Challenge-trg Group purchases PMP Recruitment to create major UK driver hire agency

The driver recruitment market has seen major consolidation this week following Challenge-trg Group’s acquisition of PMP Recruitment from investment house Twenty 20 Capital.

The group said the purchase, for an undisclosed figure, brings group revenues to over three quarters of a billion pounds, temporary worker numbers to 40,000 and creates the largest blue collar recruitment firm in the UK.

The company, which offers specialist logistics solutions in recruitment, training, driving, warehouse operatives and haulage said the acquisition will significantly boost revenues.

Tom Cropper, group chief executive at Challenge-trg, said: “This is a really exciting time for Challenge-trg and PMP Recruitment. By coming together and pooling our resources and experience, we can offer our clients the ultimate service in our sector. Incredibly, in our first year of trading in 2011, Challenge-trg revenues stood at £750k; post deal and 10 years on, we’ll hit 1,000 times this number – a real achievement.

He added: “As a business, our vision and values align - PMP Recruitment is a leader in establishing protocols in the abolishment of modern slavery and Challenge has focussed on creating a work environment that develops and supports our employees.

“Through the combined passion for service and continual innovation and investment in technology and training provision, this merger is undoubtedly going to create opportunities for personnel and clients alike.”

The company will now employ over 500 group operational staff and over 40,000 temporary workers.

Jamie Reynolds, who has joined the Challenge-trg Group board to support long-term client relationships, transition and integration, said: “This deal creates a business that can deliver seriously tailored support to our clients. We’re very proud to have made this happen, we believe it means we can create many more jobs across the country at a time when employment is desperately needed. Our values are paramount, and Challenge-trg Group matches all of them. I’m very much looking forward to the future.”