Connecting People. Building Careers. Driving Business Growth.
At GPW Recruitment, we believe recruitment is not just about filling vacancies — it is about building long-lasting partnerships between businesses and people.
Our heritage and expertise are both built on deep sector knowledge. We are categorised as a niche employment business, providing a range of specialist recruitment services into regulated and complex sectors, including Power & Energy, Technical & Engineering, STEM, Manufacturing, Skilled Trades and Construction.
We excel in matching the right people with the right opportunities. This broad capability has allowed us to build long-standing relationships with clients and candidates alike, many of whom have worked with us for decades.
What sets us apart is not only our history, but our commitment to the future. We combine our proven track-record with modern recruitment methods, industry insight, and a people-first approach. Whether you are a business searching for specialist expertise or a professional seeking your next role, we are here to help, support, and deliver.
Why GPW?
Access to an Unrivalled Talent Network
With decades of experience in our specialised niches, we are able to fill vacancies faster than our competitors, even in candidate-driven markets or for roles with hard-to-find skill sets.
Extensive Industry Expertise and Knowledge
As true specialists in the niches we serve, we draw on years of industry insight and market knowledge to deliver a seamless recruitment process.
Commitment to Excellence, Compliance, and Quality
Our recruitment process is built on a foundation of best practices, adhering to industry regulations, professional body codes of conduct, and current legislation.
Trusted by Leading Global Organisations
As first choice for some of the UK’s most prestigious companies, we support our clients through a range of tailored contract, permanent, and retained search services, throughout the UK and further afield.
Clear and Competitive Pricing Structures
We offer a variety of transparent and competitive pricing models, providing clarity on fees and payment schedules from the outset. This ensures full confidence in your recruitment investment.
Thoroughly Vetted Candidates
Every candidate undergoes a comprehensive vetting process before their CV reaches you. We conduct in-depth interviews, verify references, and ensure their suitability for your role.
Leadership Team
Graham Worsley
Chairman
Adam Spelman
Managing Director
Will Fairhurst
Divisional Director
Mark Clarke
Divisional Director
Jack Fenney
Divisional Head
Colin MacIntyre
Divisional Head
Emma Fleetwood
Divisional Manager
Jordan Buck
Divisional Manager
Shaun Kane
Financial Controller
Tracey Hannell
Payroll Manager
Our Mission, Vision & Values
Our Mission
Our mission is to be the UK’s recruitment partner of choice by expertly connecting the right people with the right jobs.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be the most trusted and reliable recruitment brand in the UK, recognised for excellence in every niche market we serve.
Core Values
Our core values below are the foundation of everything we do. They guide our approach, inspire our team and shape the way we build lasting relationships with our clients and candidates.
Professionalism
Integrity
Reliability
Communication
Honesty
Owned by Us, Driven for You
We’re proud to be an Employee-Owned Trust.
As an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), the majority shareholding of the business is now held in trust for the benefit of our employees. This provides all employees with a meaningful stake in the performance and direction of the company. This ensures our long-term independence, deepens employee engagement, and reinforces the high-quality service we’re proud to deliver to our clients and candidates.
This may sound like a small detail—but it makes a big difference for you, our customers.
- We Care More: When employees are owners, they’re personally invested in delivering the best service and results.
- Stability You Can Rely On: We’re here for the long term, focusing on lasting relationships rather than short-term profits.
- Better Solutions: Empowered teams drive innovation, efficiency, and smarter ways to meet your needs.
- Accountable & Transparent: Our ownership model creates a culture of integrity—meaning you get a partner you can trust.
In short, our EOT means we’re fully committed to your success. Every project, every interaction, every solution is backed by a team that truly cares. We don’t just recruit talent; we’re invested in it.
International Coverage
Expanding Our Recruitment Services Internationally.
We are excited to announce that our recruitment services are now available beyond the UK! As businesses grow globally, we understand the importance of connecting The Right People for the Job – wherever they are!
By extending our services overseas, we offer:
- Access to a wider talent pool – reaching experienced and skilled and professionals across the world using state of the art search functionality.
- Global opportunities for candidates – connecting job seekers with international career paths.
- Tailored recruitment solutions – adapting our expertise to meet the unique needs of global markets.
- End-to-end support – ensuring a seamless hiring process for both employers and candidates, no matter the location.
- Compliance – managing the complexities of overseas hiring ensuring legal and ethical standards are exceeded.
This expansion reflects our commitment to helping businesses and individuals thrive in today’s global workforce. Whether you’re an employer looking to recruit internationally or a candidate seeking opportunities abroad, we’re here to support your journey.
Our Process
1. Job description & detailed brief
2. Talent sourcing
3. Pre-selection, screening & shortlist
4. Interviewing, testing & evaluation
5. Employment offer
6. Onboarding & post hire
Our History
1973
GPW was originally founded under the name, Shoralness, by Gilbert Peter Worsley, who opened our Head Office, Worsley House, St Helens.
Gilbert, like his son Graham, was a qualified engineer and quickly identified business struggles in recruiting good, qualified engineers.
He began the business providing engineering design draughtspersons to local manufacturing companies such as Pilkington’s and ICI.
1976
GPW was incorporated as a Limited Company GPW Design Services Limited.
By becoming a limited business, we set the stage for expansion, investment, and future opportunities, ensuring we can deliver the excellence needed by our clients and candidates.
Services include Temporary, Contract and Permanent recruitment.
Company Registration 01248003.
1990
Graham Worsley, Chairman, joined GPW and set out his vision for performance and growth.
“Build a recruitment business for long term growth and opportunity through….”
- Customer Satisfaction
- Regulatory Compliance
- Continuous Improvement
- Operational Efficiency
1992
Commitment to Quality.
Successfully accredited to BS EN ISO 9001:2015 standards, we became one of the first employment businesses to receive this accolade.
This international standard was the first stepping stone to strengthen our processes, improve client and candidate satisfaction, and showcase our commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.
1994
GPW Recruitment obtain membership to the Recruitment Employment Confederation (REC).
Joining the leading professional body in the recruitment sector continues our journey and vision for growth, the membership signals our commitment to:
- Operating to the highest industry standards
- Compliance with the REC’s Code of Professional Practice
- Building trust with Clients and Candidates.
2000
A Decade of Growth and Success!
The past ten years have been an incredible journey for our business. This decade we have seen:
- Turnover in excess of £25 million.
- Record number of employees.
- Strong, long-term relationships with clients and candidates
- Recognition through industry accreditations
2001
Accreditation to Investors in People (IIP) was the next milestone. This accreditation was identified to show our commitment to achieving high standards across the following:
-
- People Management
- Leadership
- Employee Development
- Culture and Engagement
Ensuring our teams are equipped to deliver exceptional results to our clients and candidates.
2008
We’re excited to launch our very First Website —a major milestone that marks a new chapter in how we connect with our clients and candidates.
This platform brings our business online for the first time, it was introduced to drive marketing, communication, branding and operational efficiencies.
Why This Matters…
- Accessible Anytime, Anywhere
- Showcase Our Expertise
- Streamline Communication
- Building Our Brand Online
2011
As we continue to meet our clients’ evolving needs, we introduced a new Payroll Service and became accredited to BACS Approved Bureau (BAB).
It is a significant achievement for payroll and financial service providers in the UK. It demonstrates compliance with rigorous standards set by Pay.UK, the operator of the Bacs payment system.
- Creditability & Trust
- Compliance with Industry Standards
- Security & Data Protection
- Access to BACS services
2013
Building Success Together… we’re proud to support our construction clients and candidates.
We successfully qualified for the Constructionline Gold accreditation. Achieving this qualification demonstrates our commitment to our client and candidates operating in the Construction sector.
Constructionline Gold demonstrates our compliance with industry standards…
- Construction Industry Standards
- Health & Safety
- Quality
- Environmental
2017
A New Look. A Sharper Focus. The Same Commitment to Talent.
Our Rebrand and Sector Focus isn’t just a logo – it’s a renewed promise to those we help.
Refining our niche expertise to align with industry demands:
- Technical & Engineering
- Power & Energy
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Skilled Trades
2019
GPW Recruitment becomes an Employee-Owned Trust (EOT) – Sharing Success, Driving Growth!
We’re proud to be an employee-owned business, governed through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). This structure ensures that our team has a stake in the business, aligns interests, and creates a sustainable, long-term growth model.
EOT benefits our clients and candidates through:
- Reliable, Committed Teams
- Aligned Values
- Sustainable Growth
2020-2023
Impact and Recovery Journey!
COVID – Global Pandemic ☹
The pandemic reshaped the world of work overnight. Our shift moved towards the unknown – survival and restructure whilst supporting clients and candidates through difficult times with guidance, flexibility, and empathy.
“We’re now much stronger as a business, more resilient and hungrier for growth” – Graham Worsley
2024
Innovation never stops – neither do we!
Major investment into a New Tech Stack started our digital transformation. Empowering us to move faster, scale smarter, and deliver groundbreaking results to our clients and candidates.
We’re not stopping here. Future investment will continue to transform how we connect people.
Investing in cutting-edge technology to drive innovation, efficiency, and smarter solutions for the future.
2024
Compliance, Compliance, Compliance……
GPW Recruitment becomes a Recruiter Partner to the Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA).
Becoming FCSA accredited demonstrates our commitment to the highest standards of compliance, professionalism, and ethical payroll practices—building trust with clients, candidates, and partners across the recruitment industry.
2025
We’re excited to announce the launch of our dedicated STEM Division.
Created to meet the growing demand for talent in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
The STEM sector drives innovation, fuels growth, and solves some of the world’s most complex challenges. Our mission is to bridge the gap between exceptional candidates and employers seeking specialist skills …..empower innovation through people!
Future Outlook
Looking ahead…..
We are committed to strategic growth, technological investment, and operational excellence to drive long-term success for our business, clients, and our team.
These ideas include…
- Head Office Refurbishment
- Expand Sector Specialisms
- Geographical Expansion
- Leverage Technology
- Enhanced Client and Candidate experience
