Steady ambition powers AJP Recruitment’s rise

For founder and managing director Andrew Paton, the award was a rare moment to stop and take stock. “It felt brilliant,” he says. “Day to day we’re very busy and focused on meeting deadlines left, right and centre. You don’t really get much time to reflect, you have to keep going. Winning this made us pause and think – we’re doing something right here. It’s the team who make it all work, so it’s good to see that acknowledged.”

From a living room table to a global talent engine

AJP’s rise has mirrored the resurgence of the North East’s manufacturing, engineering, energy and defence sectors. Contractor numbers have grown sharply as traditional trades such as sheet metal workers, fabricators and skilled craft workers remain vital to major projects across the North East and beyond.

Alongside their work across the UK, AJP has supported international clients as far afield as Taiwan and Brazil. And while their Newcastle airport advert proudly states ‘Home Newcastle’, the North East is very much the starting point rather than the limit of their reach.

Andrew explains: “In some ways the industrial heritage of the North East has been reborn and reimagined. We have ship building on the Tyne again but we have also got a lot of those heritage skills employed in different industries across renewable energy, defence, aerospace and automotive in particular. That’s created opportunities for people with hands-on skills and driven a lot of our growth.”

The business itself began in 2012 on a living room table whilst experiencing first time fatherhood. Growth since then has been intentional rather than explosive.

“I often think we’re the slowest growing fastest growing company,” Andrew says. “No shortcuts, no ego, just steady, sustainable progress. We add people when the business can sustain it and we keep things simple. We invest a lot of time into each member of staff and we want them to be the best version of themselves and not operate under the huge pressure for results that can be so detrimental in this industry. Running a business forces you to learn quickly. As we grew, we had to understand everything from lease contracts, invoice finance and IT to the many wonders and intricate workings of HMRC! We’ve had to learn relatively new industries, especially all the strands and sectors within offshore energy which, 12 years ago, was very much in it’s infancy. It was a steep learning curve at times, but we adapted.”

Securing larger clients in highly regulated industries means navigating more legislation and compliance processes than he had ever imagined. “There’s a lot of red tape and bureaucracy and you often have to jump through a lot of hoops, but we have worked through challenges as a team and we always will,” says Andrew.

The recruitment industry itself has changed too. Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) models and bundled services like HR support, employee onboarding and outplacements are now commonplace offerings from recruitment agencies.

“That side of the market has grown massively – managing recruitment end-to-end, embedding your team within a client. Another thing is the impact of tech, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI). Everything’s becoming AI-driven – automated filters, video applications and chatbots but we’re resisting a little whilst embracing those parts that make the job simple and the process better for clients and candidates. We’d rather speak to people in person and understand their needs. Recruitment is a human job and we think people like to deal with people.”

AJP’s approach has always been clear: do the job properly, stay available and treat clients and candidates with respect. That commitment to simplicity and honesty has kept clients loyal.

Andrew continues: “If a client works with us, they know we’ll just get on with it and do the job properly. We’re not chasing quick wins and we won’t be gone tomorrow – we invest a huge amount of time in getting things right first time. There’s a lot of bravado in recruitment but that’s not us. We’re straightforward, grounded and selective about who we work with. We’ll always choose what’s right for the client and candidate, not just what is easiest. Maybe that’s why people stay with us.”

Looking ahead, AJP is preparing to grow its team, particularly through graduate and apprentice routes, and strengthen its work across energy, defence, aerospace and automotive.

Gillian Chinhengo, partner at Ward Hadaway said: “AJP Recruitment reflects the very best of North East business – rooted in the region’s industrial heritage while supporting the new sectors driving future growth. Their success speaks to the skills, determination and innovation we continue to see across the North East. To build a business steadily, invest in people and win the trust of major clients in such competitive markets is no small feat. We’re delighted to recognise AJP’s achievement as part of this year’s Fastest 50 and to shine a light on the vital role smaller, specialist firms play in the region’s economic strength.”

AJP Recruitment’s rise reflects the qualities that have defined the North East for generations – hard work, modesty and a belief in doing things the right way. From a living room table to supporting some of the biggest engineering and energy projects in the world, the business shows what can be achieved when ambition is steady, grounded and sincere.

Andrew adds: “Believe in what you’re doing. Take advice from people who are specialists and expert in their field, like accountants, lawyers and marketers. I didn’t always listen and learned a few things the hard way. But, at the same time, I’d encourage people to ultimately trust yourself – you started your business for a reason and you’re probably very good at it. Yes, some days you’ll wonder if it’s all worthwhile, but that’s all part of the entrepreneurial journey.”