Staffline, the staffing and employability organisation, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of LDA, a UK-based Apprenticeship Levy provider from Learndirect Apprenticeships Limited.

Staffline will integrate LDA into PeoplePlus, its Skills and Training division. The group added that the deal was for a ‘nominal sum’ and was funded from Staffline’s existing resources.  

“This acquisition will significantly increase PeoplePlus’ share within the Apprenticeship Levy market to 10%,” Staffline said. “The combined business will be the leading adult skills and training provider in the UK, delivering apprenticeships, adult education, prison education and skills-based employability programmes across the UK.”

LDA works with many high-profile levy-paying companies. Staffline said the combined business will have 5,000 apprentices currently on programme, with a strong pipeline of new apprentices. 

According to Staffline, LDA brings an existing blue-chip customer base, adding high profile brands in key areas such as retail, financial services and the NHS. These customers will add complementary market sectors to PeoplePlus’s existing offering, and a broadened product proposition.

Chris Pullen, Chief Executive Officer of Staffline, commented, “We are delighted to announce that we have acquired the country’s market leading Apprenticeship Levy provider.  Combining our businesses makes PeoplePlus the country’s market leading skills and training provider with a UK wide footprint across apprenticeships, adult education, prison education and skills-based employability programmes, and is in-line with Staffline’s acquisition strategy.  We look forward to welcoming the LDA team and to integrating the business within PeoplePlus.”

Earlier this year, Staffline made a number of acquisitions which include: Endeavour Group Limited and its subsidiary Vital Recruitment Limited, UK Distribution Personnel Limited, and M&B Staff Services.