Education recruitment agency aims for top of the class with six-figure funding deal

Birmingham recruitment agency Zest Education is set to put ambitious growth plans in motion and create jobs after securing a six-figure funding facility with Time Finance.

The cash injection will help to drive recruitment in the education sector after a disruptive year.

The agency initially started working with Time Finance back in 2015, just one year after they were incorporated.

Managing director of Zest, Brad Johnson, who had spent 10 years in the recruitment sector, grasped an opportunity to set up his own firm. As business grew, he recognised the need to find a funding solution to support his business’ cashflow.

He secured an initial £50,000 invoice finance facility with Time Finance.

But Zest found it was knocked off course by Covid-19 and the restrictions imposed by the Government.

The closure of schools back in March 2020 left many educational bodies reluctant to follow through on recruitment plans. This impact meant cashflow was drying up and with a third lockdown in place, Johnson approached Time Finance, which increased his facility to £75,000.

Over the course of the pandemic, Zest remained open for business to support clients and candidates who found themselves in search of recruitment. The strategy paid off, leading to an increased portfolio of top-level candidates looking for roles.

Now, 12 months after government restrictions were first enforced, the business has secured a further increase in its facility to £150,000.

Phil Chesham, head of invoice finance at Time Finance, said: “Zest Education are a fantastic client and a real success story. In what has been an incredibly challenging time for all businesses, Brad’s determination to adapt and overcome is applaudable. It’s an absolute pleasure to see his business grow year on year and to support his journey.”

Zest now employees 10 members of staff and has set a goal to double the size of the business by 2022 and a workforce of 20 employees.

The recently secured new larger premises in Staffordshire.

Johnson said: “We wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of Time Finance. Over what has been a turbulent 12 months, our relationship on both a personal and professional level has only strengthened during this time. They have been understanding and accommodating, accessible when I need to speak to key decision makers and flexible with my changing demands. I can’t thank them enough.”