17. GPS Locums

Founders: Jonathan Brown, Ian Oxley and James Blackburn
Founded: August 2012 (launched September 2012)
Website: www.gpslocums.co.uk

When it comes to starting and running a successful business, Jonathan Brown, Ian Oxley and James Blackburn assert that “some people want it to happen, some people wish it would happen, others make it happen” – and for them the latter most definitely rings true.

The founders of fast-growth recruitment start-up GPS Locums, Brown, Oxley and Blackburn have managed to tap into a lucrative but competitive market – supplying locum nurses and doctors to the NHS and private sector. Since the company’s launch in September 2012, GPS Locums has scaled organically to million pound revenues and a team of 17 employees.

The business covers doctors of all grades across a range of expertise and its “first class” 24 hour a day service has seen it make headway as one of the NHS’ preferred suppliers. The recruitment agency is now on track to become a top five supplier to the NHS and private sector and is in talks to close a £700m contract within the next year.

 Listed in the top 30 of the Startups 100 2014 index and finalist at the 2014 Startups Awards, the profitable business credits its success to putting relationships with clients and candidates at its core. “Huge growth” is anticipated over the next 12 months with plans currently underway to open a fourth office and revenues expected to break the £6m mark.