Land Rover Defender specialist Twisted has embarked on a technician recruitment drive incentivised by “pay rates significantly higher than the industry standard”.

The offer to potential employees claims to deliver wages 78% over typical industry pay rate to recruit best technicians as part of a package which includes on-the-job training and annual salary of £52,000.

The Yorkshire-based Defender modification and sales specialist’s initiative follows a period of continued growth for the business, which included expansion into North America and the Middle East and a new showroom at Silverstone.

It also comes as the business claimed that demand for its new Twisted electric vehicle (EV) model “continues to soar”.

The Twisted EV offers more than 200 miles of real-world driving range.

Twisted founder Charles Fawcett wants to add up to six new technicians to his team, doubling capacity with his one man-one vehicle approach.

Fawcett said: “We want to find the best talent to join the coolest automotive brand in Yorkshire, but I recognise that to get the best people, you have to pay the best wages.

“For Twisted and its customers, nothing but the very best will do. That’s why I’ve decided to smash through the industry’s supposed pay ceiling and offer such an attractive package.”

The newly recruited full-time technicians will be paid £25 per hour – compared to an industry typical £14 per hour – equating to an annual salary of £52,000and beating the industry norm by 78%.

As part of the role, recruits will receive on-the-job Twisted training, 28 days’ holiday and the opportunity to work overseas at the firm’s new locations in USA and Dubai.

Twisted is also recruiting a manufacturing director and a sales director as part of a major expansion drive.

Fawcett said: “Despite the initial impact of lockdown, the scope for the business has increased and there are many new opportunities we have been able to explore, particularly in America.

“Our presence over there has grown rapidly and the demand for the vehicles has exceeded even our own lofty expectations.

“While back home in Thirsk, we’re fielding dozens of enquiries every day following the launch of the Twisted EV.

“As we approach our 20th year in business, there’s truly been no better time to be a part of Twisted, and I am excited to welcome the very best talent to the team as we continue our journey.”