SmartTask acquired by experienced UK management team

Backed by decades of sector experience and new investment resources, the team plans to accelerate product innovation, realise additional support for existing customers, drive long-term growth and strengthen SmartTask’s market position.

Since its formation, SmartTask has grown organically to serve circa 200 clients globally, focusing exclusively on the security, cleaning and facilities management markets. Its scalable, feature-rich software supports workforce management and service delivery across complex operational needs, from pre-employment checks all the way through to invoicing and payroll.

Importantly, the acquisition will enable the business to increase investment in product development, customer success and Artificial Intelligence-led innovation.

Strong reputation

Mike Taylor, leader of the management buy-in team, stated: “SmartTask and the talented team that created it are proven in the industry and have built a strong reputation for meeting customers’ needs. The platform gives us an excellent foundation for continued innovation. We see a great opportunity to grow with existing and new clients by acting as a long-term technology partner, investing in the product and helping customers to achieve success.”

Paul Ridden, founder and CEO of SmartTask, responded: “The business has reached a stage where additional investment and sector experience can help us grasp the many opportunities we see to serve more clients. I believe this is the right time to hand over the baton. I’m excited to work with the new team, our great SmartTask colleagues and our clients to deliver on our ambitions for growth.”

Management buy-in team

The buy-in team is led by Mike Taylor, founder and former CEO of Innovise Ltd, a market leader in software for the security, cleaning and facilities management markets, before its sale to TEAM Software in 2019.

Taylor is joined by Graeme Hughes, former managing director of Innovise. Taylor and Hughes led Innovise’s growth over nearly two decades and later held senior roles at TEAM Software and its parent WorkWave before leaving in 2022 to focus on WeAreCORTEX automation and orchestration software.

The former Innovise leaders are joined by Jenny Young in the role of CFO and Peter Simmonds as chief operating officer. Young and Simmonds bring extensive software industry experience to bear, including recent senior leadership positions in the international business of WorkWave.

*Further information is available online at www.smarttask.co.uk