A NEW era has begun for Hampshire recruitment firm Mayday after founders Bob and Beryl King stepped down.

The pair have appointed a new management team for the Totton based business and gone into retirement after 30 years running the business.

The new top team are Karen Murley, David Collier-Baker and Emma Hughes.

Karen has been working for Mayday for 17 years and, thanks to an extensive background in the financial industry, is the financial manager.

She also holds the full National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health qualification, enabbling her to fully understand health and safety issues both for Mayday and its clients.

David Collier-Baker is the sales manager and has worked in the industrial sector of Mayday for the last decade. He attributes the success of the company to its staff and their ability to both win and retain clients.

He said: “Excellent customer service coupled with integrity has always been the key to our longevity with consultants and clients alike.”

Emma Hughes has worked her way up to office manager after joining the business in 1981 as an office junior when the company rented space above Type Write Stationers.

She was initially promoted to consultant before leaving in 1992 to raise a family and returning in 2006 to find “a flourishing company with a large client base”.

A Mayday spokesman said: “The company’s founding principles of personal but professional service will continue to apply. The new team is looking to build upon the firm foundation that has been laid.

“The trio will bring strong, solid leadership with their first challenge being to continue to support and help local companies through this time of economic change.”