West Midlands-based HSL Compliance has acquired Lancashire-based fire and air compliance specialist, RJ Urmson Group.
The move will expand HSL Compliance’s expertise into fire and air ventilation safety and compliance services for the first time. This is a complementary service to HSL’s existing market leading water safety offering.
The transaction is HSL Compliance’s third acquisition in 12 months, after it acquired Northern Ireland water safety company, Chemical Treatment Services in August 2023 and remote monitoring business, Plexus Innovation in January 2024, taking the company’s headcount to more than 500.
HSL Compliance is a leading player in the UK’s compliance market, helping customers to comply with relevant legislation and create safe environments for people to live and work.
R J Urmson Group was founded in 1992 by Robert and Louise Urmson, incorporated in 2005 and provides ventilation validation, commissioning, water treatment and passive fire services to clients across the UK from its Chorley, Lancs headquarters.
Robert Urmson, Managing Director of R J Urmson, said: “It’s brilliant to mark our 32nd year by joining forces with the team at HSL Compliance. Our combined knowledge and capabilities will benefit our Urmson clients, many of whom have been with us since the beginning, as well as providing great opportunities to our dedicated employees.
“As a family we are proud to have built R J Urmson Group from a small start-up into a successful family-run business. HSL Compliance share our values and ambitions and, with their support, we’re excited to start an exciting new chapter for the company and continue to grow in partnership.”
Following the acquisition, Robert, alongside his daughter, Christina Urmson, will continue to lead the running of the Urmson Group and the company will continue to operate under its existing branding.
Gavin Hartley, Chief Executive of HSL Compliance, added: “Rob and the team have built a market-leading operation with services that complement our own. Many of our existing clients, particularly in the Healthcare sector, have air ventilation and fire safety compliance requirements. Being able to offer these services going forward, in addition to our market leading water safety services, is a great step forward for HSL and our mission to be the number one Health and Safety Compliance provider in the UK.
The deal team at HSL Compliance was led by Tom Taylor and Gavin Hartley, with external financial due diligence support from Ross Wiggins of Menzies (London), and legal support from Arpinder Dhillon of Harrison Clark Rickerby (Ross-on-Wye).
R J Urmson Group was advised by Jon Else, Lewis Pearson and Ben Fallows of DTE Corporate Finance, with legal support by provided by Simon Wallwork and Mark Warburton of Slater Heelis (Manchester).
