Effective leadership succession can be one of the most important processes in the life of a specialist business. Ensuring continuity of expertise, protecting culture, and maintaining confidence among customers and stakeholders are critical during any leadership transition.
This case study demonstrates how Phenna Group supported a planned, phased leadership transition at Elmhurst Energy by backing an experienced management team, strengthening governance, and providing long-term investment, while preserving the business's identity and strengths.
Business background
Elmhurst Energy was founded in 1993 and has grown to become the UK's largest independent scheme for energy assessors and retrofit professionals.
For many years, the business was led by Stephen O'Hara, who served as Managing Director and later Chairman, and played a central role in establishing Elmhurst as a leading organisation in the energy assessment industry. At the same time, the wider leadership team developed deep experience within the business. Martyn Reed and Stuart Fairlie, for example, had been part of Elmhurst for more than 11 and 20 years, respectively, prior to Phenna's investment.
Elmhurst Energy joined Phenna Group on 30 November 2020, becoming part of the Certification and Compliance Division.
A planned transition
At the time of Phenna's investment, Stephen intended to remain involved to ensure continuity while supporting a phased leadership transition. He transitioned to Chairman, allowing the executive leadership team to manage day-to-day operations while providing strategic guidance and industry insight.
Maintaining Elmhurst's strong culture, protecting its technical leadership in the energy assessment sector, and ensuring uninterrupted service to members and customers were key priorities during this period.
Having a clear and structured transition plan was an important factor in selecting the right partner. Elmhurst sought an investor that would back the existing leadership team, support a phased handover, and invest in growth without disrupting the way the business operated.
Phenna's role
Phenna Group worked closely with Elmhurst's leadership team to support a structured and carefully managed transition.
Stephen remained as Chairman following the transaction, providing continuity and strategic oversight, while the established executive team continued to lead the business operationally. Governance and board engagement were strengthened through regular interaction with Phenna, ensuring the right balance between oversight and support.
In 2021, a planned leadership progression took place. Martyn was appointed Group Managing Director of the Elmhurst Group, while Stuart became Managing Director of Elmhurst Energy. These appointments formalised a succession plan that had been developing within the business over several years.
This structure provided clarity of leadership while ensuring that the deep experience already embedded within Elmhurst continued to guide the organisation. Equally, it provided clear line of sight for a longer-term transition that met Martyn’s aspirations.
Leadership transition and continuity
The phased succession model proved highly effective. The strengthened management structure and ongoing governance support from Phenna ensured leadership continuity as responsibilities evolved.
Martyn retired at the end of 2024, and Stephen stepped down as Chairman in June 2025, completing the planned transition, with Stuart becoming the Group MD.
By this point, the leadership structure had been firmly established, enabling the business to continue operating smoothly without disrupting customers, members, or staff.
Performance and evolution
Following the leadership transition, Elmhurst continued to strengthen its position within the energy assessment and retrofit sectors.
The business expanded its training, accreditation and software offerings, while maintaining its position as the UK's largest independent scheme for energy assessors and retrofit professionals.
Operationally and strategically, the leadership team accelerated product development and policy engagement, including advocacy around EPC reform. Training provision was broadened across classroom, live online and on-demand formats, while further investment was made in member support and software capabilities.
Throughout this period, maintaining service quality and technical credibility remained central to Elmhurst's approach.
A proven model for succession
Elmhurst Energy demonstrates how leadership succession within Phenna Group can be carefully planned and successfully delivered.
By backing experienced leaders, strengthening governance, and supporting phased transitions, Phenna enables businesses to evolve their leadership structures while preserving the culture, expertise and relationships that underpin long-term success.
With the right people in place and a clear plan agreed between management and investors, leadership succession can be delivered smoothly, ensuring stability for employees, customers and stakeholders alike.
Stuart Fairlie
Managing Director
Stuart Fairlie
Managing Director