1988

Concept Staffing, the leading local provider of permanent and temporary recruitment in the South West, opens its first branch in Barnstaple.

1988 - 1998

Throughout the first ten years of business, Concept develops a network of branches throughout Devon and Somerset, opening additional premises in Bideford (1992), Taunton (1994), Tiverton (1997) and Exeter (1998), offering recruitment support in a number of industry sectors including warehouse, distribution & logistics, manufacturing, technical and commercial & office support.

2000 - 2007

In 2000, Concept extends to Wiltshire, opening a branch in Chippenham and five years later launches its most southerly branches in Plymouth (2005) and Truro (2006).

In 2007, Concept launches a new branch in Yeovil shortly before it becomes part of the Acorn Group.

In addition to branch development, Concept broadens its portfolio to include companies within engineering, accountancy & finance, catering & hospitality, and sales & marketing sectors.

2007

In December, Acorn, one of the UK’s leading recruitment and training providers, acquires Concept; helping to reinforce the company’s position as the leading recruiter, now offering the increased capacity and support of a wider national infrastructure.

2008

Concept opens its Newton Abbot branch. 

ISO9001:2000 – Concept is successfully accredited with the Quality Standard. 

In December, Concept Staffing celebrates its 20th anniversary.

2009

In March, Concept launches its Driving Division supporting businesses throughout the South West.

Concept also achieves the latest Investors in People (IiP) accreditation. 

In August, Acorn acquires the trade of national technical recruiter Oracle Global Resourcing.  With its head office based in London, the engineering specialist, which now trades under the name of Exxell, continues to work with clients in rail, construction & building, energy and facilities management UK-wide.

2010

In November, Concept Staffing is a finalist in the annual Jobsite RecruitRank Awards 2010 for the ‘Best Understanding of Candidate Needs’, ‘Best Industry Knowledge’, and ‘Best Recruiter’ categories.

2011

In April, Acorn acquires Caerphilly based Draig Personnel, the well-established, leading recruiters in the South Wales Valleys. 

Together with the rest of the Acorn Group, we currently employ circa 280 staff across 35 branches and onsite locations. The company places up to 5,000 workers into temporary assignments for up to 850 different companies each day. We make nearly 1,700 permanent placements every year and deliver training to over 1,000 individuals each month.