Realise has acquired FW Solutions, an independent training provider which delivers apprenticeships and training to more than 100 early years settings across Yorkshire and North-East England.

FW Solutions was formed in 2008 by husband-and-wife partnership Rodney and Sandra Hardy, who both have vast experience of delivering teaching and training in the early years sector.

Realise, which became a standalone business two years ago when private equity investor Enact provided funding to support a management buyout, delivers apprenticeships at level two, three and five to hundreds of settings across the UK.

The entire FW Solutions team, including all trainers, will move to become part of Realise, which will extend its provision by offering training in residential childcare.

Realise Managing Director Gregg Scott said: “We are delighted to have acquired FW Solutions and to be trusted by Rodney and Sandra to continue the outstanding work they have overseen in recent years.

“The business has an excellent reputation for delivering outstanding training and apprenticeship programmes and we look forward to working with the settings that already partner with FW Solutions.

“The early years sector is a huge passion for everyone associated with Realise and we are determined to play our part in helping develop the careers of those people working in the sector, as well as helping to retain talent in early years settings.

“We are thrilled to be strengthening our team by welcoming colleagues from FW Solutions into the Realise fold.

“It demonstrates our strong financial position and fits in perfectly with our long-term strategy of sustainable growth.

“The acquisition will create huge opportunities for development for everyone involved and there is an exciting future ahead for all parties.”

Departing owner Rodney said: “It is with a heavy heart that we are leaving FW Solutions but it’s the right time for Sandra and I to retire.

“We will miss all members of our highly qualified team, who have shown such loyal support and dedication over the last 14 years, as well as the expanding number of settings we have been fortunate to partner with.

“When we were initially approached by Realise regarding an acquisition, we knew this was an exciting opportunity to expand on the initial concept of FW Solutions yet retain the family-based environment which has been such a key part of the success.

“Our main ethos has always been to support employers to meet their individual employment needs by offering carefully tailored training solutions and the Realise philosophy of ‘right learner, right programme’ fits perfectly with that.

“We wish all our former colleagues at FW Solutions and the entire team at Realise every success for the future and are excited to watch the continued progress and expansion.”

Paul Denvers, Investment Director at Enact, said: “This is another significant moment in the short but impressive history of Realise.

“When we first met with the management team at Realise in 2020, we were impressed with their vision for strong and sustainable growth.

“Acquisitions such as FW Solutions, built on the success and stable foundations of the business as a whole, ensures that vision is being delivered on.

“We are thrilled to be supporting a business which is delivering on its expansion plans and, while we are actively looking for further acquisition opportunities, the key focus for Realise will always be retaining a quality learner experience and supporting people.”