Leep Group strengthens education and skills offering with acquisition of E.Quality Training
We’re thrilled to announce the acquisition of E.Quality Training Limited, a specialist vocational training provider supporting young people aged 16 to 19 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).
About E.Quality Training
Based in Stone, Staffordshire, E.Quality Training has been delivering Department for Education-funded vocational programmes since 1999.
The organisation operates three training centres in Hanley, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stafford, providing qualifications in childcare, health and social care, and beauty.
Founded by Robert and Majella Cocks, E.Quality Training employs around 30 people, including 18 experienced tutors with extensive expertise in supporting young learners to develop skills, confidence and career pathways.
Following a transition period, E.Quality Training will become part of our Back to Work division, which delivers employability, skills and training programmes across the UK.
An important milestone
We believe this acquisition marks an important milestone in our continued growth strategy, expanding our education and employability services to support young people at the beginning of their careers.
Luke Muscat, CEO of Leep Group, said:
"We're delighted to welcome E.Quality Training into Leep Group. The team has built an outstanding reputation over more than 25 years for supporting young people to achieve recognised qualifications and progress into meaningful careers, and their values and commitment to learner success closely align with our own."
Supporting young people to succeed
The acquisition also provides the Group with a strong platform to enter the highly competitive 16–19 study programme market, at a time when the number of young people classified as NEET continues to increase across the UK.
Luke added:
"Too many young people are finding themselves without the opportunities or support they need to take their next step. By bringing E.Quality Training into the Group, we're strengthening our ability to help more young people build confidence, gain valuable skills and move into education, employment or apprenticeships."
The move also builds on our established track record in adult employability and skills provision, creating a broader learning offer that supports individuals throughout different stages of their lives.
Luke continued:
"We've developed a strong reputation for helping adults overcome barriers to employment and improve their prospects. This acquisition allows us to extend that expertise to younger learners, creating clear pathways that support people from education into sustainable careers."
What the future holds
Across the Group, we’re committed to ensuring a smooth integration while maintaining the high-quality learner experience and strong local relationships that E.Quality Training has established across Staffordshire.
Luke concluded:
"We're excited about what the future holds. By combining the strengths of both organisations, we'll continue investing in high-quality training that makes a lasting difference to individuals, employers and local communities."