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Management buyout saves jobs at Tyne and Wear recruitment firm
The jobs of all 11 employees and some 80 temporary staff have been protected in a management buyout at Zenith People Limited in Hebburn, Tyne and Wear.
Iain Nairn and Sean Williams from Leonard Curtis, were appointed Joint Administrators of the recruitment company on 8th January 2026.
The business, based on Monkton Business Park South in the town, has over 20 years’ experience in the NE recruitment sector and delivers tailored solutions for temporary and permanent recruitment needs across a range of industries including engineering, manufacturing and construction.
Zenith had, however, been experiencing a serious contraction in its marketplace and challenges associated with increased employment costs in recent years.
Following a period of marketing, the management team stepped in, eager to support the business and protect employment for both internal and temporary staff.
Director Angela Anderson said she was delighted with the outcome which secured the future for all and the continuity of quality services to valued clients.
She commented: “In light of the challenges being faced by the business, we had to take action to move forward positively. Leonard Curtis helped us to achieve this, giving us newly streamlined operations, with increased efficiency and reduced overheads. This has allowed us to create a fully integrated training and recruitment model which is both sustainable and unique in the North East. The new operations have already been well received by current and new clients alike.”
“By leveraging funded and non-funded training, combined with recruitment services, we are now able to offer an integrated recruitment, onboarding and retention model, underpinned by HR support, which elevates sales conversations to board level and moves transactional relationships to long term partnerships.
“Ultimately, this allows us to protect our client base by embedding us into their strategic planning and moves conversations and strike a value-added rather than price- based tone, protecting core business and ensuring long‑term stability.”
She added: “The support provided by Leonard Curtis during this period has been nothing short of excellent.”
Leonard Curtis also drew on its internal invoice finance expertise and Time to Pay (HMRC) team to help get the deal across the line.
Mincoffs Solicitors acted for the Joint Administrators at Leonard Curtis, alongside leading receivables management company CRM.
Iain Nairn said: “We are delighted that we have successfully secured the long-term future of the company and its workforce.”
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