AN EMPLOYMENT recruitment agency is celebrating three decades in a Test Valley town.

Paragons Personnel moved into Romsey’s Latimer Street in November 1985 but apart from a glass of champagne or two and balloons decorating the premises, it was business as usual as the company chalked up 30 years in the town.

“Our company ethos remains the same today as it did on our first day in business in 1985, and that is to provide an individual and expert service to our clients, by understanding their needs and working in partnership with them, to achieve the result they require,” said Gerri Meade, who is legal/commercial consultant at Paragons. Accountant Lisa Keen added: “A lot has changed over our past 30 years in business, but the most significant thing is the introduction and reliance on new technology.

"When the company started in 1985, we had only one computer in the whole office and made extensive use of the typewriter.

"Our client and candidate databases were stored in paper files and folders. This meant hours were spent filing and searching for cards and documents and our postage costs were proportionally far higher than today. We had no email, but we made heavy use of the new-fangled fax machine, which at the time seemed like magic!

"Now we benefit from web-based search and selection tools. We can advertise a new position in minutes. Applications, job descriptions and assignment details can be emailed immediately.”

When it opened in November1985, Paragons started with five members of staff and the same number of personnel run it today. Company director is Mr Chris Gilmore. Besides Mr Gilmore, Lisa and Gerri, Paragons staff include Angie Geary who runs the industrial desk and Nicola Mitchell who is permanent consult.

Paragons bosses say that without the dedication of its staff and clients the company would not be where it is today.