Tyneside educational awarding organisation NCFE has acquired a company operating in the leisure and wellbeing sector.
In an undisclosed deal, the Quorum Park-based firm bought the £3.9m-turnover Active IQ in a move designed to offer a broader portfolio of qualifications for customers. The registered charity said Active IQ, which employs around 40 people and last year posted an operating loss of £591,000, would continue to operate independently.
Huntingdon-based Active is an awarding organisation and 'apprenticeship end-point assessment organisation' (EPAO) focused on qualifications and career pathways in the physical activity and wellness sector. NCFE said its focus was securing the future of the business and ensuring its positive impact on more learners.
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David Gallagher, chief executive of NCFE, said: "We’re delighted to add Active IQ to the NCFE portfolio. Both organisations are aligned in vision and purpose - Active IQ, like NCFE, prides itself on exceptional customer service and high-quality, transformational learning experiences that lead to real career outcomes. We chose to make this acquisition given that policy direction and market forces are taking us towards consolidation in the market.
"NCFE was born in 1848 from the belief that no learner should be left behind. We’ve reimagined our organisation many times over our 170+ years, remaining true to this core purpose of promoting and advancing learning.
"As we embark on this next phase of our evolution with the inclusion of Active IQ, we'll continue to be centred on making a difference for those who matter most - our beneficiaries. Through our combined portfolio, I believe we can better service a broader range of learners and fulfil current and future skills needs."
Jenny Patrickson, managing director of Active IQ, said: "I'm delighted and excited that Active IQ has joined the NCFE portfolio. As we approach our 20th year of operation, I believe that this acquisition presents significant opportunities for Active IQ to continue its growth and reach, in its mission to change lives through education and to positively influence the wellbeing of individuals and society.
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"There is much synergy between Active IQ and NCFE in our core purpose, vision and values and I am confident that joining the NCFE group will enable Active IQ to build on everything we have achieved since we were established in 2003. Active IQ will continue to operate independently, with our customers at the heart of everything we do, and I’m very much looking forward to this next phase of Active IQ’s journey alongside our new colleagues at NCFE."
In March, NCFE, which employs about 800 people, reported income of £38.8m in the year to the end of July 2021, and operational Ebitda of £7.1m - a performance the organisation said was ahead of its business plan. It said it had worked with about 4,500 providers during the period, issuing more than 380,000 certificates to learners.
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