Leading recruitment company Acorn by Synergie has announced a significant expansion of its construction recruitment division, with the creation of a brand-new team in Exeter and the doubling of its Bristol-based operation, welcoming four new recruits to support continued growth across the South West and South Wales.
For more than two decades, Acorn by Synergie’s construction recruitment team operated predominantly from south Wales, supplying skilled workers to major projects across the region.
Four years ago, the company expanded into Bristol to mirror its successful south Wales model, responding to growing demand from clients who required workforce support on both sides of the Severn Bridge.
The latest expansion has been driven in part by Acorn’s successful partnership with leading construction company Bouygues UK and its work on the landmark Canolfan Pentre Awel development in Llanelli. As part of the project, Acorn established an employment hub that engaged with local unemployed people, helping them access opportunities within Bouygues UK’s supply chain and delivering meaningful social value to the local community.
Building on that success, Acorn is now supporting Bouygues UK with the recruitment of construction staff for two new education projects in Rhoose and Barry. The work continues to strengthen the company’s commitment to social value and supports its Acorn Impact pledge, which focuses on creating positive outcomes for individuals, communities and employers.
The relationship with Bouygues UK has also led to further opportunities in the South West. As the construction company begins demolition works at the University of Exeter, it sought to replicate the successful employment hub model previously delivered in Llanelli.
In response, Acorn by Synergie has established a dedicated construction recruitment office in Exeter, staffed by two specialist team members who will divide their time between the branch and site-based operations.
Joining the Exeter team are Regional Manager Harry Lambert, who previously managed Acorn’s Bristol construction office for the past two years, and Account Manager Jipsy Quinn,. Harry will now split his time between Bristol and Exeter, helping to drive growth and maintain strong client relationships across both regions.
Meanwhile, the Bristol construction team has also expanded. Ben Thompson has joined as Housing Recruitment Consultant, while Mark Shepherd, who first worked for Acorn more than 20 years ago, has returned to the business as White Collar Principal Consultant. Ben and Mark join Recruitment Resourcer Francesca Chan and Harry Lambert on the team.
Marc Jones, Director of Operations for Technical at Acorn by Synergie, said:
“The work we delivered alongside Bouygues UK at Canolfan Pentre Awel was a fantastic example of how recruitment can create genuine social value. Seeing local unemployed people engage with opportunities and helping to facilitate a major construction supply chain was a significant achievement for everyone involved.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see that success recognised and replicated elsewhere. The growth of our construction division across the bridge into Bristol and now Exeter demonstrates the value we can bring to clients and communities alike. We’re excited to continue building on these partnerships and creating opportunities for local people across the regions we serve.”
Bernard Ward, Managing Director of Acorn by Synergie, added:
“It’s fantastic to see our Construction Recruitment team continue to grow and evolve. The addition of four talented new colleagues reflects both the strength of our client relationships and the dedication of our existing teams.
“The expansion into Exeter and the growth of our Bristol operation are important milestones for the business. We’re delighted to welcome Jipsy, Harry, Ben and Mark to Acorn by Synergie and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have for our clients, candidates and communities.”
