Pertemps veteran snares major global role

HIGH-PROFILE Midlands business figure Colin Birchall has been appointed CEO of the global employment and training company that took over his own firm two years ago.

Australian giant Employment Services Holdings Group (ESH) is one of the world’s leading providers of welfare to work, training and recruitment services, and took over Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG) in 2008, becoming a £150m turnover company. PPDG was founded by Mr Birchall, who was its CEO for 13 years, and grew its turnover to £40m.

West Midlands-based businessman Colin Birchall has been appointed CEO of Employment Services Holdings Group (ESH). ESH has a turnover of £150 million and holds contracts both in the UK and Australia to tackle unemployment and social exclusion.

ESH board chairman Greg Smith: “As the founder and CEO of our UK operation, Colin has successfully led Pertemps People Development Group for the past 13 years. The organisation has a growing reputation in the industry for delivering business excellence for the benefit of local communities and broader society through a highly competent and engaged workforce.

“This appointment will enable the ESH Group to develop from a strong platform and will undoubtedly have a positive impact upon our ability to secure additional contracts in the future.”

The move comes at a time when PPDG is tendering for the opportunity to deliver new contracts on behalf of the Department for Work & Pensions and the Ministry of Justice.

Mr Birchall said: “There are opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for ESH both here and in Australia. In the UK, the group is excited about the new coalition government’s welfare reforms represented by the proposed Work Programme. We are up for the challenge and are fully committed to work alongside the government to ensure value for money delivery.”