Scottish recruitment consultancy Primestaff acquired Direct Workforce, a subsidiary of the Bibby Line Group that provides temporary and permanent staff in the logistics and industrial markets — mainly in the north of England.

The deal will result in joint turnover exceeding £20 million; the newly expanded Primestaff group will provide almost 1,500 temporary staff to 300 clients, as well as an annual introduction of more than 200 permanent staff across a range of sectors.

“As market leader in recruitment across a range of industries in Scotland, the opportunity to team up with Direct Workforce to expand our offer into the north of England with an established player is one we didn’t want to miss”, said Primestaff Chief Executive Danny McIntyre. “It’s a real statement of intent from Primestaff, one that shows we are serious about growth”.

McIntyre established Primestaff in 1993. Annual turnover exceeded £11 million this year as the company underwent a management buyout, established a new board and invested in new premises in both in Glasgow and Edinburgh.