First Response acquires Scottish consultancy

Pershore based First Response Training has acquired Hodgins Smith (CDM) Limited, a leading Scottish provider of health & safety consultancy and training solutions to form a service that will be available to organisations nationally.

The Ayrshire business employs 10 people who operate throughout Scotland. Darren Eden, Managing Director of First Response, commented, "This is an extremely exciting time for us. First Response’s success in training has given our group a solid foundation. Hodgins Smith is a successful and well-managed business that excels in health & safety consulting and training. Together by offering an increased portfolio into a growth market, positions the group in a very good stead despite the economic downturn."

Hodgins Smith provides a wide range of health and safety services relating to construction, fire, food safety and work related risk. Hodgins Smith’s depth of knowledge has created a solid client base which includes many high profile businesses within Scotland including Harper Collins, South Ayrshire Council, Lothian and Ayrshire NHS. With Hodgins Smith, First Response will become one of a handful of providers in the UK that can offer such a comprehensive range of health and safety consulting and training solutions at national level and positions them in front of the crowd.

The range of courses is extensive with accreditation by CIEH, EDI, IOSH, NCFE, REHIS the HSE and qualifications by SQA and City & Guilds.