An entrepreneurial culture and ambitious vision creates an exciting workplace at Bluestones Investment Group. In the fast-moving recruitment industry, its team offers a tried and tested approach to launching new businesses and developing them to reach their full potential. Based in Cheshire with more than 30 offices around the UK employing nearly 200 people, Bluestones was established in 2014.

The company has built up a multi-million-pound group with a balanced portfolio of small and medium-sized recruitment organisations. One is a learning and development business, Thirsty Scholars Partnership, whose mental health and wellbeing courses were made freely available during the pandemic in recognition of the extreme challenges people faced – both personally and professionally.

Regular team meetings and less formal team WhatsApp groups and discussions over social media were valuable to keep every member of staff in the loop about Covid-19 announcements and what they meant for the business, especially for those who had been furloughed.

The 2020 annual awards ceremony – usually a black-tie dinner – was held as a webinar event. The winners were commended for exceptional sales, and nominated by colleagues for putting into action the company values – passion, accountability, collaboration and enjoyment. When travel restrictions are eased they are due to be rewarded with a trip to Las Vegas.