Cumbrian health and safety firm completes acquisition

Cumbrian-based health and safety company, Integrated Risk Management (IRM Safety), is expanding.

The company, whose headquarters is in Brampton, has acquired Carlisle-based ActSafe, for an undisclosed sum, and is looking for further growth.

IRM Safety was set up by Neil and Kim Elsender in 2006 and now provides health and safety support to a diverse range of companies at more than 180 sites across the UK.

The acquisition of the ActSafe consultancy will take that number beyond 220 and reinforce IRM Safety’s position as leading health and safety service providers.

Managing director Neil Elsender said the takeover would mean new opportunities: “We are delighted to have concluded this deal and to be able to offer our services to a wider range of businesses throughout Cumbria, Lancashire and South West Scotland.

“We are looking forward to working with ActSafe’s existing clients and are confident the transition will be seamless.”

IRM Safety works both proactively and reactively, providing health and safety support for individual businesses.

Services include safety policy development, risk assessments, method statements, on-site audits, action planning and training for both workforce and management.

Its unique IRM Connect online database ensures all relevant documentation is just a click away.

This is the second acquisition for Integrated Risk Management, who acquired sister company CTS Statutory Inspections in 2011, providing engineering examination services.

Both companies are managed from offices at Low Cross Buildings in Brampton.

Mr Elsender said: “Our approach is a little different in terms of health and safety, we will always look for positive solutions to help our clients.”

“The feedback we get from clients is that our flexible approach to their needs is a key element of our support.

“We will always discuss where we see issues and work with clients to ensure they remain compliant. I’m a real believer that every client business is unique.

“We are looking to grow both businesses and have just taken on another engineer for CTS Safety.

“We want to be the first choice for health and safety support, always providing a bespoke service, so it’s not just a one-size fits all menu.”

ActSafe, with clients in the North West, North East and South West Scotland, was the consultancy of Norman Gentry. He will now work with IRM Safety during the hand-over.

Mr Gentry said: “The business had grown to a point where it needed to expand and the approach from Neil seemed the logical route to follow, especially as their engineering surveying business CTS Safety already provides services to some ActSafe clients.”