New division will accelerate acquisitions across the UK’s £8.6bn packaging services sector as demand surges in transit, presentation and consumables categories
Smarter Capital today announced a major strategic development with the appointment of Jeremy Pilgrim as Managing Director of Smarter Packaging, its newly formed vertical dedicated to acquiring and scaling packaging distributors specialising in transit, presentational and consumable packaging.
Jeremy joins with more than 40 years of industry experience, having held senior leadership roles across the UK packaging sector. His background includes Sales & Marketing Director positions, being one of the first key team members at Allpoint Ltd, joining within its first year as an early shareholder and helping scale the business to £10m turnover. The company was later acquired by Macfarlane PLC, and Jeremy spent the next 17 years as a Director within Macfarlane’s Retail & Gift Packaging division.
He is widely recognised for building and leading Far Eastern sourcing programmes, making more than 100 visits to key manufacturing regions and cultivating long-standing, Sedex-approved supply partnerships across China, Vietnam, Taiwan and Thailand.
Why Packaging Matters to Smarter Capital’s Acquisition Strategy
The packaging services sector, spanning distributors that supply, kit, pack and fulfil, is currently worth ~£8.6bn and comprises approximately 4,100 UK businesses, making it one of the most attractive, fragmented markets for consolidation and value creation.
Smarter Capital’s focus within packaging centres on three high-demand categories:
1. Transit & Logistics Packaging
Parcel volumes in the UK reached ~4.2 billion items in FY 2024–25, a 7% year-on-year increase, with seasonal peaks exceeding 1.2 - 1.3 billion parcels. This sustained growth drives recurring, non-discretionary demand for boxes, tape, void fill, labels and consumables, areas where distributors play a critical role in rapid replenishment and reliability.
2. Presentational, Luxury & Gift Packaging
Retailers and e-commerce brands continue to invest in premium unboxing experiences. Global luxury/gift packaging markets are forecast to grow at mid-single-digit CAGRs, with rising demand for rigid boxes, printed/coated boards, tissue, ribbons and inserts. Distributors with strong Far Eastern sourcing networks, an area where Jeremy excels, are uniquely positioned to capture market share.
3. Specialist Consumables & Value-Add Services
As companies shift towards sustainability, short-run customisation and multi-channel fulfilment, distributors with agile sourcing, reliable supply chains and integrated service models will have a competitive advantage.
A Strategic Platform With Deals Already Underway
Smarter Capital has already built a healthy pipeline of targeted packaging companies and is currently in advanced discussions with multiple acquisition candidates. The new Smarter Packaging vertical will serve as a platform to acquire, integrate and scale packaging and packaging-adjacent businesses over the coming years, combining operational excellence with market-leading commercial capability.
Mark Callaghan, Group CEO of Smarter Capital, said:
“Jeremy’s appointment signals our intent. Packaging is a sector that combines essential demand drivers, attractive fragmentation and real opportunities for operational improvement and international sourcing leverage. Jeremy brings unmatched sector expertise, relationships and credibility. With him at the helm of Smarter Packaging, we are now positioned to build a market-leading group through strategic, thoughtful acquisitions.”
Jeremy Pilgrim, Managing Director of Smarter Packaging, commented:
“This is an exciting moment to reshape what packaging distribution can be. The market is strong, demand is rising, and businesses are looking for partners who can help them scale, improve sourcing, and navigate the complexities of global supply. Smarter Capital has the ambition, the resources and the operational backbone to build something exceptional, I'm delighted to lead this new vertical and to work with founders who want to take their business to the next level.”
About Smarter Capital
Smarter Capital is a UK-based investment firm specialising in the acquisition and scaling of founder-led businesses. We combine operational, financial and international expertise with digital capability and commercial empathy to unlock long-term value.
Operating as an active partner rather than a passive investor, we work closely with founders to accelerate growth, both organically and through targeted M&A. With group revenue approaching £40 million and consolidated EBIT above £2 million, we are increasingly focused on acquiring businesses in the £5m+ revenue range, particularly those with multi-channel, scalable potential.
If you’re exploring a strategic partnership or considering the next phase of your business journey, we’d love to talk.