News briefs: Blonde Brown and Howarths

Blonde Brown, a recruitment firm specialising in contract and permanent positions, has just launched in York.

Set up by Charlotte Watson and Kate Chandan, the company will operate nationally to match people with businesses across a range of sectors including accountancy and finance; engineering and manufacturing; hospitality; retail; human resources; logistics; and sales and marketing.

Collectively, Watson and Kate have more than 20 years of experience in the industry, managing the recruitment process on behalf of independent employers through to major blue chip organisations from junior positions to management and board appointments.

Watson said: “The UK labour market is experiencing unprecedented times following the aftermath of Brexit and the ongoing pandemic.

“Businesses across many sectors are struggling to recruit staff or fill long-term vacant roles.

“It’s very much a candidate-led industry as people who were either furloughed or made redundant over the last 18 months and took on temporary positions as a stop gap are now seeking new roles.

“It’s an exciting time to be launching Blonde Brown and we’re looking forward to working with local businesses in a bid to support their recruitment needs.”

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Gavin Howarth

Ice cream brand Northern Bloc has appointed employment law and HR consultancy Howarths as it continues its rapid growth trajectory.

The Leeds-based manufacturer, which produces vegan and dairy products, was founded by Dirk Mischendahl and Josh Lee in 2014. It has listings in major retailers including Ocado, Co-op, Waitrose and Morrisons and employs around 25 staff.

In January, it secured seven-figure funding from Moebus Equity Partners to help build on the growing popularity of its vegan ice cream.

Gavin Howarth, managing director at Howarths, said: “Northern Bloc is a breakthrough Leeds brand that has enjoyed exceptional growth since it was founded in 2014.

“It’s a company that has ambitious plans to grow even further, driven by the increasing popularity of plant-based food.

“With growth comes an ever-increasing workforce and more complex employment law challenges, plus a team of people whose skills and knowledge are key to driving performance across the business.

“We are delighted to be able to support Northern Bloc with easily accessible expert HR and employment law advice delivered with a personalised, no-nonsense approach, while balancing commerciality with compliance to help the business achieve greater success through its people.”

Mischendahl, co-founder at Northern Bloc, said: “We have known Gavin and Howarths for some time, and chose to work with them because the team offers a personalised and bespoke service that also delivers the level of detail and expert know how that we need to confidently navigate the HR and employment law landscape as Northern Bloc continues its growth journey.”