Within a year of making a career change, a young Worcester recruitment professional has found himself collecting a major trade award from TV impressionist Alistair McGowan at a glitzy London ceremony.

George Venn, a rookie recruitment consultant at Jark Worcester, based in The Tything in the city, was working as a transport clerk a year ago before rethinking his career. His rapid success led to his nomination and selection as Trainee Consultant of the Year in The Recruit Venture Group awards in central London, which featured competition from employees at nearly 50 other independent recruitment agencies across the UK.

He has used his experience from his previous job to quickly build relationships with clients in the transport sector, which is heavily focused on driving jobs.

He was nominated by his boss, Jark Worcester Director Geri Munslow, who praised his ability to win new clients, and also win back lapsed ones too.

Geri Munslow said: “His pure commitment to his job was evident from day one. Most mornings he is on call and the phone is ringing at 4am or 5am. His clients often call when other agencies have let them down. It is clear to see he has a very promising career ahead.”

Award winner George Venn said: “It was strange to think that a year ago I was doing a totally different job, and then to be up on stage collecting an award from Alistair McGowan was slightly surreal.

“I have really enjoyed recruitment, and I do feel I have found a career which really suits my skills and there’s plenty of room for progressing. The market feels quite buoyant around Worcester right now so I’m really looking forward to the next few months and the future.”

George was also praised by the award judges for his teamwork and his ability to make time for clients and those looking for work.

The judges were David Head,chief executive of industry publisher Recruitment International, and Paul Mizen, managing director of The Recruit Venture Group, which launches and supports new recruitment business start-ups in a joint venture model. It is partnered with 49 independent recruitment businesses up and down the UK, including Jark Worcester.

Paul Mizen said: “I have been in recruitment for several decades and what I look for in any new trainee is someone who is prepared to treat their role as if it is their own business.

"George has clearly taken to recruitment in that way — always looking to grow his client base and making sure he is there at all hours to meet their needs.

"Given that he is new to the role, George has really excelled and shows that so much of what goes in to being a successful recruiter is having that positive, can-do attitude. George has it in spades.”

Jark Worcester provides recruitment services across a range of business sectors, from industrial, driving, commercial and construction.