PiR Interims outperforms general recruitment results for 2007 by over 25%

PiR Interims, the life science interim recruitment specialist, has seen a phenomenal growth in revenues this year. Whilst other general recruitment companies have seen a very respectable 40-50% growth in business (1), PiR Interims, MD, Carolyn Douthwaite reports a staggering 76% growth in sales.

She attributes this success in part to the continued buoyant growth generally in the recruitment sector, but more specifically to the unique service offered by PiR Interims in the life sciences niche.

Carolyn explains: ìThere is an increasing recognition by client organisations that a really top notch interim can deliver exceptional value to a business. The need for flexible expertise within a clientís senior talent pool and the increasing calibre of professional interim managers also contributed hugely to PiR Interimís successful year.î

PiR Interims reports that the greatest demand has been for project and programme managers, with over 27% of all positions filled in this area. These managers are focused on the leadership and delivery of clinical development programmes and product launches. Hardly surprising, when Government figures (2) show that UK companies account for an estimated 35% of products in the drug development pipeline from public biotech companies and have 41% of new biotechnology drugs in late stage clinical trials (Phase III) in Europe.

She continues, ìOn a wider stage, we know that prospects for the life science sector, and those of us who service it, are excellent: in the US, the clear global leader, sector stocks have grown by 27% over the last 12 months, compared to just 3% for the S&P 1500 as a whole3.

Closer to home, in 2007 over 90% of our assignments were extended, often more than once, and now our average assignment lasts just a few days short of a full year! This tells us we are getting many things right. As a client commented: 'one of your key strengths is your ënarrowí focus; both from the perspective of your target clients and from your specialist interim pool. This latter focus, I believe, gives you a significant advantage as it means that your team always has personal knowledge of the candidates that you are putting forward.î

In summary, Carolyn says, ìFrom client and candidate feedback, the support we offer through the life cycle of an assignment is second-to-none; from the kick-off meeting, when deliverables are agreed, to the review of project outcomes or handover to a permanent head. My plan is to grow the Practice with a professional team who know the industry intimately and who are focused on building long term relationships with clients and candidates, and who add value through our integrity and exceptional service delivery.î

Other key milestones this year have included the launch of the PiR Interims website and the introduction of a new series of candidate and client events. The first events were well attended by both interim professionals and industry leaders, enjoying presentations from speakers such as Jeff Grout, respected author and one of the '100 Best Business Speakers in Britain'. Jeff also joined the PiR Interims Advisory Board in 2007, bringing a wealth of business and industry expertise.

Sources
1 ñ Recon website 5 December 2007
www.rec-con.co.uk/en/browse.php/Company-Results/18

2 ñ BERR website 5 Dec 2007, ìMedical Biotechnology sectorî
www.berr.gov.uk/sectors/biotech/biotechmedic/page10217.html

3 ñ Business Week website 5 Dec 2007, ìLife Sciences Stocks: A Healthy Outlookî
www.businessweek.com/investor/content/nov2007/pi20071119_530419.htm