Fast-growing training provider Smart Energy has taken another step towards delivering its ambitious expansion plans by completing the acquisition of another Midlands provider. The company has finalised the purchase of Redditch–based SWAT Gas from owner and director Reuben Smith, further expanding its gas, plumbing, heating and renewable energy offering.
The acquisition was completed this week for an undisclosed sum and represents the fourth purchase completed by Smart Energy Training in 2026, following on from Energy Training Centre in Nottingham, Stourbridge’s Elements Training & Assessment and Brookhouse in Yorkshire.
SWAT Gas was formed in 1999 and currently supports around 2,000 engineers a year in securing vital training qualifications, such as the ACS (Accredited Certification Scheme) and the Managed Learning Programme for new entrants to the industry.
Paul Drew, Director of Smart Energy Training, comments: “We are delighted to complete this acquisition and to bring SWAT Gas into Smart Energy Training and the wider Realise Training Group. The business has an excellent reputation for delivering high–quality training with experienced course leaders. With the backing and expertise of Realise, we are confident SWAT Gas will continue to grow and thrive.
“As well as continuing the excellent programmes the team at SWAT Gas has offered, we will also expand the offering by rolling out apprenticeships.
“In addition to working with existing learners, we are keen to partner with West Midlands Combined Authority, as well as industry leading organisations, to support local projects and further bolster the pipeline of skilled professionals, helping to meet the growing demand for the trade, driving job creation across the region.
As well as the acquisitions Smart Energy Training has completed this year, it also has two further sites in the East Midlands in Ashbourne and Lutterworth.
SWAT Gas was formed by Reuben’s father Christopher Smith and his business partner Terry Cobain in 1999. There are eight trainer assessors, made up of five full-time staff and supporting freelance contractors.
Reuben says: “I joined the business shortly after it was founded and it’s been a real honour to support our loyal customer base. It’s a family business and it means a lot to me. I’ve had three or four conversations with other potential purchasers, but they haven’t felt right.
“From the moment I started conversations with Paul and the team at Smart Energy Training, I got a really good feeling and I had confidence this was the right team to take the business forward and offer our colleagues and customers the very best service moving forward.
“This investment will allow the business to grow far bigger and far stronger than we could on our own. I’m delighted that Smart Energy Training shares our vision and I’m looking forward to being a very interested observer and see how our colleagues and customers continue to grow and develop.”
Smart Energy Training became part of the Realise Training Group in March last year. Realise is one of the largest training providers in the UK, offering apprenticeships and adult skills programmes to more than 18,500 people each year.
Meanwhile, Realise Training Group was acquired by AQA in October last year, becoming an independent subsidiary of the not-for-profit education charity.
For more information, visit www.smartenergytraining.co.uk
