The company takes its name from the economist Vilfredo Pareto, who first coined the 80/20 rule that says, in today's business context, 80 per cent of a company's revenue comes from 20 per cent of the sales force. Pareto Law aims to give organisations those top 20 per cent of performers by a combination of rigorous assessment, selection and training.

Pareto Law National Franchise Manager, Sally Price said: "As the first franchisees have already found, revenue from placement of graduates is high margin and good cash flow, as Pareto Law clients tend to be blue chip companies, offering repeat business and healthy finances."

Gerry Dowds from Glasgow was the fifth franchisee to join Pareto Law. He said: "It's a fantastic challenge starting your own business after so long in the corporate world. Pareto's support certainly makes the process easier, and once you start building your business and getting a reputation for success and quality in your region there is massive potential to enjoy the success of your investment.

"Running a Pareto franchise means I get to develop my team and my client base while the really onerous work of finding candidates and delivering training is done by Pareto head office. We also get lots of ideas, feedback and support from other franchisees as well as the Pareto team. While we are a franchise we're treated as another regional office, with the same high levels of support and team spirit."