Name and role: James Didgiunaitis, Managing Director.
Company: Expion
Sector: Headhunting / Recruitment services
Consumer – Food / Drink / FMCG / Packaging / Retail
Describe what your business does?
We are an award-winning recruitment company specialising in key market sectors, with offices based in Huddersfield and Milton Keynes. Our Huddersfield office is based in the lovely quirky village of Lindley.
As a company, we recruit middle and senior managers along with directors into the Manufacturing Sector – across the Consumer (Food & Drink), Healthcare (Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices) Engineered Products and Transportation sectors. Expion was launched based on the knowledge that to deliver a cutting-edge recruitment service to client companies; it is vital to provide a truly outstanding candidate experience.
How many staff do you employ?
We currently employ ten colleagues who are passionate and well-experienced within their sectors. Each member can offer an EXPert opinION when it comes to their specialist industries.
What does your role entail?
My role is to work alongside my fellow directors, leading the business and setting its strategic direction combined with day to day client and candidate interaction, contributing to the overall sales performance.
Each day is different. Some days I will be in the office within many meetings including 121’s, team meetings, business meetings, for briefings and updates. On other days I could be out of the office visiting clients, travelling to our second office in Milton Keynes or attending face to face candidate interviews. We interview all of our shortlisted candidates as well as attending regular networking events and business/personal development meetings with our business coach.
Unfortunately, the recent Covid-19 crisis has meant closing our office. We have continued to work remotely, which brings its challenges but is essential in the current climate.
What attracted you to start/operate your business in Huddersfield?
Firstly, it is close to home. I live in Ripponden, a lovely village just a 15-20 minute drive to Lindley in Huddersfield. Huddersfield also has easy access to the M62, trans-Pennine motorway, which is ideal when travelling to business meetings and visiting both clients and candidate and those visiting us alike.
The town itself is not too big nor too small with attractive rents and facilities for all business types. We are located at Heritage Exchange in Lindley which has excellent facilities including a delicious deli, health club, spa and beauty services – even a hair salon!
Also, I can’t forget the excellent local Golf Course locations, including Crosland Heath & Fixby!
Name some of your biggest business achievements:
We’ve recently completed our 10th financial year with our 10th anniversary in May 2020. It has been a fantastic journey so far, and I can only see that journey being more exciting as we move the business forward once again.
Expion was voted the ‘Best Recruiter Overall’ at the prestigious RecruitRank Awards 2011 in London. We have also lifted the award for Best Candidate Communications (low volume category) and Best Category Recruiter. This success has continued into successive years, and we were also finalists in 2013. Also, in 2015 we were proud to be announced as ‘Best in Manufacturing Recruitment – UK’ and subsequently ‘Best in Management Recruitment – UK Manufacturing’ in 2016 at the Corporate Vision Awards.
What advice would you give to someone looking to set up or relocate their business in Huddersfield?
Just do it – you won’t regret it. The town is extremely welcoming and supportive with multiple business and networking events. No matter the location, be prepared for lots of hard work.
What are your hopes for Huddersfield 10 years from now (2030)?
That it continues to grow and thrive as a city, whilst still keeping its identity and overall friendly and supportive feel.
On a personal level, what do you love most about the town?
I love the fact that you can be in a glorious village yet within 10 minutes of being in the bustling centre of town. My eldest son Max plays Cricket for Barkisland CC in the Huddersfield League. Therefore, we get to visit some gorgeous places every Saturday to watch him play including Honley, Holmfirth & Thongsbridge.
Overall its the views and the golf courses for me!
Where is your favourite place to eat/drink in Huddersfield?
My favourite places to eat would be:
- Eric’s – Lindley
- The Manor House – Lindley
- Da Sandro’s – Birchencliffe
Are there any recommendations or local knowledge you’d like to share with a visitor?
My advice would be to get yourself outdoors and soak up everything that Huddersfield has to offer.
Website Link: www.expion.co.uk
Twitter Link: @ExpionUK
Linkedin Link: Expion Search
Facebook Link: @Expion.co.uk