Rugby international has success on and off pitch with recruitment venture

Mar 12 2008 by Sion Barry, Western Mail

RUGBY international Gethin Jenkins is experiencing commercial success off the pitch as director of fast-expanding recruitment venture TLS.

Mr Jenkins, who this Saturday is likely to be in the Welsh team for the Grand Slam showdown match against France, has a 50% equity stake in the Cardiff-based business, which specialises in providing staff to some of the UK’s biggest construction companies.

The business, which was formed last year, is projecting a turnover of £2.4m in its current financial year.

It has a database of around 200 workers, including plasterers and bricklayers, with its marketplace covering South Wales and the West of England.

Mr Jenkins said, “The business has experienced rapid growth since its launch last year. From my perspective, a professional rugby career is a relatively short-lived one.

“My involvement with TLS has provided and opportunity to develop a new career after I retire from the game.

“The focus is very much on growing the business and increasing our market share in providing recruits to the construction sector.”

Mr Jenkins is currently acting mainly in a sales development capacity, but is looking to widen his involvement.

The company recently moved to new offices in Cardiff Bay. TLS has a projected turnover of £4m for its next financial year – 2008-09.

Its clients include Carillion, HBG Construction, Sir Alfred McAlpine, Skanska and Redrow.

Mr Jenkins’s fellow director is Dean Bennett.