Durham‑based law firm Swinburne Maddison LLP has taken a leading role in advising Sapphire HR on its latest strategic milestone, as the North East HR specialist completes the acquisition of Manchester‑based Heads HR Limited. The deal was made possible through a second round of funding from NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans, managed by NEL Fund Managers under the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).
Partner Craig Malarkey led Swinburne Maddison’s legal team on the transaction, supported by Sophie Ayre, Corporate Associate Solicitor. Working in collaboration with Sapphire HR Managing Director Michael Dobson, Clive Owen LLP, and NEL Fund Managers, the firm played a pivotal role in ensuring the successful delivery of the acquisition.
Malarkey commented:
“We were pleased to support Sapphire HR on this second NPIF II investment and the acquisition of Heads HR. It’s a strong endorsement of the business’s strategy and growth ambitions and positions the team well for their next phase of expansion. It’s been a pleasure working with Michael and the wider advisers, and we wish him and the Sapphire HR team every success going forward.”
Strategic funding supports accelerated growth
The new six‑figure investment builds on Sapphire HR’s initial NPIF II funding secured in December 2024, which enabled the firm to recruit two new HR advisers and significantly expand its client base. This second investment has been central to completing the acquisition of Heads HR Limited, opening up accelerated growth opportunities in the education sector and across the UK, including primary care, social care, NHS services and wider education markets.
The funding is also supporting Sapphire HR’s continued partnership with Team Valley Group to refine and implement a fully integrated marketing strategy. This work aims to strengthen the company’s competitive positioning and sharpen its messaging as it scales into new sectors nationally.
Collaborative advisory support
Sapphire HR was introduced to NEL Fund Managers by Michael Cantwell, Corporate Finance Partner at Clive Owen LLP, who oversaw the transaction alongside Joe Vera‑Sanso, Corporate Finance Executive. They worked closely with Susan Snowdon, Investment Executive at NEL Fund Managers, and the legal team at Swinburne Maddison LLP.
Snowdon said:
“As a previous investee, I was delighted to work with Michael and the team again and continue our strategic partnership. With this new investment, the business is well positioned to drive sustainable revenue growth, and I wish them all the best.”
Dobson added:
“I’m delighted to have worked with the teams at NEL Fund Managers, Clive Owen and Swinburne Maddison on this funding round. Their unfailing support and guidance throughout the process have been invaluable, enabling us to realise our growth ambitions and expand by acquiring another specialist team to provide HR services to the Education Sector and Schools across the Country from this team’s base in Manchester.”
He further praised the longstanding success of Heads HR:
“The team at Heads HR have built a loyal client base over the last 10+ years, and we look forward to working closely with them as the business moves forward with this exciting new chapter. This acquisition positions us to capitalise on the significant opportunities ahead as we continue to strengthen as a business and deliver HR solutions to a UK‑wide client base.”
Vera‑Sanso at Clive Owen LLP added:
“As a longstanding client of Clive Owen LLP, we were delighted to support Michael in delivering this latest acquisition. Its success was due to collaborating closely with fellow advisers and the expertise of all the professionals involved. The acquisition of Heads HR positions Sapphire strongly for continued growth and expansion.”
