Headquartered in Nottingham, UK, Phenna Group’s aim is to invest in and partner with selected niche, independent Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) companies that serve a variety of sectors, ensuring customers’ peace of mind by delivering first-class testing and assurance services.
We are delighted to announce the acquisition of Vet Skill Ltd, a respected Awarding Organisation and Apprenticeship Assessment Organisation serving vocational sectors across the UK. This acquisition is the 22nd deal of 2025 and represents a significant milestone for our Food & Life Sciences Division, further strengthening our specialist capabilities within a rapidly growing and highly regulated industry.
VetSkill will come under the leadership of E&J, Phenna Group's specialist veterinary public health certification and inspection business. E&J works with the government to safeguard animal welfare within abattoirs and ensure that meat is safe to enter the food chain. They are also the country's largest provider of EHC services to the private sector, enabling the export of Products of Animal Origin.
The addition of VetSkill enables E&J to diversify its range of services by providing qualification and assessment capabilities.
About VetSkill
Established as an accredited Awarding Organisation and Apprenticeship Assessment Organisation, VetSkill has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality vocational qualifications and assessments for learners and apprentices across a growing number of sectors. Working closely with centres, training providers, employers, regulators, and industry partners, VetSkill is known for its robust standards, sector expertise, and commitment to developing skilled, confident professionals.
Leslie Heaton-Smith, exiting Founder of VetSkill commented “By joining Phenna Group, VetSkill will be better placed to take advantage of growth opportunities, expand its market presence into new sectors and position itself for a very successful future.”
Sam Double, CEO of VetSkill commented: “This is a significant strategic step for VetSkill to allow us to build on our current successes and continue a trajectory of growth. I am excited to be working alongside Charles, E&J, and the wider Phenna Group as we expand VetSkill's qualification and assessment portfolio and align our shared values to inspire even more learners and apprentices to success.”
Charles Hartwell, Phenna Groups Divisional MD, Food & Life Sciences (UK&I) and CEO of E&J, commented: "I'm delighted to welcome VetSkill into the E&J family. Their strong reputation, sector expertise, and commitment to high-quality assessment aligns perfectly with our values. I'm very much looking forward to supporting Sam and the VetSkill team as we continue to grow and broaden our impact."
Phil Marshall, CEO of Phenna Group, said: "VetSkill is an excellent addition to our Food & Life Sciences Division and a strong strategic fit for Phenna Group. Their focus on quality, sector knowledge, and learner outcomes mirrors what we look for in our partners. This acquisition further strengthens our position in a highly specialised and regulated market, and I'm excited to see the combined strengths of VetSkill and E&J."
Phenna Group were advised by Hill Dickinson and RSM UK Consulting
VetSkill was advised by Alex Woodfield of Davidson & Co
For further information on VetSkill, visit: https://www.vetskill.com/