Russell Taylor Group's Sarah Deer has been recognised as a shining star in the recruitment business.

Sarah, 25, received a Highly Commended accolade in the prestigious Insider North West Young Professionals Awards in the Young Person in HR/Recruitment category.

Based at the Russell Taylor headquarters in Riverside Park, Bromborough, Sarah is one of a growing number of employees who are achieving workplace success after choosing to become an apprentice.

Since joining the company six years ago straight from school, she has worked her way up from young administrator to office manager, now training and nurturing her own apprentices as part of team's “back office” support for the rapidly-growing Russell Taylor technical recruitment operation.

in her own time, Sarah has gained NVQ Levels 2 & 3 in business administration, an ILM Level 4 qualification in management and she is currently studying for her Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development qualification.

While still at school, Sarah, a former pupil of Bebington High School, decided university wasn't an option for her as all she wanted was a “real” job so she could become independent.

She said: “I've been working since I was 15. I'm one of those people who can't sit still and I just wanted independence and the ability to make my own money.

“So I came to Russell Taylor at the age of 18 and have never looked back.”

Group chairman Peter Russell said: “We are all immensely proud of Sarah's achievements and to be recognised in the North West Young Professionals Awards is wonderful news.

“Sarah is a shining example of what can be achieved by determination and hard work. "Like many of the Russell Taylor staff, she is part of our team of 'home grown' talent.

"She chose to come and work for us from a young age and she has been developed and nurtured every step of the way to reach her own personal workplace goals.”