In summary, the in-situ transformation of HL 1 to HL 2 and concurrent formation of formate anions results in the self-assembly of an aesthetically pleasing [Ni14] wheel, with subsequent examination of reaction conditions leading to a more 'rational' synthetic procedure. Magnetic measurements reveal weak, ferromagnetic exchange interactions, with the susceptibility data simulated with a single exchange constant, J = + 4 cm -1 . The DFT computed values also simulate the data well, albeit they need scaled by a factor of 1.4. The simulation of the magnetisation data requires inclusion of D(Ni) = -5 cm - 1 tilted at an angle θ = 30° with respect to the axis of the wheel. Theoretical calculations are in agreement with experimental observations, revealing the major contribution to the ferromagnetic exchange is mediated through the bridging Cl ions. Attempts to make analogues of compound 1 containing different M II ions and other bridging halides, pseudohalides and carboxylates are underway.