SmartTask Acquired By UK Management Team

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• SmartTask Acquired By UK Management Team

08 September 2026

SmartTask, a provider of workforce management and service delivery software for the cleaning, security and facilities management markets, has been acquired by a management buy-in team led by industry veterans Mike Taylor and Graeme Hughes.

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

SmartTask has grown organically since its formation to serve around 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 through to invoicing and payroll. The acquisition will enable the business to increase investment in product development, customer success and AI-led innovation. 

The buy-in team is led by Mike Taylor, founder and former CEO of Innovise Ltd, a market leader in software for the cleaning, security and facilities management markets, before its sale to TEAM Software in 2019. Mike is joined by Graeme Hughes, former Managing Director of Innovise. Mike and Graeme 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 ex-Innovise leaders are joined by Jenny Young as CFO and Peter Simmonds as COO.  Jenny and Peter bring extensive software industry experience, including recent senior leadership positions in the international business of WorkWave, parent of TEAM Software. 

Mike Taylor, leader of the management buy-in team, said: “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 achieve success.” 

Paul Ridden, Founder and CEO of SmartTask, said: “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, and I am excited to work with the new team, our great SmartTask colleagues and our clients to deliver on our ambitions for growth.”

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Article written by Dave Mapps | Published 08 September 2026

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