Asbestos specialists score fourth win with latest acquisition
BFG-backed Environmental Essentials has completed its fourth acquisition as part of its buy-and-build growth strategy.
The Stoke-On-Trent asbestos service provider has acquired Omega Asbestos Consulting, hoping to strengthen the company’s core services and open up new market opportunities in telecoms, utilities, and specialist manufacturing.
It follows previous deals with Adams Environmental, Quality Environmental Services and Callidus Health & Safety, allowing Environmental Essentials to expand beyond asbestos management into health and safety, water, and air hygiene services.
Omega, based in Durham, services include surveys, sampling, testing, training, compliance audits, and project management for asbestos removal.
With a team of 30 employees, Omega serves industries like telecoms and healthcare, working alongside several NHS Trusts.
As part of the deal, Omega’s managing director, Gary McKendrick, will exit the business. Senior management – commercial director Steve Hubery and operations director Craig Johnston – will remain with Environmental Essentials.
Richard Powner, executive director and co-founder of Environmental Essentials said: “After expanding our compliance proposition with a trio of acquisitions, we’ve returned to our roots by investing in an excellent asbestos management business. Omega aligns with us culturally and strategically. With a strong presence in the North East, it helps strengthen our footprint and bridges the gap between our Stoke-on-Trent headquarters and key locations like Scotland, where we already support numerous customers.”
Alex Sleeth, executive chairman at Environmental Essentials said: “Omega has earned an excellent reputation in the North East and nationwide, thanks to its senior management team and strong company values. Combining natural synergies with significant market opportunities and efficiencies, this acquisition makes perfect sense for everyone involved.”
BGF invested in Environmental Essentials in 2015 to help position the company as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for key compliance services, including asbestos management, water hygiene, and fire risk management.
BGF investor Jon Earl said: “Environmental Essentials has entered 2025 with the same drive and focus as before, executing a buy-and-build strategy that enhances its ability to meet growing customer demands across the compliance sector. We’re proud to have supported them for the past ten years and look forward to continuing this long-term partnership.”
Environmental Essentials operates from six offices across the UK, including locations in Stoke-on-Trent, Sheffield, Glasgow, Leeds, and London.
With over 230 employees, the company provides services such as asbestos management, training, surveying, water, and air hygiene to businesses, local authorities, and public sector organisations.
Its clients include the Houses of Parliament, NHS Trusts, tier-one construction companies, and high street retailers.
Environmental Essentials was advised on the acquisition by Beswicks Legal and Dains Accountants, while Omega was advised by Northern Accountants and Swinburn Maddison.
