London-based fundraising agency Fundraising Initiatives has bought Scottish telephone fundraising and outsourcing agency R Fundraising, it announced yesterday.

The move will add more than 200 professional fundraisers to the Fundraising Initiatives workforce, based at offices in Dunfermline and Manchester.

Fundraising Initiatives currently has more than 400 staff although it says this number fluctuates depending on contracts.

The move will form one of the largest fundraising agencies in the country.

R Fundraising, which currently works with 30 charities, will continue to operate under its own leadership team and will continue to operate under the same brand.

Gordon Michie (pictured), previously one of the directors of R Fundraising, will take over as managing director.

“This acquisition creates a powerful fundraising partnership,” he said. “I can assure R Fundraising clients that it’s business as usual and that they will continue to work with their respective account managers and fundraisers, yet the group’s resources and investment will allow us to further develop and enhance products and customer services. I look forward to being of service to them.”

Hugh McCaw, founder of R Fundraising, will take on the title of director, strategic accounts.

“Fundraising Initiatives is the right choice for our clients and us. We remain an autonomous culture and brand,” McCaw said. “The organisations complement each other and I am sure that will become more evident to the sector going forward.”

Martin Jervis, chief operations officer at Fundraising Initiatives, said: “This acquisition reflects our commitment to helping charities achieve the maximum possible return on every penny they spend on donor acquisition, management and stewardship.

“Hugh McCaw, who is himself a recognised fundraising expert and longstanding fellow of the IoF, built a strong brand and along with his leadership team created a reputation for exceptional expertise, very highly regarded by its clients and the sector as a whole. Fundraising Initiatives is determined to cherish that legacy.”