A BOLTON business launched by three former students aims to help graduates succeed in the world of work.

Potentia Recruitment Consultancy Ltd in River Street sees a market opportunity in the cruel reality that a degree is not an automatic passport to a well-paid job.

Managing director Keith Mallinder, aged 29, commercial director David Marco, 26, and operations director Kirsty Archibald, 25, are convinced there is a demand for what could be a unique service.

David said: "According to the Federation of Recruitment employment Services, we are the only ones to provide a recruitment service aimed exclusively at graduates."

The company is building a data base of local firms' requirements with a view to putting them in touch with graduates Potentia has interviewed and screened for suitability.

Keith, David and Kirsty believe many graduates have a rosy view of the employment world while they are enjoying student life and that some employers have prejudices which work against finding the potential in educated young people.

They hope to provide a service which creates a link to permanent or - more likely - temporary employment.

They have close ties with Bolton Institute and are contacting universities throughout the country.

Bolton-born Keith and Londoner David are psychology graduates from Bolton Institute, while Kirsty graduated from Strathclyde University.

So far they are finding that the response is good and that there is a demand for what they do.

Keith said: "We want forward-looking Bolton companies to realise the value of students."

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