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

July 17, 2026

Mind the Gap: Why the Notice Period is the Most Vulnerable Stage of Engineering Recruitment (And How to Protect Your Hires)

Discover why the notice period is the highest-risk stage of engineering recruitment and learn practical strategies to keep new hires engaged until day one.
July 2, 2026

How Engineering Manager Job Titles Have Evolved in Food & FMCG Manufacturing

Discover how Engineering Manager job titles are evolving across the Food & FMCG manufacturing sector. Learn how automation, reliability, capital projects and changing business priorities are reshaping engineering leadership roles and what it means for employers and engineering professionals.
June 22, 2026

Why Food & FMCG SMEs Are Turning Back to External Engineering Support

Food & FMCG manufacturers are under growing pressure as engineering skill shortages and rising salaries make it harder for SMEs to recruit permanent Maintenance Engineers. This article explores why some businesses are turning back to external engineering support, the risks of over-reliance on contractors, and why a balanced engineering support model may be the best approach.
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