Leading specialist recruitment consultancy JAM has signaled its commitment to growth with the appointment of David Higgins (right), founder and former CEO of Harvey Nash PLC, as Non-Executive Director.

Founded 10 years ago by John Morris, Manchester-based JAM provides specialist skills to the UK’s defence and aerospace, technology, energy, manufacturing and professional services sectors, with a portfolio including executive search, recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), interim management, permanent and contract services.

Last year, it achieved sales in excess of £10m. Now, the company has opened a second office in London to tap into new markets and expects to launch a third office in Europe in 2011. It plans to treble its 70-strong team of specialist consultants over the next three years.

David Higgins was one of the original founders of international recruitment firm Harvey Nash PLC, as well as former executive deputy chairman and chief executive. He stepped down from the group in 2009, having developed the business into one of the world’s biggest recruitment brands with 35 offices in the UK, USA, Asia and continental Europe.

John Morris, Chief Executive Officer of JAM, said: “David’s arrival comes at an exciting time for the business. The group has ambitious growth and investment plans designed to secure market share in our core sectors, while developing new markets in the UK and overseas. David will be key in helping us to achieve this.”

David Higgins said: “I’m excited to be working with an innovative and progressive organisation like JAM. Despite the sector’s challenges during the past two years, the business has performed well, demonstrating the value of its support to many of the UK’s biggest employers. John and his team have an impressive track record of growth and have established themselves as one of the leading recruitment firms in the sector. I look forward to working with them to help further develop the business.”