Acquisition expands First Compliance Group’s UK footprint

Ventilation maintenance and fire safety specialist Duct Hygiene Ltd has been acquired by First Compliance Group, a regulatory safety and compliance company.

As reported by Duct Hygiene, the company, based in Wrexham, operates from several locations across the UK, including Birmingham, Liverpool, Preston, Manchester, Leeds, and Middlesbrough.

The company provides kitchen, ventilation, and extraction cleaning services, helping clients meet food safety and Building Safety Act requirements.

The acquisition is part of First Compliance Group’s strategy to expand its portfolio of services across the UK.

Financial details of the seven-figure deal have not been disclosed, but Duct Hygiene’s team of 50 employees will remain in place.

Investment programme to follow acquisition

First Compliance Group’s CEO, Ben Wood, confirmed plans to invest in Duct Hygiene following the acquisition.

He said: “Duct Hygiene is an established brand within the compliance sector and their track record is widely respected.

“The business perfectly complements our existing portfolio of compliance and training services.”

Wood highlighted that the acquisition would strengthen First Compliance Group’s ability to provide national services to new and existing clients.

He added: “It’s a hugely exciting deal for us.”

The company also plans to establish a new training academy before the end of 2024, as part of its effort to address a growing skills gap in the industry.

Leadership remains committed to business growth

Phill Brooks, managing director of Duct Hygiene, also expressed optimism about the acquisition.

Brooks said: “Becoming part of First Compliance Group is a perfect fit for us as we mark our 20th year in business.

“We share the exact same vision for creating genuine value and putting customers and their interests first.”

He further commented on the potential for growth, stating: “I’ve got no doubt that we will grow and prosper.”

The announcement aligns with the company’s focus on customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance in key sectors, including education, retail, healthcare, leisure, and sports.

Duct Hygiene’s role in the compliance sector

Duct Hygiene, founded in 2004, provides essential services in fire damper inspection, testing, and compartmentation.

These services ensure businesses meet their regulatory commitments, particularly under the Building Safety Act.

The acquisition allows First Compliance Group to further solidify its presence in the ventilation and specialist cleaning sectors, positioning itself as a comprehensive service provider in compliance and training.

First Compliance Group completes acquisition of Duct Hygiene Ltd: Summary

Duct Hygiene Ltd, a ventilation maintenance specialist with locations across the UK, has been acquired by First Compliance Group, a compliance and regulatory safety company.

The seven-figure deal, whose value remains undisclosed, ensures Duct Hygiene’s team of 50 will stay in place, with new investment planned.

Both companies share a vision for compliance and customer service, as confirmed by Ben Wood, CEO of First Compliance Group, and Phill Brooks, managing director of Duct Hygiene.

The acquisition also aligns with First Compliance Group’s efforts to establish a national presence and address skills shortages through a new training academy planned for 2024.