A company which offers advice on mergers and acquisitions has completed its own take over of a health and safety consultancy.

The Outset Group, which is also a specialist in employment law and people management, has acquired Chatham-based UKHSE for an undisclosed sum.

The purchase is designed to strengthen the health and safety arm of the legal firm, based at Vinters Park in Maidstone.

UKHSE is provides consultancy and training to organisations including the Clancy Group Plc, the Royal Albert Hall, Kent County Council and the Telegraph Media Group.

The two companies had already worked together as partners. UKHSE’s managing director and owner Steve Gerring will join Outset as the new head of health and safety for the group.

Outset’s operations manager Andy Dagger said: “The acquisition is an exciting and positive step for our expanding group.

“Outset has worked successfully with UKHSE and Steve Gerring prior to the acquisition, and value his expertise, knowledge and contacts in the health and safety sector.

“The team at UKHSE are all committed to this new phase in our development..." - UKHSE's Steve Gerring

“There is a strong link between people management and health and safety. Equally legal and health and safety services involve a practical and pragmatic attitude to risk management.”

There are 28 staff and a consultant at Outset, with 11 people joining from UKHSE. No redundancies are planned from the merger.

Mr Gerring added: “The sale of UKHSE to Outset is an incredibly exciting opportunity for both companies as there are many obvious synergies between us.

“I am positive that this is good news for our clients as it will add further legal expertise and also broaden the range of professional services available, confirming our brand as one of the market leaders.

“The team at UKHSE are all committed to this new phase in our development.

“The benefits of working with Outset have been proven during our relationship over the last two years.

“It is an incredible opportunity for growth, building upon our 10 years of providing services under the banner of UKHSE.”

Outset was established in 2002 by Jonathan Gauton, delivering legal and people management services to businesses and organisations.

Outset Group chief executive Jonathan Gauton said: “This acquisition further assists in delivering fixed price support packages where businesses choose what they need, have the assurance of excellent support, consistent relationship management across the board and the optimum range of services.”