Ireland’s largest recruitment agency has opened an office in Belfast, indicating confidence that the Northern Ireland economy is on the upturn.
CPL Resources, which offers recruitment, outsourcing and HR solutions and has offices across the State, eastern Europe and London, decided the time was right for northern expansion in the border city of Newry, it was announced today.
Ciaran Murphy, who is manager of the new branch of the agency, said: "It may seem like a strange time to open a new office in Belfast, but actually I believe the timing is perfect as I'm starting to see the recruitment market in Northern Ireland pick up slowly but surely."
He said as the company was the largest recruitment agency in the Republic, opening in Belfast was a natural progression.
"Granted, the province hasn't had an easy ride through this recession and job losses have been high, but on the whole the figure is lower than the UK average and I see reason to be extremely optimistic that we will see significant changes for the better in the recruiting landscape over the next 12 months."
Speaking at the opening of the CPL branch in the city centre, Councillor William Humphrey, chairman of Belfast City Council development committee, said: "Our economy is beginning to show signs of recovery, and we hope that the worst of the recession is now behind us.
"It is heartening to see a company such as this one making an investment and a commitment to our economy at this time."
PA