THE founder of one of Worcestershire's most well-known recruitment companies has retired after more than 40 years in charge.

Louise Hewett has spent 41 years with Hewett Recruitment, having been one of the company's founders back in 1980.

Mrs Hewett helped make the business one of the most prominent of its type in the county, helping fill thousands of job roles in those decades.

In a farewell statement, she thanked all her colleagues for their help over the years.

She wrote: "I have been incredibly lucky to have loved my chosen careers.

"Although I've received awards and recognition for the business and my work in the community, we all know it is the people who really matter.

"My wonderful team and people who have worked for me over the years, longstanding clients and network of candidates - it has been fun and never a dull moment."

Mrs Hewett will be succeeded by her daughter Laura and fellow director Ben Mannion, who will be taking over as equal shareholders.

She added: "The transition will be seamless and I'm confident that the business will continue to go from strength to strength under their ownership.

"I will still be active in my role as Deputy Lieutenant of Worcestershire with responsibility for the Queen's Awards."

Though Hewett Recruitment was originally set up to help fill temporary jobs, it has expanded to offer permanent, contract and temporary recruitment solutions in the IT, Engineering, Commercial, Industrial and Executive sectors.

It has sites in both Kidderminster and Worcester, helping businesses fill jobs across the county.