The Brook Group

The Brook Family began trading some 60 years ago as wholesale grocers.

They progressed through to a cash and carry business before diversifying in the early 1990’s into nursing homes and leisure, and subsequently building the Brook Leisure company, making the Barnsley based family run business one of the largest leisure operators in the region. Following the establishment of Quest Property in 1991, The Brook Group also encompasses an impressive property development portfolio, with over £100M worth of development, currently under construction.

It was Chairman, Martin Brook’s initial vision and business acumen that enabled the company to diversify so successfully into various markets.  His adaptability to market changes and the enviable reputation he established propelled The Brook Group into its early successes.  In the subsequent years his passion, and that of his son CEO Jason Brook, has ensured the continued success of one of Barnsley’s most established family businesses.  Brook Leisure’s first club was Hedonism in Barnsley, although the company is now best known for its bar and restaurant brands, including Embrace, Livingstones and Crystal, in 20 locations throughout the UK, along with award winning The Brooklands Hotel in Barnsley.

Through Quest Property, the company has established itself as the pioneering force behind Barnsley’s regeneration through the development of the £70M Gateway Plaza mixed use scheme. The BDA has provided continued support for Gateway Plaza and the scheme also received Objective One funding to the sum of £5.2M for the offices element of the development.  A recent coup has been the agreement with Whitbread Plc to provide a 110 bed hotel together with a 7,000 sqft Bar and Restaurant. Quest Property’s other main development is the £30M South Quay residential scheme in Swansea which will provide 165 luxury apartments at the Swansea SA1 waterfront site.

Quest Property is behind the development of the £70m Gateway Plaza mixed use scheme in Barnsley.

The company is well known for its bar and restaurant brands including Brooklands Hotel, the home of the Barnsley Chop.

Talent Services - Recruitment and Training

Specialising in the delivery of training, recruitment and HR development, Talent Services was established eight years ago with the vision to help people and business in Barnsley reach their true potential.

Both directors originally came from Barnsley and this vision has been the drive and passion behind their success. Their company offers bespoke and generic training, recruitment and consultancy services to a wide range of customers.

Barnsley Development Agency has been a significant help to Talent Services over the years providing funding and industry knowledge. The BDA Barnsley Monthly Unemployment Briefings and the comprehensive level of information that BDA produce has aided Talent Services in the completion of tenders and business plans and assisted the decision-making process on a number of occasions helping them keep ahead of the competition. BDA have also provided Talent Services with recruitment assistance and funding to contribute towards the training of both their staff and their clients. The continued regeneration of Barnsley has also helped them achieve new and expanded contracts with more enterprising people and companies being attracted to the area.

Talent Service’s dedication to both their work and Barnsley was recognised when they won three awards at the Barnsley Chamber of Commerce’s Business Awards 2006. Winning Barnsley Chamber’s Business of the Year, Professional Firm of the Year and the Information and Communications Technology Award the company further reinforced their drive and passion for their business and for Barnsley.

For more information about talent Services please visit www.talent-services.co.uk.

Talent Directors Tracey and Simon Lally (pictured above) offer bespoke and generic training, recruitment and consultancy services to a wide range of customers.