Anti-money laundering firm makes move to new premises to support rapid growth

Anti-money laundering firm SmartSearch, which recently reported soaring pre-tax profits and revenues, has relocated following rapid expansion which has seen staff numbers grow from seven to 90.

The company, which provides its Anti-Money Laundering (AML) verification platform to more than 3,000 businesses across the world, has relocated to Mayfield House, a new build scheme in Ilkley.

Last month, SmartSearch reported a £1,450% increase in turnover in five years, from £379,000 in 2012 to £5.5m in 2017. Pre-tax profits increased from £600,000 in 2016 to over £1.5m in 2017.

Martin Cheek, MD of SmartSearch, said: “We have increased staff from 7 to 90 and were in a situation where new starters were being shoehorned in. The lack of space was starting to affect productivity and morale.

“We needed to ensure that the new office would be able to accommodate our future expansion, but it also needed to enhance our culture and values, and give something back to our loyal staff.”

SmartSearch took two floors of Mayfield House, room for its 90-strong team to eventually grow to 250.