UK recruitment company Highams, along with three further trading divisions of Nakama Group plc – Nakama UK, Nakama Hong Kong and Nakama Singapore – have been acquired by Sanderson Solutions Group for an undisclosed fee, growing its team by approximately 15 per cent.
Highams, a Surrey-based recruitment agency, is part of the Nakama Group and specialises in placing business and technology transformation professionals in the financial services industry. It will retain its 30 year + brand name. Nakama UK will be moving into the core Sanderson business, whilst the Hong Kong and Singapore teams help expand Sanderson’s international footprint. The acquisition will bring the total Sanderson workforce up to just over 250 people.
Sanderson, one of the UK’s fastest growing recruitment businesses, was founded in 1975 by Keith Dawe, the Bristol-based recruitment entrepreneur. Sanderson’s expansion strategy has seen it grow to operate 12 offices globally, recently rebranding its core business, Sanderson, to bring its recruitment, solutions, projects and executive search functions under the one umbrella.
Commenting, Jon Ball, CEO of Sanderson, said: “Sanderson has a history of investing during the difficult times to ensure we thrive on the other side, which is why we have made the brave decision to expand now for a stronger future. The team at Highams bring a wealth of expertise in the insurance, wealth management and pensions space, which will really boost our footprint in the financial services industry. The Nakama teams help us to continue increase our international footprint, with an established business on the ground. As we help our clients to rebuild out of the crisis, helping them source the talent they need will be crucial. The addition of the Highams and Nakama teams to the group will allow us to have an even bigger impact and we look forward to building on their success.”
Rob Thesiger, CEO of Nakama Group, added: “This is a landmark moment in the history of our company and we’re excited to be joining the Sanderson family. Being part of the group, which offers a wider range of recruitment services, will really benefit our clients. During a time when many firms are going through a period of transformation and change, our team is experienced, well-connected and equipped to help them find the people they need to thrive. The path ahead of us in 2021 is a positive one.”
In 2019, Sanderson acquired Intelligent Resource, the UK recruitment division of Sopra Steria and also secured a substantial shareholding in international recruitment consultancy, IKAS Global, which has provided a platform to access markets in the Asia Pacific region.
Last year, it launched Sanderson Projects, its new project delivery service, which offers a mix between high performing interim resources, along with measured outcomes and combined with shared financial responsibility between Sanderson and the client.
