Washington training firm NAC Group looks to grow…

Washington training firm NAC Group looks to grow following MBO

A Washington training company is set to grow after completing a management buyout.

NAC Group, which includes independent training provider NA College, is looking to expanding its vocational, industry-based training following the MBO, which was backed by funding from Shard Credit Partners. NA College, which was founded by Paul and Wendy Robson, offers courses including school engagement activities, apprenticeships and post-19 skills programmes.

The training company was originally established to support apprenticeships and skills development in the advanced manufacturing automotive sector, and it now works with a range of employers in areas such as business improvement, lean manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, warehousing and management. The MBO has been led by four members of the college’s management team, Lisa Snaith, who has taken the role of chief finance and executive officer, Margherita Pasquariello, chief strategy and executive officer, Steve Pallas, operations director, and Lindsey Vickerson, head of HR and ESG. Mr Robson will remain with the company as chairman.

Ms Snaith said: “The demand for high quality vocational training is increasing, both from young people who recognise apprenticeships as a worthy route to a career, and from employers that are utilising our training to improve productivity and remain competitive. NA College has established a superb reputation in the manufacturing and engineering markets, particularly automotive and we are very proud to be able to build upon the outstanding achievements of the company under the direction of Paul and Wendy as owners of the business, working closely with Shard Credit Partners.”

Alastair Brown, CEO of Shard Credit Partners, said: “For the economy to succeed it is vital that the UK fills the skills gaps that exist in key industries with the support of high-quality training providers such as NA College. We’re also delighted to be supporting, what is unfortunately still quite rare, a predominantly female-led management buy-out team. With our financial support, we are keen to see the college enhance its provision of courses and training opportunities to meet the evolving need of businesses.”

Corporate finance advice was provided to management and Shard Credit Partners by Newcastle’s RG Corporate Finance, led by partner and head of corporate finance Carl Swansbury, director Rhiannon Nightingale and senior manager Connor McBride. Legal advice to Shard Credit Partners was provided by Andrew Madden, Alison Davidson-Cox and Andrew Cowan from Gateley Plc.

The management team was advised by Paul Christian, Imogen Holland and Nicole Axon of Ward Hadaway. Financial due diligence was undertaken on behalf of Shard Credit Partners by RMT, led by Michael Cantwell and Ayden De Beer. Mr and Mrs Robson received corporate finance advice from TIG Corporate Finance, led by Barry Gill, with legal advice from Mark Lazenby, partner at commercial law firm Square One Law.