Our History
The Steps That Shaped Our Journey
1979 was a year of many firsts. Children and adults alike were captivated by the launch of the Sony Walkman, McDonald’s introduced the Happy Meal, and the UK witnessed its first female Prime Minister come into office.
It was also the year our business was formed by Mr. Harry Clayton, stepping into a business world vastly different from today. There was no Internet, no smartphones, and communication was far less instantaneous. Despite these challenges, Mr. Clayton’s vision and dedication laid the foundation for a leading name in recruitment. Over the years, dynamic business leaders have propelled us forward, enabling us to adapt and thrive through decades of technological and societal change.
1979
Harry Clayton founds ‘Clayton Management’, establishing a firm that would grow into an industry leader
1989
David Wiggin purchases the business, bringing fresh vision and leadership
1993
Lynn Sedgwick (ex Hays and Michael Page) joins, with a brief to grow and immediately set up Clayton Financial division
1999
The Clayton Legal brand is formed specialising in legal recruitment and expanding the company’s expertise
2001
Clayton Recruitment is incorporated, broadening the company’s scope to include a wide range of industries mainly focussed in the North
2002
Lynn Sedgwick becomes a joint shareholder bringing her extensive experience and strategic insight to the company
2013
David Wiggin retires, Lynn purchases remaining shares and Clayton Nursing, IT, & Industrial divisions are launched
2014
Now based in the current HQ of Trinity House, Preston, the company grows with a headcount of 21
2016
The Clayton brands go from strength to strength – and headcount increases significantly over this period in line with service demand
2020
The COVID pandemic forces seismic changes to working practices. Nursing Division closes and brands are consolidated
2022
We open offices in Manchester and London and increase our presence in the regions as headcount grows by another 20%
2024
Lynn Sedgwick retires from the Clayton Group after 31 years as the business is bought by Bluestones Investment Group. Louise Kearns takes over as MD