Meridian boss sees 40% sales hike

RECRUITMENT firm Meridian Business Support is hunting more acquisitions after celebrating its 21st birthday with a predicted 40% surge in turnover

The privately-owned company based in Altrincham, says the main driver for its growth this year will be driven by February’s acquisition of Westaff, which added 18 branches – mostly in the South West – to Meridian’s network.

Chief executive Mark Mitchell told TheBusinessDesk: “We’ve come a long way over the last 21 years and while the majority of our growth has come organically, we’ve also made acquisitions.

“We’re constantly looking for opportunities and are considering one at the moment.”

Meridian, which is based in the same location, Roberts House, where it was launched with just four staff in 1989, is the 11th-largest independent recruitment company in the country.

It employs around 340 people and recruiting across seven sectors, including education, construction, industrial and health.

Mr Mitchell said he expects the jobs market to remain tough this year. “We cover a broad spectrum of business sectors so that is a positive for us, Even in this market there are still good companies and there are going to be vacancies to be filled within them.”

Another major topic for the firm is a major change to agency workers’ rights. To hep employers cope with the Agency Workers Regulations –  which comes into effect in October 2011 – it is holding a series of events.

One is a seminar at the Hilton Hotel, Manchester on Wednesday morning. To reserve a place call 0161 929 2290.