Latest News
May 2010
UK’s largest Energy from Waste Plant target local Engineers, providing major boost to local economy! A major new Energy from Waste Plant, being built in Belvedere, has kicked off a huge recruitment drive with a business seminar to Engineers set to be made redundant from GlaxoSmithKline’s Dartford site. The Riverside Resource Recovery Facility (RRRL), being built for London based Cory Environmental, will generate up to 50 permanent jobs which are likely to commence in August this year. Energy from Waste Recruitment Specialists ASTUTE Technical Recruitment are managing all recruitment activity for the prestigious project and this week visited GlaxoSmithKline in Dartford to speak with Operations and Maintenance staff who will be affected by the site’s impending closure.
ASTUTE’s Managing Director, Terry Buckel, and Head of Power, Matt Dickens, presented RRRL’s plans for what will be the UK’s largest Energy from Waste Plant, and discussed how a number of GSK’s staff could potentially find work on the new project. Buckel explained; “One of our main remits is to engage with the local community and to secure as many local candidates as possible to work on this exciting new Plant. We’re grateful to GlaxoSmithKline for allowing us to present to their Engineers, and we were delighted with the calibre of individuals we met with. It shows their commitment to securing employment for those people who will be affected by the planned site closure.”
The new plant will burn up to 585,000 tonnes of waste from London Boroughs each year. The heat from this process will help generate around 66MW of electricity, which has the ability to provide power to around 66,000 London homes. Anyone who is interested in finding work on the plant should contact Matt Dickens on 02392 221 600, via e-mail riversidejobs@astutetechnical.co.uk, or be viewing all vacancies at www.astutetechnical.co.uk
March 2010
Cory Environmental and Von Roll INOVA have awarded ASTUTE the contract to crew-up the new Riverside Resource Recovery Facility, the UK’s largest Energy from Waste Plant. ASTUTE have already recruited the senior management team for the £350m project, and will soon commence searches for Operations and Maintenance staff. For further information please visit
February 2010
ASTUTE are delighted to announce the launch of our all new website, developed in conjunction with Optimal Internet. The site provides access for both clients and candidates and the redevelopment is the result of several months of hard work.
November 2008
ASTUTE have officially announced plans to move to purpose built offices in 1000 Lakeside in January 2009. This exciting development is a key milestone for ASTUTE, who will work closely with Guildford based TDA Interiors on the design and build of the office space.
Operations Director, Darren Simmons, explained; “The business has grown rapidly in the last 12 months, and we now employ 19 staff. The move to 1000 Lakeside will place our business in a prestigious building, which will allow our rapid, but sustainable, growth to continue. Importantly for us, we have a blank canvas to work with, and fully intend to build a dynamic and modern office space which will excite our existing team, and enthuse more people to join the ASTUTE team too!”
November 2008
ASTUTE’s Matt Dickens has been shortlisted to the final two in the Recruitment and Employment Confederation’s “Best Newcomer” Award, 2008. The award recognises exceptionally talented individuals who not only show the ability to generate significant income for their company, but also add value in a variety of business areas.
Sales Director, Matt George, commented; “It’s just rewards for all the hard work and effort Matt has put in since joining ASTUTE. He joined with no recruitment experience but quickly got to grips with the Power sector, has a first class understanding of client’s technology, and has developed an exceptional reputation. He is already one of ASTUTE’s leading billers, and he has a great future ahead in recruitment.”
Managing Director, Terry Buckel, added; “Matt is a great example of what can be achieved with hard work and common sense. We’re all very proud of him and hope he goes on to claim the “Best Newcomer” Award. We are also delighted to announce that Matt has been promoted to “Senior Consultant” level within our Power Generation team.”
Matt will now attend an Awards Lunch at the Haymarket Hotel in London on 4th December, where the winner will be announced. Further information about the awards can be viewed here >>
November 2008
ASTUTE are delighted to welcome Steve Holloway to the business, as Head of Contract Recruitment. Steve, who joins from Matchtech, brings a wealth of experience in the Oil & Gas sector. He will use this expertise to develop ASTUTE’s Renewable Energy Division, and takes control of a team of four Consultants.
Steve will also take ownership of a number of important issues for ASTUTE, including overseeing Contract Recruitment across the whole business. This will include developing a contract specific training programme for existing staff, and a full audit of the current processes ASTUTE use for Contract recruitment.
Managing Director, Terry Buckel, explained; “Steve is another key acquisition for the business, and brings a track record of success in relevant fields, and a high level of professionalism. We feel he can play a large role in the development of the business, and look forward to working with, and learning from, him.”
October 2008
ASTUTE are delighted to have been Highly Commended in the Category of Fastest Growing New Recruitment Agency at the recent London & South East Recruitment Awards! Members of our team attended the Awards Night at The Radisson Hotel in London, and are extremely proud of the progress the company has made during 2008. Further information about the competition is available from http://www.lserecruitmentawards.co.uk/recruitmentawards/2008/Default.aspx
September 2008
ASTUTE Technical Recruitment has been shortlisted in the prestigious London and South East Recruitment Awards. The Portsmouth based agency, who focus primarily on recruitment for the Power Generation and Renewable Energy sectors, are in the final three for the Fastest Growing New Recruitment Consultancy award. ASTUTE, based in the Portsmouth Technopole, have expanded rapidly in the past 12 months, acquired North End based Sharp Recruitment, and currently employ 18 staff.
Operations Director, Darren Simmons, commented; “We’re delighted to have been shortlisted and it’s great for our staff who have worked tirelessly over the past 12 months to grow the business. We focus on the supply of staff to some challenging sectors, and have quickly positioned ourselves as a major player in Energy recruitment.” The London and South East Recruitment Awards will take place on 24th October at The Radisson Hotel in London. As part of the entry process, ASTUTE were required to show how their business fits into the market place, demonstrate a business plan with evidence of achievement, and plans for future growth.
July 2008
ASTUTE’s commitment to the professional development of our Consultants was strengthened last week when the REC’s Head of Training, Andrew Carr, visited our offices to deliver the first in what will hopefully be a series of innovative training days. Focussing on Essential Skills for Permanent Recruitment, Andrew provided a very relevant programme, with great enthusiasm, and the odd bad joke! ASTUTE Consultant Stuart Clark commented; “The day was very relevant, I learnt a great deal, and Andrew kept everyone’s interest throughout the day….which is often difficult in training.”
June 2008
ASTUTE Technical Recruitment, a leading provider of technical staff, has today announced the acquisition of Portsmouth based Sharp Recruitment, a highly successful Commercial Recruitment Consultancy.
ASTUTE, based in the Portsmouth Technopole, have expanded rapidly in the past 12 months, and the integration of Sharp brings their total number of staff to 15.
The acquisition strengthens ASTUTE’s position, as explained by Operations Director Darren Simmons; “We’re delighted as the acquisition takes us into some exciting new business areas, but also allows us to offer a more rounded service to our existing technical clients, who often ask if we can assist their commercial staffing needs.”
Sharp’s Managing Director, Melanie Dunn, joined ASTUTE this week and added; “We hope to add value by bringing new clients to ASTUTE and opening doors to new sectors. Our core strength is sourcing for Office staff, Contact Centres, HR, and Sales & Marketing roles. We bring a well established and local client base to ASTUTE, and are excited to be part of their growth and ongoing success.”
May 2008
ASTUTE will be attending the All-Energy 08 Exhibition and Conference in Aberdeen on the 21st and 22nd of May. The UK’s largest Renewables Show, it will be a great opportunity for ASTUTE to meet with existing clients, and forge new relationships with companies operating in Renewables.
Consultants from the Power Generation and Renewables division, such as Chris Simmons, will be looking to enhance their knowledge on a range of key issues, including the Government’s aggressive Renewable Generation targets for 2010.
April 2008
ASTUTE would like to welcome Dan Bisset as our latest trainee Resourcer. Dan’s appointment strengthens our Waste/Water/Utilities team, and he has already made positive inroads with a number of clients which ASTUTE have identified as key to our future growth. We look forward to Dan having a long and successful career with ASTUTE.
February 2008
ASTUTE are delighted to announce the arrival of Natalie Tulett and Stuart Clark as our latest recruits.
Natalie has a strong Recruitment background and is studying for an Environmental Science Degree via Open University. Natalie will lead development of ASTUTE’s Environmental Division, building on the already strong relationships we have with UK Environmental Consultancies.
Stuart arrives with a track record of success in fast paced Technical Sales. He joins as ASTUTE’s first dedicated Contract Consultant, focussing on the Construction sector, in the UK and overseas.
December 2007
ASTUTE are delighted to announce the arrival of three new members of staff, who will join the company on the 2nd of January. Two trainee Consultants will take up positions within the Power Generation / Renewables, and Waste / Water and Utilities Divisons, whilst Sukh Takhar arrives with extensive recruitment experience, and will work closely with ASTUTE’s high technology clients. Managing Director Terry Buckel explained; “We are confident that our new Consultants will contribute significantly to the growth of ASTUTE, and two are Qualified Engineers in Electrical and Civil fields, which helps build our technical expertise.”
December 2007
ASTUTE’s Operations Director, Darren Simmons, attended the British Wind Energy Association’s Connect Event in London this week. The networking event included a seminar on Buying and Selling Green Energy, and the likelihood of the Government’s 2020 Renewable Energy targets being met. The event reinforces ASTUTE’s commitment to provide a quality recruitment solution to the Power Generation and Renewables sectors. 14th December 2007.
October 2007
Due to rapid and sustainable growth, ASTUTE are set to embark on a recruitment drive for new Consultants. We are keen to hear from both experienced Recruitment Consultants, and also Trainees who might have had an initial taste for Sales. We offer a friendly and fun work environment (Including office Pool table!), a structured training programme, and a highly competitive salary / commission package. Please call Terry Buckel, Managing Director, or Darren Simmons, Operations Director, on 02392 221 600, or e-mail terry@astutetechnical.co.uk
August 2007
ASTUTE have been awarded ‘Preferred Supplier’ status by Marchwood Power Ltd. A major project, we will actively assist the ‘crewing’ process at Marchwood Power Station – an 840MW CCGT plant. The station will consist of 33 Operations and Maintenance staff and ASTUTE is the ideal choice for this kind of project. MD Terry Buckel stated “This is fantastic news for ASTUTE. It is a key ‘client win’ which we targeted once we knew about the new build. We are confident of delivering a fast, high calibre, service in preparation for commissioning and the first turbines firing in 2008.”
July 2007
ASTUTE is pleased to announce its move into the Harbour Suite at the Portsmouth Technopole. As the biggest office in the building it marks an amazing achievement for ASTUTE in less than a year, moving up from the smallest size 1-man office at inception. Capable of accommodating up to 30 staff, the office provides plenty of space which should be able to meet the demands of ASTUTE as it enjoys considerable growth in the early years, whilst also making room for a pool table – giving the staff the chance to unwind with a bit of fun after a hard day working.
