Partner Article

IT group blocks the brain drain

A North East IT consultancy has enjoyed soaring sales after investing in graduates from the region’s universities.

Turnover at Durham-based Waterstons has climbed 20% in the last year to £4m after it adopted a policy of graduate recruitment in a bid to stem the tide of the region’s top talent heading to the South East.

Meanwhile, the company has recently expanded its team again with three graduates and a placement student.

Managing director Mike Waterston said: “I believe North East companies have a social responsibility to invest in graduates.

“It’s vitally important we keep them here and give them the responsibility and experience they need to flourish. Doing so has significantly benefitted this business.”

All four recruits have joined the firm from North East universities including Durham, Newcastle and Northumbria.

Waterstons now has plans in the pipeline to expand its business across the UK.

“We believe in giving our graduates the platform they need to succeed in their careers,” said Waterston.

“We give them the chance to work in our premises in the South of England and always make sure they maintain strong links with the North East. Some of our graduates have gone on to set up their own businesses on the back of working with us.”

Steve Riddle, lecturer at the school of computing science at Newcastle University, said: “The feedback we get from students who have been on placement with Waterstons is positive.

“They gain experience are keen to join the company permanently once they complete their degree.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .