Durham asbestos consultancy firm taken over in major deal

Environmental Essentials, one of the UK’s leading asbestos service providers, has acquired Omega Asbestos Consulting Ltd for an undisclosed sum.

The deal is expected to provide access to previously untapped markets, including telecoms, utilities, and specialist manufacturing.

This acquisition is Environmental Essentials’ fourth, with the company having previously taken over Adams Environmental, Quality Environmental Services Ltd, and Callidus Health & Safety Limited.

These acquisitions have allowed Environmental Essentials to diversify its services beyond asbestos management, adding health and safety, water, and air hygiene to its capabilities.

Omega Asbestos Consulting Ltd, based in Durham, specialises in asbestos management.

The company offers a range of services, including surveys, sampling and testing, training, compliance audits, and project management for asbestos removal.

The company employs 30 people and serves a variety of sectors, including telecoms and healthcare, working alongside several NHS Trusts.

As part of the takeover, Omega’s managing director, Gary McKendrick, will leave the business.

However, the senior management team, including the commercial director, Steve Hubery, and the operations director, Craig Johnston, will remain with the company.

Richard Powner, executive director and co-founder of Environmental Essentials, said: “After expanding our compliance proposition with a trio of acquisitions, we have gone back to our roots by investing in an excellent asbestos management business that is perfectly aligned with us – both culturally and strategically.

“Omega has a strong presence in the North East, helping to strengthen our footprint in the region, while also bridging the gap between our Stoke-on-Trent headquarters and other key geographic locations, such as Scotland, where we already support a number of customers.”

Alex Sleeth, executive chairman at Environmental Essentials, added: “Omega has an excellent reputation, both in the North East and nationwide, driven by a highly regarded senior management team and built on a clear set of values and culture.

“When you combine the natural synergies that exist between the two businesses with the significant market opportunities and efficiencies that can be gained through the acquisition, then this deal makes perfect sense for everyone involved.”

BGF first invested in Environmental Essentials in 2015 to help the company cement its position across the UK as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for key compliance services, including asbestos management, water hygiene, and fire risk management.

BGF investor, Jon Earl, commented: “Environmental Essentials has started 2025 with the same appetite and intention as the last, successfully executing a buy and build strategy that allows the team to bolster its capabilities to meet the growing needs of customers across the compliance landscape.

“In what is our tenth year as investment partner, we’re delighted to see the same drive and ambition as the first, supporting them as they grow through a truly long-term flexible approach.”

Environmental Essentials, based in Stoke-on-Trent, employs more than 230 people and operates from six offices throughout the UK.

Clients include the Houses of Parliament, NHS Trusts, high street food retailers, and pub operators.