Passion for people,
Science and compliance.
Our mission
We exist to help protect the world, ensuring potentially life-changing events are avoided, and improve the safety and quality management of both products and businesses.
Our vision
Taking the reigns with recruitment to drive excellence, allowing them to thrive and achieve their higher purpose.
Passion. Partnerships. People.
For many years, Novo has been a leading force in the Testing, Inspection & Certification recruitment sector. With deep industry expertise and a track record of excellence, Novo has consistently delivered top-tier talent to organisations in need of specialised TIC professionals. Our enduring presence and commitment to innovation make Novo a trusted partner in the ever-evolving landscape of TIC recruitment.
The story of Novo
The transformation into the Novo you recognise today didn't occur overnight. Our journey has been one of continuous dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We have invested considerable time and effort in defining our niche within the intricate domains of science, compliance, and Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) markets. It is through this deliberate focus that we have evolved into the respected experts that you rely on and appreciate today.
Our progression so far
The story of Novo begins with our Director, James Smethurst. When he ventured into the recruitment industry, he had a keen eye for finding a niche to explore. Driven by his passion for both people and science, he stumbled upon the TIC market. Conversations with industry insiders revealed a common challenge: finding individuals with the right calibre and capabilities. James recognized an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Our progression so far
In 2017, James joined forces with the Kevin Edward Group, which was still in the early stages of its journey. They were on the lookout for a recruiter who could help propel their growth.
Our progression so far
Following this partnership, the TIC division at Kevin Edward experienced rapid growth. It all began with the recruitment of Joe, Jess, and Dom, who laid the solid foundations of our team. What united this diverse group was a shared passion for the markets we serve, especially the people we work with.
Our progression so far
Fast forward to today, our team has seen remarkable expansion. We now boast an exceptional team of 11 recruiters, each with a deep expertise in the TIC field.
Our progression so far
Now in 2023, recognizing our unique position in the industry, we made a strategic decision to rebrand ourselves from Kevin Edward to Novo. Why Novo, you ask? Because, in our world, there's simply "No Other Viable Option!"
Our progression so far
We believe our distinctiveness stems not only from being pioneers in this market but also from the extensive relationships we've cultivated and the trust and credibility we've earned over the past decade.
Meet our team of experts
James Smethurst
Founder
Joe Hanson
Director
Stuart Brown
Director
Jessica Barnes
Head of Certification
Dominic Gorsden
Head of Consumer
Emma Cooper
Recruitment Consultant
Alex Goldsby
Recruitment Consultant
Melody Wiffen
Recruitment Consultant
Jerome Verity-Thomas
Recruitment Consultant
Mason Cherry
Recruitment Consultant
Nick Charlton
Recruitment Consultant
Marc Rayner
Operations Director
Johnathan Chapman
Head of Data
Andrew Weedy
Finance Director
Sophie Connell
Finance Assistant
Rachel Hatley
Marketing Manager
There’s a spot for you at Novo
Our people are the heart and soul of Novo's culture.
We provide clear career pathways and specialised training to empower you, whether you aspire to advance in the recruitment field or embark on a new career journey.
To us, being experts in what we do is incredibly important, and we only train and develop those who want to contribute towards the industries we operate in. Every consultant embarks on a 6-month research and partner program on the industry they’re embedding themselves into, which they must pass before being let loose into it. Our experts have precisely that – expertise.
Would you like to find out more about Novo?
