Leeds College of Building buys ATL training firm

Leeds College of Building has acquired Rotherham-based training firm Achieve Through Learning (ATL).

ATL directors Wayne Ogden and Tony Jones will remain at the helm of the training provider, which specialises in Apprenticeship and Level 2 programmes for the manufacturing and engineering industries.

David Pullein, executive director of finance at Leeds College of Building, said: “Part of our long-term business development and growth plan is to seek out and acquire quality businesses that share the same synergy.

“ATL is a perfect fit as it worked with 700 employers across South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire areas so it made sense to purchase the company and introduce the extensive courses available at the Leeds College of Building to these businesses.”

According to Pullein, the acquisition could be the first of many for Leeds College of Building.

“At a time when many organisations are contracting we feel confident that our robust financial processes and considered business plan will allow us to continue to expand and acquire other businesses which will ultimately benefit the region’s companies and support economic growth,” he added.

The directors of ATL said: “Our collective experience of managing and delivering Government funded programmes for over 30 years enables us to provide an unrivalled range of services to organisations large or small from sole practitioners to Further Education establishments. Our acquisition by the UK’s only specialist further education construction college will allow us to continue to expand and widen our offer to our customers and consumers.”

Natalie Thornhill