Personnel Checks acquires Manchester screening provider Know Your Candidate in six-figure deal

Blackburn based UK background screening provider Personnel Checks has acquired Manchester-based screening firm Know Your Candidate Ltd (KYC) in a six-figure deal designed to accelerate growth and expand its presence in the SME screening market.

 The acquisition will add around 2,000 SME clients to Personnel Checks’ customer base, while expanding the company’s capability to deliver a broader range of compliance and screening services to UK employers.

Founded more than 20 years ago, Personnel Checks provides background screening services to organisations across the UK, primarily supporting SMEs and employers operating in regulated sectors.

The company processes more than 150,000 DBS checks annually, has grown by over 300 per cent in the past five years, and employs more than 40 people across the UK.

KYC, founded more than 16 years ago, has built a strong reputation for providing straightforward and accessible screening services to small and medium-sized businesses. The company was established and led by industry veterans with extensive experience across the background screening sector.

The acquisition aligns closely with Personnel Checks’ long-term growth strategy, which combines investment in proprietary technology with targeted acquisitions to expand its footprint in the UK screening market. The business remains independently owned, family-run and self-funded.

The deal also expands the company’s operational presence with a Manchester base, strengthening its reach across the UK.

Both businesses serve a similar SME customer base, with a focus on practical, technology-enabled screening solutions. 

Following the acquisition, KYC customers will gain access to a wider range of services through the Personnel Checks platform, including Standard and Enhanced DBS checks and DVLA licence checks.

The company’s proprietary technology platform provides employers with real-time visibility of check progress and a centralised compliance dashboard, helping organisations manage vetting requirements more efficiently.

Personnel Checks intends to operate KYC as a standalone brand for the foreseeable future, with gradual service enhancements introduced over time.

The deal comes at a time of growing demand for background screening services in the UK, as employers face tightening regulatory requirements and greater scrutiny around hiring practices.

Compliance expectations are particularly high in regulated sectors such as healthcare, education and transport, where robust vetting processes are essential.

Jack Mellor, chief executive of Personnel Checks, said: “This is a really exciting and pivotal moment in the history of Personnel Checks.

"Over the past few years, we’ve invested heavily in building our own screening technology platform, and that investment has driven strong year-on-year growth.

“As we looked at how to maintain that momentum, it became clear that a growth-by-acquisition strategy would be the right next step. When we began speaking with the team at KYC, it was clear we were closely aligned, not just in terms of the customers we serve, but also in our approach and values.

“This is our first acquisition, and I’m incredibly pleased to welcome the KYC team and their customers into the business. It’s a strong strategic fit and a great foundation for what comes next.”

Barry Hetherington, founder of Know Your Candidate, said: “When I started Know Your Candidate, I wanted to create a screening service that worked properly for SMEs: straightforward, transparent and without unnecessary complexity. Over the years, that's exactly what we've built.

“Choosing the right home for the next chapter was incredibly important to me. Personnel Checks share those same principles around customer service and clarity. Its commitment to transparent pricing and accessible support mirrors what we’ve always stood for at KYC. I’m confident this is the right decision for our customers and for the long-term future of the service.”

A 12-week transition period will follow the acquisition, during which KYC’s leadership team will support the handover. The KYC team will work closely with Personnel Checks to ensure continuity of service for customers.

Personnel Checks said no redundancies are planned as a result of the acquisition and that the expanded operational base is expected to support further hiring as the company continues to grow.