Agency sets sights on turnover milestone

Anna Drobycz-Maher, 41, and Lisa Jarvis, 49, decided to set up A&L Recruit, which provides private sector commercial posts, after the company that they both worked for stopped trad-ing.

A&L, based in Sheffield, also works with welfare-to-work companies, helping to get the long-term unemployed back into jobs.

The two women went into business after seeking advice from Sheffield Enterprise Agency which delivers start-up support under the city council's enterprise programme.

Ms Drobycz-Maher said: "Having the contacts in the industry has meant we have been able to continue key relationships with businesses throughout the region."

The pair, who together have 23 years of experience in the recruitment industry, used the enterprise agency for access to workshops about subjects including marketing and finance.

They were also given advice on developing a company website.

A&L turned over 300,000 last year and hopes to take that to 500,000 this year.