Established in 1980, Celtest has built a strong reputation over more than four decades as a trusted provider of materials testing services. By the time of Phenna Group's investment in April 2022, the business had already benefited from long-term leadership continuity, with founder involvement spanning more than 40 years and a well-established management team.
Jason Chinery, who had been with the business for 14 years prior to the acquisition, was already deeply embedded in operations and leadership, providing a natural pathway for succession.
About Celtest
Celtest was established in 1980 and is a leading provider of construction materials testing services across the UK. With decades of experience supporting infrastructure and built-environment projects, the business has earned a strong reputation for reliability, speed, and high-quality results.
Operating from multiple laboratories, Celtest delivers comprehensive testing services to support developers, contractors and engineers, ensuring materials meet required standards and project specifications. The company is known for its efficient turnaround times and customer-focused approach, helping clients keep projects on schedule without compromising on quality.
Over more than 40 years, Celtest has continued to evolve its capabilities, combining technical expertise with operational efficiency to remain highly competitive in the materials testing market.
Services Include:
Concrete Testing
Soil Testing
Aggregate Testing
Asphalt & Bituminous Testing
Site Sampling & Investigation
Environmental Testing
A Planned Transition
At the point of investment, the founders had a clear plan to step back from the business in the near term. This transition had already been carefully considered ahead of discussions with Phenna Group, providing a strong foundation for continuity from day one.
With minimal reliance on the founders in day-to-day operations, the business was well-positioned for a smooth leadership transition. Jason was appointed Managing Director designate during the interim period, providing continuity and confidence for both employees and customers.
Supporting Leadership and Growth
Phenna Group played a key role in reinforcing this transition, providing both strategic guidance and practical support.
As Jason notes, "Stuart was very supportive in helping with building a new team and suggestions to grow the business." (referring to Stuart Abbs, Divisional MD, Infrastructure Division)
This support extended beyond leadership into operational excellence, including the introduction of specialist expertise to help deliver on Celtest's growth ambitions. Notably, Phenna Group facilitated access to an experienced Lean laboratory specialist, helping to refine processes and improve efficiency.
Driving Performance Post-Acquisition
Since joining Phenna Group, Celtest has delivered strong, consistent growth, with revenue increasing by 50%.
A clear strategic focus has underpinned this performance. The business has prioritised:
- Reducing turnaround times
- Improving operational efficiency
- Strengthening its competitive positioning
Operating in a price-sensitive market, Celtest has leaned into a simple but effective strategy: combining competitive pricing with industry-leading speed.
As Jason explains, "Market-leading turnaround times make Celtest a cost-efficient partner for time-critical projects, where speed directly drives value."
Operational improvements have also been supported by enhancements in HR and health & safety practices, further strengthening the business's foundations for long-term growth.
Strengthening Market Position
Being part of Phenna Group has enhanced Celtest's market position by providing access to broader group synergies, shared expertise, and additional resources.
Crucially, the acquisition preserved what mattered most — the company's identity and reputation.
"The fact that the name and reputation that had been built over the years would be retained" was a key factor in choosing Phenna as a partner.
A Balanced Approach to Integration
One of the defining features of Phenna Group's approach is its balance between support and continuity.
Jason describes this as a "thoughtful approach", where the existing management team is empowered to continue doing what they do best, while benefiting from the backing of a larger group.
This includes:
- Support in leadership development and team building
- Access to specialist expertise
- Strategic input to drive growth
- Operational improvements where needed
All while maintaining a strong customer focus and preserving the culture that has driven success for over 40 years.
Reflections on Partnership
For business owners considering their own succession plans, Jason's experience offers clear reassurance:
"If you have a succession plan in mind, or not, they will fully support you in developing an internal person you have in mind for succession or finding new talent to work with you and maintain your legacy."
Celtest's journey highlights what can be achieved with the right combination of planning, leadership, and support.
Thinking of Selling Your TICC Business?
The acquisition of Celtest by Phenna Group has proven to be a strong and successful partnership, built on clear planning, leadership continuity, and a shared ambition for growth. By supporting a well-defined succession plan while maintaining Celtest's identity, Phenna has enabled the business to scale with confidence.
The journey highlights the value of combining operational focus with strategic support. Since joining the Group, Celtest has strengthened its market position through improved turnaround times, enhanced operational efficiency, access to specialist expertise, and wider group resources and synergies.
For business owners considering succession or long-term growth, Celtest's experience demonstrates how the right partner can provide both the structure and support needed to deliver sustainable performance, while preserving the culture and reputation that underpin long-term success.
