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

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.
March 17, 2026

Why UK Manufacturing is Losing its Engineering Memory (and How to Save It)

UK manufacturing isn’t just facing a skills shortage, it’s losing decades of critical engineering knowledge. This article explores the growing “engineering memory” gap, the risks it creates for productivity and safety, and three practical, shop-floor strategies to capture, retain, and transfer expertise before it’s lost for good.
March 4, 2026

Preparing for Engineering Interviews

Preparing for Engineering Interviews: Practical technical and behavioural interview tips for engineers working in UK Food, FMCG and machinery manufacturing. Learn what hiring managers really look for, how to demonstrate real engineering experience, and how to make a strong impression during interviews and site tours.
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