow them on LinkedIn HERE.

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Bluestones Group launches Bluestones Support Partners

Kelly Croutear — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:16:26 +0000

Bluestones Group launches Bluestones Support Partners to deliver operational excellence to recruitment agencies

We are pleased to announce the launch of Bluestones Support Partners, a newly established division within the Bluestones Group that unifies our comprehensive operational support services under one dedicated, market-facing brand.

The creation of Bluestones Support Partners represents a strategic expansion of the Group’s offering, enabling recruitment agencies both inside and outside the Bluestones portfolio to access tailored, scalable operational support that enhances efficiency, drives profitability, and enables growth.

Delivering flexible, end-to-end operational support

Bluestones Support Partners offers a wide range of services, including marketing, IT, HR, payroll, finance, and offshore resourcing. Agencies can access these services individually, combine them to create bespoke packages, or opt for the Recruit Ready solution — an all-in-one platform designed for start-ups and scaling agencies seeking integrated support.

Led by experienced recruitment professionals

The division is led by Elizabeth Pringle, a highly experienced recruitment professional with a successful track record of launching, scaling, and exiting agencies. She brings first-hand insight into the challenges recruiters face when transitioning into business ownership, and is passionate about removing the operational barriers that can hold them back.

“I am so excited for this division! The market is a challenge right now, but this means that agencies are now looking for cost-effective and efficient outsourcing options to enhance their profitability and ensure that their employed in-house staff are billing heads creating revenue. Plus, the solo-recruiter market is growing rapidly. With a shift in mind-set since COVID, recruiters are looking for more flexible, adaptable and remote ways to be recruiters on their own terms. There has been a surge in the numbers of new recruitment companies registered on Companies House. Our experience as a Group allows us to take opportunity of this growing market and be their experienced back-office support partner.”

Elizabeth Pringle, CEO, Bluestones Support Partners

Elizabeth is supported by a senior leadership team comprising:

Julie O’Leary, Partnership Development Manager – overseeing partner engagement and onboarding
Robert Arnold, Managing Director of QPS Group – responsible for payroll, finance, and compliance services
Caroline Kemp, Head of Bluestones Offshore Partners – delivering scalable offshore recruitment solutions
A team of dedicated Heads of Department across Marketing, IT, and HR, providing day-to-day delivery and strategic support

Supporting the Group’s “All Things Recruitment” mission

Bluestones Support Partners joins the Group’s existing Talent, Funding, and Investment divisions, reinforcing Bluestones Group’s broader “All Things Recruitment” strategy — designed to support recruitment businesses throughout every stage of their lifecycle.

The launch of Bluestones Support Partners formalises the operational capabilities that have long underpinned many of the Group’s internal brands, and now opens those services to the wider market. This move reflects growing demand for reliable, cost-effective back-office support, particularly among solo recruiters and new start-ups.

To learn more about Bluestones Support Partners, visit their website:
www.bluestonessupportpartners.co.uk

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Bluestones Group appoints new Professional Services Managing Director

MC — Mon, 19 May 2025 08:16:14 +0000

We’re excited to welcome Nicola (Nicky) Rogers as the new Managing Director of Professional Services at Bluestones Group.

With more than three decades of experience in the recruitment and workforce solutions industry, Nicky has led transformational programmes across critical sectors such as education, transport, nuclear, construction, and tech. She joins us from Rullion, where she most recently served as Director of Client Services, overseeing strategic sales, ESG integration, and client growth across complex, regulated markets.

Steve Pendergast, CEO of Bluestones Group, commented:

“This appointment reflects our strategy to build a balanced portfolio of high-performing brands. Nicky’s exceptional background, leadership qualities, and passion for sustainable workforce solutions make her an ideal fit for the Group. We’re thrilled to have her on board.”

Nicky began her career with Adecco Group in 1994, rising through the ranks to become a Business Director. She has led national delivery programmes including the ONS Census 2021 and Uber’s industry-first outsourced pensions solution. In addition to her operational expertise, she’s a passionate advocate for mental well-being and has contributed to workforce development policy as a member of the UK Fusion Skills Council.

Nicky Rogers said:

“I’m proud to be joining a forward-thinking organisation like Bluestones Group. This is a people-first business that’s serious about its purpose – and I’m excited to help shape the next chapter of growth and innovation in the Professional Services division.”

In joining Bluestones Group, Nicky brings a strategic, people-first mindset backed by commercial strength, operational rigour, and a passion for doing things differently. She is committed to enhancing our Professional Services offering across the UK and beyond; developing consultative, insight-led relationships that deliver long-term value for clients and candidates alike.

Known for her authenticity, humour and deep sector knowledge, Nicky leads with purpose and intent. Her focus will be on expanding our footprint in key markets, strengthening service lines, and ensuring the Bluestones Group continues to offer differentiated, future-fit workforce solutions.

Welcome to the team, Nicky!

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QPS Group achieves SafeRec certification

Kelly Croutear — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 11:41:53 +0000

QPS achieves SafeRec certification, strengthening payroll compliance and transparency

QPS Group, part of Bluestones Group’s Support division, has achieved SafeRec certification, reinforcing its commitment to transparent, compliant, and risk-free payroll solutions for recruitment agencies and contractors.

QPS Group specialises in fully compliant payroll, accountancy and financial services, helping agencies manage payments with confidence while ensuring contractors receive accurate, verified pay. SafeRec certification is recognised as the gold standard in payroll auditing, providing real-time independent verification to ensure payroll accuracy, full HMRC compliance, and complete supply chain transparency.

With increased scrutiny on compliance in the umbrella company market, SafeRec certification demonstrates that QPS operates to the highest standards, offering:

Real-time payroll audits – Ensuring all payments are independently verified for full compliance.
Supply chain transparency – Protecting recruitment agencies under the Criminal Finances Act.
Payslip verification for workers – Providing contractors with full visibility of their earnings and deductions.

Alongside its existing FCSA accreditation, this latest certification further establishes QPS as a trusted payroll provider, giving agencies and contractors total confidence in their payroll processing.

As part of Bluestones Group’s Support division, QPS continues to lead the way in compliant, innovative, and transparent payroll solutions, ensuring agencies and contractors can operate with complete peace of mind.

Read more about this achievement on the QPS Group website here.

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Bluestones Group acquires ThinkWorkforce

MC — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 09:04:10 +0000

Bluestones Group has completed another strategic acquisition, with ThinkWorkforce becoming the tenth business to join the Group’s portfolio of recruitment and staffing services businesses within the last 12 months.

Founded in 2021, and operating across the UK healthcare sector, with an offshore branch in Cape Town, South Africa – the business specialises in recruiting GPs, nurses, and other healthcare professionals on a temporary and permanent basis. Harj Dadrah and Nana Mayosi will continue leading the business as the core leadership team. ThinkWorkforce is being acquired from Effer Ventures, a multi-sector investment company.

Bluestones Group CEO, Steve Pendergast commented:

“As we continue on our acquisition trail, we’re also further branching out internationally, with ThinkWorkforce being the second business in our portfolio to have non-UK operations. There are clear synergies between ThinkWorkforce and other businesses within our portfolio, and our ability to provide sector-specific, market-leading support services, will help the business thrive”.

Alex Fenton, Group CEO at Effer Ventures commented:

“We are delighted with the completion of the sale of ThinkWorkforce to Bluestones. The business has been able to consolidate and grow within our portfolio, but for the next stage of its growth, we felt that it needed the right growth partner. Bluestones has a fantastic track record and are perfectly positioned to take ThinkWorkforce to the next level, so the transaction makes a lot of sense from all sides.”

Bluestones Group has been firmly on the acquisition trail with this being the tenth business that has been acquired this calendar year. Bluestones invests in recruitment and staffing services businesses and has developed an enviable portfolio of over 30 such businesses across a range of sectors and locations.

You can find out more about ThinkWorkforce by browsing their website HERE and Bluestones Group via their website HERE.

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BIG Christmas Quiz

MC — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 09:03:19 +0000

With just five sleeps until Christmas, client visits well underway, and Christmas messages sent to candidates and colleagues, one tradition many look forward to is a Christmas quiz.

To make life easier for you, we thought we’d share our BIG Christmas quiz – including the quiz itself, a blank answer sheet, and of course, the answers.

Feel free to download, print, and share these and enjoy our BIG Christmas quiz.

The questions

The answer sheet

The answers

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QPS launches new services and a bold brand refresh

Kelly Croutear — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 14:15:36 +0000

QPS Group (formerly Quest Pay Solutions) has unveiled a comprehensive suite of services to empower recruitment agencies and contractors

As part of the Bluestones Group portfolio and sitting within the Group’s Support Division, Quest Pay Solutions (QPS) has been a trusted partner to recruitment businesses for the past eight years.

Specialising in Umbrella PAYE and CIS services, QPS is committed to helping businesses navigate the ever-evolving recruitment landscape. In response to the changing needs of both hirers and recruitment businesses, as well as new compliance obligations introduced by the Labour government, QPS has leveraged its expertise and resources to develop an innovative range of products and services.

These solutions are designed to support recruitment businesses in driving growth, ensuring compliance, and adapting seamlessly to regulatory changes, underpinned by the strength and backing of the Bluestones Group.

What's new? Expanded services and enhanced solutions:

Enhanced accountancy services

Recognising the unique financial needs of contractors, freelancers, and small to medium-sized enterprises, QPS Group now offers tailored accountancy solutions. These services simplify financial management, ensuring compliance and efficiency for businesses of all sizes.

Specialised financial services

Understanding that securing mortgages is a significant concern for professionals transitioning to contract positions, QPS Group has introduced specialised mortgage services. These offerings are designed to assist contractors in obtaining mortgages, addressing one of the primary barriers to entering contract roles.

Comprehensive payroll solutions

To support recruitment agencies and their staff, QPS Group now provides a range of PAYE services, including outsourced payroll for agency staff, PAYE, and Professional Employer Organisation (PEO) services. These solutions are crafted to ensure seamless payroll management, allowing agencies to focus on their core operations.

Global payroll and UK funding service

Expanding its reach, QPS Group offers international payroll services to facilitate global operations for recruitment agencies. Additionally, new UK funding options are available to support business growth and financial stability within the recruitment sector.

Robert Arnold, Managing Director of QPS Group said:

“At QPS Group, we are committed to providing comprehensive solutions that empower our clients to achieve their business objectives. Our expanded suite of services reflects our dedication to addressing the evolving needs of recruitment agencies, contractors, and SMEs, enabling them to thrive in a competitive market.”

For more information about QPS Group’s new services, please visit https://qpsgroup.co.uk/

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Year-end reflections: Reviewing your agency’s progress and planning for growth

Kelly Croutear — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 09:00:47 +0000

As the calendar approaches its final pages, it’s a fitting time for recruitment agencies to pause, reflect on the past year, and chart a course for future growth. December isn’t merely the end of a chapter; it’s a pivotal moment to review achievements, learn from experiences, and set sights on new horizons.

Reflecting on achievements

Take stock of the milestones accomplished during the year. Celebrate successful placements, client expansions, or innovative strategies that propelled the agency forward.

Learning from challenges

Acknowledge challenges faced and lessons learned. Each setback holds invaluable insights crucial for refining strategies and fostering resilience.

Assessing recruitment trends

Evaluate industry trends that shaped recruitment dynamics. Understanding these trends is pivotal for adapting strategies and staying ahead in the evolving landscape.

Client and candidate feedback

Review feedback from clients and candidates. Their insights are a compass pointing towards areas for improvement and avenues for better service delivery.

Team reflection and development

Engage the team in reflections. Discuss achievements, challenges, and opportunities for growth. Invest in professional development plans to nurture team skills.

Setting strategic goals

Define clear and actionable goals for the upcoming year. Whether it’s expanding services, enhancing client relations, or refining recruitment processes, clarity in goals is key.

Strengthening brand identity

Evaluate the agency’s brand identity and market positioning. Strengthen branding strategies to amplify the agency’s visibility and credibility in the market.

Creating an actionable plan

Compile insights from reflections into a comprehensive action plan. This roadmap will serve as a guiding light, laying out steps to achieve envisioned goals. A simple SWOT analysis is a good place to start.

Strategic adaptation

Be open to strategic adaptation. As the recruitment landscape evolves, flexibility in plans ensures readiness to embrace emerging trends and challenges.

Celebrating successes

Amidst planning for the future, take time to celebrate successes. Recognise team efforts and milestones achieved during the year, fostering a culture of appreciation.

Conclusion

As the year draws to a close, embrace this time not just as an end but as a new beginning, a canvas awaiting the strokes of ambition, learning, and growth for your recruitment agency.

By harnessing reflections to set strategic goals, recruitment agencies can navigate the upcoming year with purpose, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to growth.

Are you looking to take the leap to starting your own recruitment agency in the New Year? Through our investment division, you can access a range of funding and support to get your recruitment business off the ground.

Find out more and make an investment enquiry today.

Start your Bluestones journey today

Explore our Investment Division

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Bluestones appoint fractional CTO, Tom Cooksey

MC — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 09:00:13 +0000

Bluestones Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Fractional CTO, Tom Cooksey, who’s joined the Group to help drive its technology strategy forward, build on the Group’s existing IT capabilities, and support the company’s ambitious future growth plans.

Speaking about his appointment, Tom said,

“I am delighted to join Bluestones as a Fractional CTO. The business is extremely ambitious and embraces technology to help drive its overall growth strategy – it is going to be great to be a part of that.”

Tom is a highly experienced technology leader with demonstrable experience in solving complex business problems. He’s a technologist at heart and is as comfortable in front of some code as he is in the board room. Previous roles include founder at IR35.io which went on to be acquired by The Kingsbridge Group, where he became Chief Technology Officer. He has also worked for major brands including EA Games, Sky, and The National Lottery.

Bluestones Group’s CEO and founder Steve Pendergast commented on Tom’s appointment, saying,

“As the Group continues to scale at pace, it’s important that we evolve sustainably and capitalise on the technologies available to us. With Tom’s experience and insight, we believe we will be well-positioned to nurture and develop our existing team of IT and technology specialists, whilst creating a structured technology roadmap for our future.”

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Bluestones Group acquires Dynamite Recruitment

MC — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 08:44:16 +0000

Bluestones Group has completed another strategic acquisition, with Dynamite Recruitment becoming the latest business to join the Group’s portfolio of recruitment and staffing services businesses.

Coinciding with the move, Fran Curtis and Katie Dalgleish – with nearly 20 years’ collective tenure with Dynamite Recruitment between them – will become joint Managing Directors. Headquartered in Portsmouth with 11 employees, Dynamite Recruitment is a successful multi-sector recruitment company, originally established in 2011. The Dynamite team recruit temporary and permanent personnel across the commercial, retail, technical, accountancy & finance, and financial services sectors; and provides RPO and outsourcing support for selected clients too.

Bluestones Group CEO, Steve Pendergast commented:

“Acquisitions continue to be one of the three primary growth vectors for the Group. Dynamite is well-structured, has strong client and candidate relationships, and we believe that with our support and investment can continue to grow at pace. I look forward to seeing the business evolve and scale”.

Divisional CEO, Matt Cody commented:

“We identified Dynamite Recruitment as an acquisition target and have worked at pace to complete the deal quickly, acquiring 100% of the business. Bringing the business into the Bluestones portfolio, we will work the new joint Managing Directors Fran and Katie to fully integrate the company into the Bluestones Group world and support its future growth”.

Bluestones Group has been firmly on the acquisition trail this year, and this is the eighth such business that has been acquired this calendar year. Bluestones invests in recruitment and staffing services businesses and has developed an enviable portfolio of over 30 businesses across a range of sectors and locations.

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