Highams, along with Nakama UK, Nakama Hong Kong and Nakama Singapore, have been sold for an undisclosed fee, growing Sanderson’s team by around 15%.

Highams, a Surrey-based recruitment agency and part of the Nakama Group, specialises in placing business and technology transformation professionals in the financial services industry. It will retain its 30+ year brand name. Nakama UK will move into the core Sanderson business, while the Hong Kong and Singapore teams help expand Sanderson’s international footprint, a press statement said. The acquisition will bring the total Sanderson workforce up to just over 250 people.

Sanderson was founded in 1975 by Bristol-based recruitment entrepreneur Keith Dawe and has grown to 12 offices globally.

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.”

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. 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.

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