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County Durham training firm Learning Curve has made its first acquisition outside the North after buying a chain of hair and beauty academies in London.

The firm has acquired the London Hairdressing Apprenticeship Academy (LHAA) and its subsidiary, London Beauty Training Academy (LBTA).

Learning Curve, which has hair and beauty academies in the North East and North West, will continue to operate both London firms as stand-alone brands within the group.

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, will see Learning Curve establish its first fixed premises across the capital, with plans to grow the company’s operations in London once the businesses are fully integrated into the group.

All 80 existing London staff will transfer to Learning Curve, giving it a headcount in excess of 500.

Brenda McLeish, CEO at Learning Curve Group, said: “We’re delighted to be adding LHAA and LBTA to our already broad training provision and establishing a base in London.

“LHAA and LBTA are hugely impressive businesses that are delivering vital skills to learners across London. The business shared our values and vision of keeping the learner at the centre of everything we do, and we are looking forward to further growing the brands and helping make this in-demand provision accessible to even more learners.”

Francine and Trevor Luker, founders and directors at London Hairdressing Apprenticeship Academy said: “LHAA and LBTA have become established as sector leaders in the provision of hair and beauty training. We work with some amazing clients and we are beyond proud of the fantastic team we have here, and everything that they have achieved.