Learn more about the Meridian team

Hello!

Meridian Business Support

Meridian Business Support is a leading, national recruitment company specialising in the recruitment of temporary, permanent and contract hiring solutions. On average, we provide over 4,000 temporary staff per week and places over 1,200 permanent candidates a year. 

How can we help you?

Meridian are proud to be the recruitment specialist of choice across the UK with a dedicated team of knowledgeable, REC-qualified recruitment experts. With almost 35 years of success, we continue to strive for excellence when helping our clients fill roles within their business and supporting candidates in their job search across multiple sectors, including Healthcare, Industrial, Built Environment and Office & Professional.

In October 2021, Meridian successfully completed a Management Buyout, which saw the appointment of 11 new shareholders from Meridian's Senior Leadership Team and over 50% of our employees becoming share option holders. 

This means Meridian no longer has any external stakeholders and our future is now in the very hands of those who made the company the success it is today. 

Where it all began...

Starting from just one small office in Altrincham, Meridian Business Support has now grown to have over 20 branches, placing people in roles all across the UK.

The origin of Meridian Business Support

Six trading names were brought under the Meridian brand for the first time, further increasing to 13 by 2002. This then became the business we now know as Meridian Business Support.

The growth of Meridian's branch network

2003 marked a year of significant growth for Meridian, expanding to 58 operations in over 30 locations, further increasing to 70 branches in 2005 and 80 by 2006. These expansions saw an incredible financial turnover, reading £110million by 2006.

Let the acquisitions begin!

In 2007, Meridian restructured into seven specialist business units following a successful year. This then allowed us to acquire CSSIW registration for our Healthcare team and the acquisition of two more businesses in 2009 and 2010, giving us more opportunities to support in the recruitment of staff across the UK.

An award winning year

We were delighted to bring home three awards in 2011, the Recruitment International Awards – Best Company to Work For, the Recruiter Awards – Best Temporary Recruitment Agency and the IRP Awards – Best Business Support Team of the Year. This success continued into 2012, with two further branches opening and another award for Best Candidate Care.

25 years of Meridian Business Support

Meridian celebrated the anniversary of 25 successful years in business in 2014, followed by a record number of award wins in 2015 and 2016!

Welcoming Meridian's CEO, Derek Skelton

In 2017, we welcomed our CEO, Derek Skelton, to the business, who has since built a successful, happy and further award-winning team, whilst helping the business to go from strength to strength in time for our 30th anniversary celebrations in 2019.

Meridian's MBO

2021 was a huge year in the Meridian calendar, as we had a Management Buy Out, which meant 58% of our team became shareholders and share option holders, meaning Meridian is now owned entirely by its team. Alongside this success for our team, we also welcomed 450 new clients to the business.

A busy year for the Meridian team

With the first anniversary of our MBO, eight promotions, the launch of a new division, sponsorship of our first festival, and 23 staff achieving external qualifications, 2022 was another successful year for the Meridian team!

1989
1996
2003
2007
2011
2014
2017
2021
2022
Values
What we believe in

Our core values

Our Mission is to be a sustainably profitable, sales led business in our chosen markets providing “best in class” service for our valued customers. We will always aspire to be the recruitment partner of choice making a difference to recruitment.

Our expert consultants

Meet our Senior Leadership Team

We have an incredible Senior Leadership Team (SLT) with decades of experience between them, covering all sectors across the UK. Find out more about the people who help to make our team a success.

Read More
CEO headshot photo in purple Meridian branded jumper
Derek Skelton
Jeanette Barrowcliffe
Testimonials
Hear from the people who know Meridian the best

What do our clients and candidates think of us?

We have a dedicated team of recruitment specialists on hand to provide a high standard of service to all of our clients and candidates. But don't just take our word for it. Check out what some of our clients and candidates say about working with Meridian. 

Meridian is a multi-award-winning company, that strives to create a fun family feel throughout our team. A healthy balance of work and play is important to us, we have a wonderful bunch of people here in our team, and we arrange a number of social events during the year to bring together our teams.

We are very proud of our Glassdoor statistics, we have a 4.1 out of 5 rating, 91% of our team said they have fun at work, and 90% approve of our fantastic Chief Executive, Derek Skelton, 98% of our team are happy at work and 91% have fun with their team! Sound like the place for you? 

See all of our internal roles and if you are looking for your next role in recruitment, find out here how you can become a part of the Meridian team!

Work for Us
We're matchmakers

We excel in connecting clients and candidates

Two professional workers looking at information on a computer

Find a role

Our team of dedicated recruitment specialists are on hand to help you find your next role. Find out more.

Looking for Work
Woman sat at her desk in the office speaking on the phone

Work with us

Are you looking to fill the gaps within your business? Our team of specialist recruiters are here to support with your recruiting needs. Find out more.

Looking to hire