The Access Group Completes Acquisition of Safe Computing

The Access Group, one of the UK’s leading providers of software to mid-market customers, has completed the acquisition of Safe Computing.

With revenues of £18 million in 2016 and around 500 customers, Safe Computing becomes Access’ biggest acquisition to date. Safe adds significantly to Access’ existing recruitment sector capabilities and will be an obvious extension with its market leading Tempest ‘Pay and Bill’ solution. Safe’s other products in the HCM (Human Capital Management) and FMS (Financial Management System) space focus on functionality and market segments that compliment the existing Access portfolio.

Safe’s recent growth in HCM has been supported in part by its new SaaS deployed Employee Screening platform which offers companies piece of mind, efficiency and compliance management around the onboarding of new staff. Safe continues to be a successful software company that has attracted a number of marquee customers to its stable over the years including Adecco, Impellam, Alexander Mann, Leicester City Council and ADM Milling.

“The addition of Safe to The Access Group is a game-changer for us and greatly increases the value we can deliver to our customers. Safe have a number of best-in-class solutions, an excellent customer base and an experienced team, and there’s a great alignment in our cultures and the way we do business,” said Chris Bayne, CEO of Access Group.

“Access is a high growth company and we’re confident that this acquisition will help us further accelerate, particularly into markets where Safe has particular strength, like recruitment. Our customers tell us that they need capabilities in these domains so with Safe on board, we’ll be extremely well placed to help them.”

Sandy Scott, Safe CEO, is leaving the business and Paul Vogel, an executive with more than 30 years in the enterprise software industry, has joined Access as Managing Director of the Safe subsidiary.

“The Access Group is a natural fit for our culture and capabilities and throughout the acquisition process I have been impressed with the team and their vision. I am immensely proud of Safe and what we’ve built together and though I have taken the decision to move on I am confident, I leave our customers in good hands,” said Sandy Scott, CEO of Safe Computing.