Columbia Sportswear seek help from TNG to find staff for their first London Store.

The recent speed-dating session followed a motivational speech by Billy Schwer, former world champion welter weight boxer.

TNG, a national welfare to work training provider, in Great Cambridge Road, Enfield, has helped Columbia Sportswear, the international outdoors clothing specialist, to find talented employees for its first London store. The office in Enfield has helped 200 locals find work since April this year.

The store manager, Ali Mahiz, wanted to make sure he had the right people to contribute to the store's success and turned to TNG Account Manager, Alan Pritchard, for help.

Alan arranged for an open day at the local Job Centre Plus to fill the vacancies. Staff at TNG then provided Health and Safety, First Aid and Manual Handling training.

Having been so impressed with TNG's service and the quality of employees, Ali has since pledged to use TNG for all future recruitment. To date, TNG Enfield has placed 9 people into employment with Columbia Sportswear, who are interviewing another 10 TNG customers with a view to fill 5 vacancies.

Ali Mahiz said, "Opening a brand new flagship store in London, we needed to employ a team that would be trained and raring to go from day one. TNG not only selected the perfect people, but also provided initial training. We now have a winning team and are looking forward to working with TNG in the future."

Kaz Halai, Business Manager at TNG in Enfield said, "This is a good example of the work that TNG does with employers in and around Enfield, to help local jobseekers into work. TNG provides a CV-matching service ensuring the best fit for both employer and applicant."