Scottish recruitment specialist seals ‘significant’ takeover deal

C&P Recruitment said the takeover of specialist Clarke Bridges Resourcing marked a “significant step” in the company’s growth strategy, strengthening its UK presence and adding senior expertise with “deep-rooted industry relationships”.

Founded 22 years ago by managing director Donald Wynn, C&P Recruitment has offices in both Edinburgh and Inverness, placing specialists in the construction, property and infrastructure sectors across mainland Scotland, the north of England and the Scottish Isles. The firm employs 15 people.

It reported a 21 per cent rise in turnover, a 12.5 per cent increase in temporary placements and a 5 per cent rise in permanent recruitment in the last financial year.

The business has also recently strengthened its senior leadership team, with Nicola Monro joining as permanent recruitment director and Josh O’Dwyer returning as head of construction recruitment after two years in Australia, working alongside managing director Donald Wynn and operations director Kathleen Wynn.

Donald Wynn said: “This has been a strong year for us, particularly given the wider challenges across construction and the economy. Demand for skilled people hasn’t gone away and if anything, it’s becoming more critical as projects accelerate.

“The challenge now isn’t finding work, it’s finding the right people to deliver it. We’ve built this business on relationships and reputation over the past 22 years, and this next phase is about scaling that. Bringing in the right people, expanding our reach and continuing to support careers across the industry.”

He said the acquisition of Clarke Bridges would add specialist capability in construction and engineering recruitment, alongside a network of long-standing client and candidate relationships across the UK.

John Clarke, director of Clarke Bridges, said: “Having focused predominantly on permanent recruitment for tier one contracting in the civil engineering and construction sector for almost 20 years, the merger of Clarke Bridges Resourcing with C&P Recruitment significantly expands our offering to both clients and candidates alike, and it is a journey that we are very much looking forward to.”