Training Company gets Midven backing

Phoenix Health and Safety8 September 2011

Phoenix Health and Safety, a leading provider of health and safety training and consultancy services, has received backing from the Exceed- Midlands Advantage Fund.

The Cannock business, Phoenix Health and Safety, is being supported with a £255,000 investment from Midven’s Exceed Fund which is backed by Lloyds Development Capital, Advantage West Midlands and the European Regional Development Fund.

Phoenix Health and Safety which provides accredited health and safety training and consultancy services, was set up by Nick and Gizelle Higginson in 2005. The company employs over 20 staff and is on track to achieve turnover in excess of £3 million in its current financial year.

The additional funding from Midven is to help accelerate growth through the provision of additional courses, new staff, establishing new training locations and international expansion.

Founder and Managing Director Nick Higginson who previously had extensive experience working in the health and safety sector, said he was delighted with the support and backing of Midven.

“We’ve grown the business rapidly and expanded our operations to cover the whole of the country – as well as introducing courses by distance and elearning.  We have also broadened our offering to appeal to a greater number of individuals and businesses.   We operate in a very competitive environment – and that means we have to be both agile and continually mindful of our customers’ needs,” said Mr Higginson.

Company Secretary and Director Gizelle Higginson added, “The financial backing of Midven will allow Phoenix to extend our range of products and areas of operation, as well as improving the quality of services for our existing clients. This means that Phoenix will be able to compete at the very forefront of the industry, and accelerate our already phenomenal growth.”

Surjit Kooner of Midven who has overseen the investment added, “Phoenix is a great example of an entrepreneurial business that has had a single-minded focus.” “This is a company that started life on the kitchen table but today is on track to deliver an annual turnover well in excess of £3 million. The company has built up a strong reputation and is beginning to benefit from repeat bookings from individuals and corporate clients including Schneider Electric, Northern Rail and the Ministry of Defence.  Phoenix has also taken its own advice – investing significantly in the training of its own staff and developing new systems and products,” said Mr Kooner.