Paragon’s plans for global growth gather pace with new hire

The international expansion plans of Nottingham-based Paragon Law, one of the UK’s largest specialist immigration firms, have gathered momentum with the hire of Human Resources (HR) professional Ling Xu to the newly created role of HR and Projects Manager.

Ling joins Paragon’s management team, specifically working alongside company founder and managing director Thal Vasishta, who says:

“Paragon is currently working towards a business venture in Shanghai which will enable the firm to deliver immigration advice to people looking to study, work or invest in the UK. We will also be able to assist UK businesses looking to set up or enter business relationships in China. Ling’s fluency in Mandarin and Cantonese, combined with her knowledge of the culture in China, will be of major assistance in our push into the Chinese market, working with me to establish our specialist immigration and recruitment consultancy there. We are also receiving valuable support and guidance from British Oriental Development Associates (BODA) Ltd and hope to launch our Shanghai practice in early 2009.”

He adds: “Ling’s recruitment represents one of a number of moves that demonstrate how Paragon is ‘growing up’. Since the firm launched in 2003, we have seen a steady growth in fee income, the number of clients, profitability and headcount, and Ling will play a pivotal role in the next phase of our expansion, by assisting us in fully professionalising the management team whilst realising our strategy to expand Paragon’s global activities and put in place a number of development projects.”

Ling joins Paragon from global business, AREVA Transmission and Distribution (T&D) UK Limited, where, as HR Administrator, she was responsible for all HR administration for the company’s five business units. She also put her language skills to full use, designing and delivering Chinese language tuition to unit managers to assist in AREVA’s business growth in China.

A qualified Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) graduate, Ling has a MA in HR Management from Middlesex University Business School, London.

As well as working on Paragon’s international plans and projects, Ling will fine-tune the firm’s HR policies and procedures.

Of joining Paragon, she says: “I am very excited to be working for a growing organisation that has a strong ambition and energy for expanding its business on a global scale. The forthcoming joint venture in China is the perfect opportunity for me to use my language skills and knowledge of the Chinese culture and people.

“I love working with people, and HR has always been the focus of my career. After finishing my Masters in HR management and becoming CIPD qualified, it is now time to develop my skills and knowledge to a more strategic level and the role with Paragon provides me with the platform to move my career forward in this direction.”