A FAST-GROWING recruitment and training group has shrugged off economic uncertainty by taking on a new managing director to maintain its progress.

Lynda Couch-Smith has joined New Appointments Group, a large employer with headquarters in Sittingbourne and offices across the county.

The independent agency has seen a huge rise in turnover in the past five years, from £2.8 million to £11m. Growth has been achieved without overdraft or loan facilities.

Company owner Gerry Cassell said NAG was still making money in "an incredibly competitive market" and the new appointment marked a major step in the company's development.

"We have been fortunate enough to attract Lynda Couch-Smith who has a wealth of experience in business development within the services sector," he said.

Despite uncertainty over the economy and war with Iraq, he expected turnover to rise considerably over the coming years.

"It's always difficult to project in an uncertain climate, but over the next five years we see ourselves increasing turnover to £15m, £20m or even £30m," he said.

"That's good news for Kent, as NAG already employs over 700 temps every week. When we achieve our objectives we will certainly be employing somewhere around 1,500 - 2,000 each week, placing NAG as one of the very largest employers in Kent."

Mr Cassell said his business had always been one of the best barometers of economic activity. It focused on Kent and Medway and therefore had intimate knowledge of the labour market in the area and skills availability.

As for Europe, Mr Cassell condemned the planned directives on temporary workers, saying they were "just crazy”. They effectively give temps the same rights as permanent employers, raising fears that many jobs will go.

"The flexible labour force we have in the UK has enabled our economy to go forward when others such as France, Germany and Italy have progressively deteriorated," Mr Cassell said.

"Flexible temporary workers are one of the essential ingredients for the resilience of the economy in the UK."