Joint initiative with Bluestones Supply Chain launches in Manchester

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of a new Lancashire based joint initiative with Bluestones Supply Chain – a national recruitment partner specialising in the UK logistics sector.

Bluestones Supply Chain, a growing agency with multiple locations across England and Scotland, is the go-to recruitment company for a diverse range of driving and logistics clients, from small family-owned businesses to international blue-chip organisations. Whereas Cogent Staffing is one of Yorkshire’s most successful multi-disciplinary recruitment businesses.

Together, we’re part of the Generalist division within the Bluestones Investment Group, a multi-million pound revenue business, with offices throughout the UK and a balanced portfolio of staffing brands.

This joint initiative and the opening of a new office in the heart of Manchester’s industrial district, Trafford Park, brings together the collective resources of two-specialist recruitment agencies that focus on supporting organisations operating throughout the supply chain, manufacturing, logistics, and related industries.

This geographical expansion for both businesses will help support continued growth as the businesses support workers with finding temporary and permanent employment positions during the cost-of-living crisis.

Alongside the office opening, we’re also excited to announce the appointment of local recruitment expert, Danny Oakes, as Branch Manager. Danny specialises in placing workers in industrial, FMCG, engineering and commercial sectors both in temporary and permanent roles, across Greater Manchester and Lancashire. Danny has a wealth of recruitment experience, intrinsic local knowledge and an envied network of candidates, making him perfectly placed to support a diverse range of clients across the region.

On the joint initiative, new office opening and securing Danny to join the Cogent Staffing team, Sam Gaukroger, Managing Director of Cogent Staffing, said:

"We already have an extensive client base in Manchester and a presence in the area will allow us to strengthen and build on those relationships. We also recognise the wealth of talent that exists within Lancashire and our new office will give us access to a larger talent pool, that would not have been available to us before.

“We’ve enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Bluestones Supply Chain over the years, so combining forces, expertise and resource on this new venture is extremely exciting. What’s more, we couldn’t be happier to have Danny heading up our new venture. Securing his services is a major coup for the business and we’re thrilled to have him on board.”

On the new initiative, Trish Stratford, Divisional CEO at Bluestones Investment Group said:

“Bluestones Investment Group is delighted to be supporting Cogent Staffing and Bluestones Supply Chain with further investment for the next stage of their growth journey. It’s great to see collaboration across the group, leveraging our collective strengths to continue to deliver exceptional services to clients and candidates alike across the industrial and logistics sectors.”

This joint initiative ensures that client companies can have a genuine end-to-end supply chain solution that supports everything from the initial manufacturing process and warehouse operations to logistics and transportation.

Whether it’s ad-hoc supply of individuals, recruiting permanent personnel, or providing on-site managed services, our new joint initiative has it covered. With a tried and tested approach, an enviable client portfolio, industry-leading technologies, and a well-experienced management and delivery team, Cogent Staffing, alongside Bluestones Supply Chain, can offer a genuine integrated solution and provides a single, focused service for both its clients and its workers.