Jo's not taking a backward step in company's growth

That was no more emphasised back in February 2006, when she took the decision to set up a recruitment company.

Others may have been daunted by the challenge, particularly the thought of taking on established players in the sector.

But, for Jo, that was never the case; the idea didn’t enter the equation.

For a woman who spent years building her experience at a leading global recruitment agency, it’s easy to understand why.

Nearly a decade later, her firm, Jo Hand Recruitment, in Middlesbrough, has helped thousands of people into employment, driven forward by her passion and will to deliver the best possible service allied to a personal touch.

So, as a woman who prides herself on her work and the area she represents, perhaps it wasn’t the wisest decision for a fellow holidaymaker to criticise something else close to her heart on a recent trip: the Tees Valley.

More precisely, it was a mistake to trot out the same old negative misconceptions about the region.

She said: “I was in Jersey on an island day trip, and got chatting to a couple from Suffolk.

“When I said I was from the Tees Valley, the woman just laughed, and said I feel sorry for you.

“It was just another example of how you get people who have never visited here, but pooh-pooh it anyway.

“We’ve got beautiful countryside and beaches on our doorstep, and we don’t have the traffic problems and dense population like some other areas either.”

Now back from her sojourn, Jo is keen to continue talking about the positives, including her company’s ten-year milestone.

Working with hundreds of firms in the region, it helps jobseekers find their next calling.

So what’s the secret behind its success?

“I had worked for the same company for a number of years, but it got to the point where I felt the time had come for me to step up”, said Jo.

“I didn’t think there was anyone offering a world-class service for local prices.

“I just kept thinking, why not?

“It was a bit like Aldi taking on Marks and Spencer with the Christmas pudding.

“We take that personal touch; we are not a cold, corporate organisation.

“We operate across the public, private and third sector, and focus on a number of areas, including engineering, manufacturing, warehouse and distribution and customer service roles.

“We have grown year-on-year, even in the recession.

“This year will be our strongest; we got through the economic downturn and we have come out stronger.

“Some of the established offices have closed, but we are still here and that makes me very proud.”

Five minutes with...Jo Hand

Favourite North-East building and why? Durham Cathedral. It never fails to take my breath away when I see it.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? On the checkouts at Asda while at college. The wages were great as there was plenty of overtime.

What was the worst job you have ever had? I have always enjoyed all my jobs, I have been lucky and sensible in my choices on reflection. The only thing I would say is that I was given two weeks work experience in a library doing librarian work. I think I was a little too full on for them and was constantly being told to Sssshhhh!

What would you cook for me if I came around to dinner? For starters I would make Indian spicy vegetable soup. For mains, I would make an authentic Indian curry from scratch (I would even blend my own spices). This would be served with vegetable dyed rice and home-made naan breads along with pickles. For dessert, I would serve home-made lemon ice cream with home-made lemon flavoured shortbread biscuits.

What would your superpower be? To be able to be in two places at once and get twice as much done.

Name four people, dead or alive that would be at your perfect dinner party: Sir Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, and the Two Ronnies. Would be fun.

Most expensive thing you have bought, other than a car or house, and how much? Louis Vuitton bag, in New York. $1,800 dollars. Love it.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why? I like Lord Alan Sugar, he keeps it real.

Favourite book? Gone with the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell. One of the best books ever written. It has everything.

When did you last cry? When my mother passed away almost four years ago.

What is your greatest achievement? Apart from the usual children thing etc, winning the coveted North East Female Entrepreneur of The Year Award, in November 2013. The first Teesside lady to ever win it.

Most famous person on your mobile phone? There’s lots of prominent and well-known business people, and a BBC TV producer called Annette.

What was the last band you saw live? Elton John last year. He was fantastic.

Describe your perfect night in: Cooking a nice meal for the family and snuggling up in front of the fire with my husband, the children and the dogs.

In another life I would be... A singer or a chef.

Who would play you in a film of your life? Glenn Close. I love the role she plays in Damages, a top negotiator, she always wins, she is an iron fist in a velvet glove.

What irritates you? Laziness. Also, negativity about our wonderful Tees Valley region.

What’s your secret talent? A good chess player. I was the Cleveland junior champion. I used to be a good tennis player too and was pretty obsessed with it at one time.