Morson acquires 3B Training to expand construction skills delivery

Morson Group has expanded its footprint in the construction training market with the acquisition of 3B Training.

Wigan-based 3B Training, which provides a range of Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) courses, was founded in 2011 as Bromak Trading Ltd. It is “one of the UK’s largest construction training providers”, Morson announced in a statement this morning (10 June).

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Manchester-based Morson, which supplies labour to infrastructure sectors including rail and power, said the deal would enhance its ability to build skilled talent pools amid rising demand driven by labour shortages and infrastructure investment.

Chief executive Ged Mason said the acquisition would “create an enviable training and development unit” by combining 3B’s capabilities with those of Morson Training.

3B managing director Mat Bewley said joining the Morson Group would enable the business to scale up its activities, especially in the rail and power sectors.

Morson was advised by Beyond Corporate and RSM UK Corporate Finance.

3B was advised by Grant Thornton and Bermans.

The acquired firm offers classroom-based and online learning, alongside NVQs, and operates from sites across the North West, Yorkshire and the Midlands.

It is too small to have to file detailed turnover and profit figures.

On the same day as the acquisition announcement, it shortened its current accounting period from 31 March 2026 to the end of this calendar year.

3B Training’s most recent accounts for the year to 31 March 2024 showed its net assets decreased from £166,829 to £49,247.

Its short-term repayable bank loan debt stood at £116,966, up slightly from the previous year’s £112,849.

But the firm held almost £500,000 in loans repayable after more than 12 months, more than double the previous year’s £218,296.

3B Training employed a monthly average of 69 staff, the accounts showed.

Morson’s most recent group accounts, for the 2023 calendar year, showed 16 per cent turnover growth to £1.33bn and pre-tax profit of £38.9m, up from £32.6m the year before.

Building, construction and infrastructure accounted for 13 per cent of group turnover. Its training division provides entry-level CSCS courses “designed to kickstart a career in construction”.

However, the accounts added that the construction sector proved particularly “challenging” in 2023 amid infrastructure project cutbacks, skills shortages and material price hikes.