BGF-backed Environmental Essentials launches compliance tool in period of record growth

Environmental Essentials – one of the UK’s leading asbestos service providers – has launched a unique online risk management tool, following a period of strong growth for the BGF-backed company.

OMNI is a web-enabled asbestos database that provides real-time risk and compliance information to help manage property portfolios and associated projects. The software enables companies to store and manage asbestos, Legionella and other compliance-based risks and data in one portal. The recently launched asbestos module also allows users to view surveys, as well as analytical and removal data by project, site, date, or type of work. The interactive plan function makes the system easy to use and instantly locate risks in any location within a building.

The launch comes after a period of record growth for the Stoke-on-Trent-based business, which has seen turnover grow by 23% in the last 12 months, with almost 90% growth of EBITDA. Since 2015, Environmental Essentials has received a total of £5.7 million from BGF – one of the largest and most experienced growth capital investors in the UK and Ireland. The growth capital has enabled the company to execute an ambitious buy and build strategy, while investing in the development of proprietary software.

Richard Powner, co-founder and executive director at Environmental Essentials, commented: “The three major areas of compliance are asbestos, water and fire. Being able to understand the risks that these pose when undergoing a construction project or PPM activities is vital to our customers – not only in terms of reducing exposure, but also reducing any associated costs that these risks bring.

“By having live and up-to-date information about all areas of a building, customers have the confidence they need to manage projects and any potential risks both proactively and efficiently.”

At the end of 2022, Environmental Essentials received £2.4 million of follow-on funding from BGF to help accelerate its growth plans. The funding supported the acquisition of Adams Environmental, which specialises in the listed building and education sectors, servicing high-profile buildings such as the National History Museum and Imperial College London.

BGF investor, Jon Earl, commented: “Environmental Essentials is an exciting and highly ambitious business that is always looking at ways to push boundaries – whether that’s through product innovation or integrating new services into the business through buy and build.

“After their best year on record, they are perfectly positioned to capitalise on the significant potential that exists within the built environment, while continuing to offer customers marketing-leading solutions that tackle the complex areas of asbestos, water and air hygiene management.”