Image of employee Stephen Simpson Director and engineering recruiter of SimWest Engineering Recruitment

Stephen Simpson

Director/Engineering Recruiter

About Me

Stephen is the Founder of SimWest Engineering Recruitment and has over 17 years’ experience supporting engineering and manufacturing businesses across the UK.

He specialises in recruiting engineers for machinery-led environments, with particular focus on special-purpose machinery, food & drink manufacturing and FMCG.  Having worked closely with both candidates and hiring managers throughout his career, Stephen understands the challenges businesses face when securing the right engineering talent and takes a practical, straightforward approach to recruitment.

As a hands-on, owner-led consultant, Stephen personally manages every search, ensuring clients and candidates receive a responsive, honest and professional service from initial conversation through to successful placement.

 

My Posts

June 5, 2026

Machinery Downtime vs. Empty Talent Pipeline: Why Maintenance Roles Are Grinding North West Production to a Halt

A look at how unfilled Maintenance Engineer roles are costing North West food, drink and FMCG manufacturers more than time. This article explores the impact of downtime, skills shortages and local wage competition, and why a more proactive and strategic recruitment is approach is needed.
May 5, 2026

2026 Design Engineering Salary Survey

2026 UK Design Engineering Salary Survey: What Design Engineers and Hiring Managers Need to Know
March 26, 2026

90-Day Engineering Onboarding: Building Credibility in Food & FMCG Manufacturing

The first 90 days in a new engineering role can define your reputation. This guide shows how to avoid the “proactivity trap” and build trust before making change.
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