North East disability, diversity & inclusion specialist creates jobs with seven-figure acquisition

Hebburn headquartered disability, diversity and inclusion specialist, eQuality Solutions Group (eQS), has acquired psychology experts The Educational Guidance Service (EGS) in a seven-figure deal.

This is the third acquisition for the firm in only 10 months which will see eQS on track to achieve its target of £30m turnover by 2023.

Halifax based EGS will add complementary capability to the group’s disability services division, which currently provides specialist Assistive Technology equipment, software, training and mentoring in the education, workplace, and government sectors.

The addition of EGS will see eQS Group revenues exceed £15m and take the total employee headcount to 80 in addition to 350 freelance psychologists, consultants, trainers and delivery engineers across the UK.

eQS CEO Andy Gough said: “The past couple of years have not only seen a global health crisis but also an awakening regarding inclusion and acceptance of individuals identifying with a cognitive disability. This has created an even bigger demand for cognitive disability assessments within both the educational and workplace settings.

“EGS is a leader in this market and quickly became our top choice for our next acquisition due to its capability and outstanding reputation. Upon first meeting with EGS founder Alex Griffiths, it was clear EGS is a strong strategic fit for the Group, aligning with our purpose and mission.”

EGS founder Alex Griffiths said: “The eQS team stood out as down to earth people who understood what we were about and demonstrated a clear passion for looking after the EGS brand and developing it in the ‘EGS way’.

“There was a synergy between our business culture and values, and a very obvious desire to look after the exceptional team who have helped us create this legacy of doing good and unlocking potential.”