Status: Current Date: 2014 Sectors: Business & Technology Services Financial Services & Insurance Buy & Build: 4 www.optionis.co.uk BACK TO INVESTMENTS INVESTMENT BACKGROUND In September 2014 Sovereign backed the simultaneous investments of SJD Accountancy and Nixon Williams forming the largest group providing accounting services to the Contractor and SME markets in the UK (Arkarius Group). SJD had been founded in 1992 by the entrepreneur Simon Dolan. He had built SJD into a highly successful business but wished to develop his other business interests and seek the value created in the business. Ensuring that the business continued to flourish was of equal importance to him. The founders of Nixon Williams had grown their business to a strong position with particular expertise in the IT contractor market. Both businesses wanted a buyer that understood the sector and would develop the brands, the businesses, and - importantly - the teams. The transaction was completed with Sovereign augmenting the management team to support the growth of the enhanced group. VALUE CREATION System and back office rationalisation Best-practice product design Tactical acquisitions Operational outsourcing to manage peaks Over 100% increase in clients THE STORY SO FAR The group has continued to deliver strong organic growth and in January 2017, joined forces with Optionis, the largest employee solutions operator in the UK. Optionis provides accounting, payroll, tax and professional employment solutions to the flexible workforce through a multi-brand strategy which includes ClearSky Contractor Accounting, Parasol, ClearSky Business and Brian Alfred. The combined group is substantially larger than any other competitor in the UK and employs over 600 staff. It covers all channels to market and has a more diversified service offering across a national network of offices. The businesses continue to operate under their respective brands within the Optionis Group structure, receiving the investment and support to further develop their offering. Sovereign continues to partner the management team to enhance the growth opportunity for the group. BACK TO INVESTMENTS IN THEIR OWN WORDS Bringing these two groups together created a player of exceptional scale and capability in the market, ensuring that contractors and agencies experience an unparalleled level of service. I am extremely proud to lead the group. Doug Crawford / CEO / Optionis OPTIONIS AWARDS The Sunday Times Top Track 250 Contractor UK 2018 - Best Contractor Account Large ACCA - Approved Employer - Gold Top 50 +50 Accountancy Age HOME WHO WE ARE Our Values Our Story Our Team OUR APPROACH YOUR JOURNEY Accelerate Growth Sell your business Own the business you run OUR INVESTMENTS NEWS CONTACT US Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy All Content © Sovereign Capital 2021 SOVEREIGN CAPITAL PARTNERS 25 Victoria Street London SW1H 0EX Get Directions T:+44 (0)20 7340 8800 Email Site by Chaos Our website uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our cookie policy. AGREE & CLOSE