Newcastle-based recruitment firm Edward Reed Recruitment announced that it has joined forces with Laurus Executive Search, an executive search firm based in Hexham.

Edward Reed, which specialises in mid- to senior-level management placements across a variety of industry sectors, will seek to solidify and expand its market position after receiving private investment earlier this year.

Laurus Executive Search provides executive search services for private sector clients operating across all sectors and disciplines.

Ian Lewis, director at Laurus Executive Search, commented, “By merging Laurus and Edward Reed together, Edward Reed can now provide a fully inclusive management and executive board level recruitment solution for businesses needing to hire high-calibre individuals in general management, non-executive, finance, HR, operations, sales and marketing and IT disciplines.”

Lewis will bring more than three decades of recruitment experience to a new full-time role as director at Edward Reed. He has been a shareholder at Edward Reed since its inception.

“We have approached this merger with the philosophy that two plus two equals five, there is strength in numbers and by pooling our resources, we are in a better position to drive the business forward and expand our services into new areas,” Lewis said.

Chris Stappard, managing director at Edward Reed Recruitment, also commented, "This is a really exciting time for Edward Reed. As a company, Edward Reed looks completely different now to how it did six months ago. Key investment and the subsequent merger with Laurus Executive Search, has opened a wealth of opportunities for us to recruit some of the most senior positions in the North East market and even expand our reach beyond the region."

No further details of the merger were disclosed.