Pictured: James Martin 

The Midlands is showing stronger signs of economic recovery than other regions, according to the experience of one of the UK's fastest-growing recruitment agencies.

gap personnel has taken on 30 staff in the Midlands since the start of 2010, to cope with demand from firms coming out of recession seeking to take on additional labour.

The agency, which is the UK's eighth largest industrial labour provider, has been expanding across the UK but has seen its best growth in the Midlands.

Birmingham branch manager James Martin said: "Demand from manufacturers and other industrial clients for additional labour has been stronger here than in any other gap region.  

"This is good news for the Midlands as the UK continues to recover from recession."

Latest figures show the numbers of jobless in the West Midlands fell in the three months to June - bucking the national trend of a big rise.

The jobless total in the region fell by 30,000 to 224,000 for the quarter, while unemployment across the UK rose by 38,000 to 2.49m.

gap's experience will add to the growing sense of optimism in the region's business community. 

Positions created by gap during the company's recruitment drive in the Midlands include branch managers, recruitment consultants and admin staff. 

The company also has a policy of investing in youth by taking on apprentices through recognised government schemes. 

The company, which specialises in industrial recruitment, now has eight branches across the Midlands including Stoke, Telford, Daventry, Northampton and Rugeley as well as Birmingham.

Despite opening less than a year ago the Birmingham branch, on Stratford Road in Hall Green, has already grown to become one of the most important in gap's 30-strong national network.

Clients served from gap's Birmingham office include Walkers Chocolates, CHEP and City Link.

North Wales-headquartered gap now employs around 200 people in total nationwide.

Aside from the Midlands, gap's other key regions include Yorkshire, the North West and the South West. 

Managing director Gary Dewhurst said: "At a time when many of our rivals in the recruitment industry are stalling or even downsizing, we are pursuing an ambitious growth strategy and taking people on.

"We don't believe in standing still and are always looking for ways to grow the business. 

"gap now has a total of 30 branches across five key UK regions, with plans for further expansion.

"At a time of ongoing economic uncertainty, it is pleasing to know we have created 147 jobs nationally in just over 18 months."

gap places and payrolls up to 5,000 temporary workers per week, covering more than 1.5m shifts per year.

For more information about gap personnel, please visit their website: www.gap-personnel.com