Phenna Group Strengthens Food & Life Sciences Portfolio with Acquisition of Essential Food Hygiene
Headquartered in the UK, Phenna Group has grown rapidly over the last few years to become one of the world's leading Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance ("TICC") businesses by partnering with independent companies serving a variety of key, mission-critical sectors around the globe.
Phenna Group is pleased to announce its 25th deal of 2025 with the acquisition of Essential Food Hygiene (EFH), a respected provider of accredited online training solutions focused on food safety, compliance, and workplace competence. EFH will join Phenna Group's Food & Life Sciences Division under the leadership of Eville and Jones (E&J), enhancing the division's digital learning, food safety and compliance training capabilities.
About EFH
Founded on the principle that high-quality training should be accessible, affordable, and straightforward, EFH delivers a comprehensive suite of accredited online CPD courses widely recognised and trusted by Environmental Health Officers, regulators, licensing authorities, and employers across the UK. EFH has trained thousands of learners and enabled businesses to meet crucial compliance requirements efficiently.
Jo Kerry and Ed Laycock, Founders of EFH, shared, "We are pleased to announce that Essential Food Hygiene has been acquired by Phenna Group, and will come under the leadership of Eville and Jones (E&J), This marks an exciting milestone for our business, and we are delighted that we will now form part of a wider group with strong expertise and resources. As founders, we are very proud of what the company has achieved to date, and we are confident that under E&J's leadership, Essential Food Hygiene will continue to grow and thrive. Our office team remains in place and is looking forward to supporting clients as we move into this new chapter. They are excited about the opportunities ahead and the new developments planned for the new year."
Charles Hartwell, CEO of E&J and Divisional MD for Food & Life Sciences, commented: "I'm delighted to welcome Essential Food Hygiene into E&J and the wider Phenna Group. EFH has developed a strong, trusted presence in the online training and compliance market, offering high-quality accredited online courses that support individuals and businesses across the UK. Their learner-centred approach and commitment to clarity and accessibility align perfectly with our values. This acquisition enables E&J to offer a digital training proposition and provides an excellent platform for continued growth through extended service capabilities."
Phil Marshall, Chief Operating Officer, added: "Essential Food Hygiene is a highly complementary addition to our business. The team has built an impressive reputation for delivering accessible, affordable and professional training that meets real-world compliance needs. Their scalable digital model and strong industry recognition make them a great strategic fit for Phenna Group, and I look forward to supporting their next phase of growth as part of our Food & Life Sciences division."
Phenna Group were advised by Hill Dickinson and RSM UK Consulting.
EFH were advised by KBS Corporate
For more information on EFH, visit: https://essentialfoodhygiene.co.uk/
For more information on E&J, visit: https://eandj.co.uk/
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