Meraki Capital acquires Smart Recruitment and Wise Recruitment and commits £1 million growth facility

Meraki Capital has completed its third and fourth acquisitions of the year with the

purchase of Swindon-headquartered Smart Recruitment and Wise Recruitment.

The dual transaction brings both businesses - with further offices in Yeovil, Plymouth

and Exeter - into the Meraki Group and secures the future of 100s of permanent and

temporary staff following a period of significant trading pressure. With the backing of

Meraki Capital and a committed £1 million growth facility, the businesses are now

positioned for long-term stability and expansion.

Following completion, Bradley Wood, Managing Director of Magnus Search — part

of the Meraki Capital group since summer 2025 — will work closely with the

leadership teams at Smart and Wise to oversee their transition into the Magnus

brand, while supporting operational development and future growth.

Nick Gordon, Founder of Meraki Capital, said: “Both Smart and Wise Recruitment

were facing significant challenges in the current economic climate, which continues

to place pressure on entrepreneurial recruitment businesses across the UK. Rising

employment costs, including National Insurance and PAYE changes, have had a

substantial impact on the sector.

“However, this is a positive story. These are fundamentally strong businesses

with excellent client relationships and real market opportunity. With the right

backing and investment, they have a clear path forward. There is opportunity

ahead for high-quality recruitment firms that are prepared to embrace strategic

support and fresh capital.”

Keith Robinson, managing director of Smart and Wise Recruitment, commented:

“This has been an incredibly challenging period for our business. With Meraki’s

investment, we are confident the company will continue to thrive for many years to

come. Together with Janet Robinson, our company’s strategic director, we have

successfully navigated two previous recessions and emerged stronger each time.

“Now is the moment for our team, under Brad and Nick’s guidance, to build on

that legacy and move confidently into the next chapter of recruitment.

“Janet and I will be stepping down from our roles, but we remain fully

committed to supporting our team, clients and candidates throughout the

transition.”

The acquisition reinforces Meraki Capital’s strategy of investing in high-quality

recruitment businesses and partnering closely with management teams to deliver

sustainable, long-term growth. The group’s model includes operational support,

access to advanced recruitment technology and delivery capability through its South

African outsourcing operation.

Bradley Wood, Managing Director of Magnus Search, added: “We are building a

group of recruitment businesses that are stronger together — with access to

investment, shared expertise and operational scale. Many recruitment firms are

facing tough conditions right now. This is the time to seek strategic backing if it’s

needed.

“Smart and Wise will transition under the Magnus brand, and we’re excited

about the opportunities ahead for the team and their clients.”

Meraki Capital continues to actively seek partnerships with recruitment businesses

requiring financial investment, strategic growth support or access to enhanced

operational resources. Business owners interested in exploring opportunities are

encouraged to contact Nick Gordon directly.