IT AND financial recruitment specialists Grist Personnel are equipping themselves for an economic recovery by adding three new recruitment consultants to their ranks.

The Totton-based company is already experiencing the signs of recovery with an increase in demand from its southern region client base.

Grist has some 5,000 qualified professionals, mainly accountants and IT specialists, on its database.

Managing director Colin Coxon explains: "There was a significant cutback by companies after the events of September 11 last year and we noticed almost a doubling of hits on our website from individuals who had come onto the job market or thought they might be losing their positions.

"But some companies seem to have pared back too much. In the first quarter of 2002, we noticed that many companies were setting themselves for growth and either need staff to expand or to replace personnel because they reduced too much last year.''

Grist says it has noticed a rise in demand for both permanent and temporary staff, and, allied to its own expansion plans, the company has taken on IT recruitment consultants Paul Malone and Justin Bloomfield, and financial recruitment specialist Deborah Barr.

Paul has had six years post graduate sales experience in IT, including the past two years with an IT recruitment specialist in Reading. He specialises in permanent and contract opportunities in software development and systems management and support.

Justin also has six years of IT experience, all in recruitment, and specialises in permanent and contract software development opportunities in the electronics sector. Among his interests, he is captain of New Milton Rugby Club.

Deborah joins Grist after two years post graduate experience in financial recruitment with a major agency in London. Her speciality is permanent and contract opportunities for qualified and part-qualified accountants in Hampshire, West Sussex and Surrey.

"These three appointments will considerably strengthen our team and enhance our services to existing and new clients,'' says Mr Coxon.