Realise strengthens healthcare training offering with acquisition of Tidal Training

Specialist healthcare training provider Tidal Training has joined Realise Training Group following an acquisition that will expand Realise’s capabilities and strengthen the support it provides to tens of thousands of learners across the UK. 

Fast-growing training provider Realise completed the purchase on Friday (March 13) for an undisclosed sum. The business will continue to trade as Tidal Training, and all employees and associate trainers will remain in place.

Launched by Colin Frensham in 2012, Tidal Training has grown to become one of the largest healthcare training providers in the country, last year helping 18,000 learners develop new skills.

The Cheltenham-based provider delivers medical and clinical, bespoke mental health, learning disabilities, health and social care, and childcare training - as well as regulated first aid training.

Tidal Training has a broad client portfolio supporting NHS hospitals, local authorities, mental health providers, children’s services, schools, HM Prison Service, the Probation Service, social housing providers, private hospitals, addiction and rehabilitation establishments, and complex care providers.

Founder Director, Colin Frensham, said: “I am excited and proud that Tidal is joining the Realise Training Group. By utilising Realise’s strong infrastructure and sharing opportunities, Tidal will be able to grow at a faster pace while continuing to deliver the excellent specialist training we are renowned for.

“We have grown the Tidal business from a standing start to a highly trusted organisation with 162 courses and 18,000 learners a year. Tidal has been putting people before profit since 2012. We are more than a training provider, Tidal is our legacy to benefit and support others.

“I'm delighted that Clare Seed, who became a director at Tidal in 2017, will remain in post as we expand the business together under the Realise Training Group.

“This acquisition is the start of the next exciting chapter for everyone involved, for our learners, employees, trainers and suppliers, and it’s very much business as usual.”

Tidal Training currently has 35 associate trainers and six head office-based staff, delivering more than 130 days of training each month.

Part of the AQA Group since October last year, Realise also supports more than 18,000 learners a year across apprenticeships and adult skills programmes.

Gregg Scott, CEO at Realise Training Group, said the purchase of Tidal Training was a strategic step in the business’ continued growth across multiple sectors.

He said: “We are delighted to have completed this significant acquisition of a successful and highly respected training provider. Tidal will continue to operate as before, delivering excellent training across the country, but it will now have the additional support of the Realise Training Group and our strong infrastructure.

“We are committed to providing first-class training in key sectors and this will help us further our expertise in the healthcare sector, while adding new courses to our portfolio.

“Realise continues to go from strength to strength and we look forward to working with everyone at Tidal Training.”

With more than 500 employees nationwide, Realise offers apprenticeships in sectors including early years, health and social care, business services, energy and transport.