We’re pleased to announce that Ecus is now a part of Cura Terrae, an environmental consultancy and services group, which will also include Environmental Monitoring Solutions (EMS), and Envirocare.
Headquartered in Sheffield, Cura Terrae, which means ‘take care of the Earth’ in Latin, is a purpose-driven business led by experienced entrepreneur Professor Pete Skipworth, who will look for suitable complementary acquisitions as part of a strategic growth plan.
EMS provides environmental consultancy services and monitoring solutions to help clients meet and maintain environmental compliance, improve efficiency and manage environmental impact. Established in 2002, it has grown its staff count from seven to 50.
Envirocare offers stack emissions testing and occupational hygiene consultancy. With 35 members of staff, it is a leading UKAS and MCERTS accredited consultancy operating throughout the UK and Ireland.
Ecus will bring around 154 staff to the group.
As part of the new group, Ecus will maintain its area of speciality but will benefit from the consolidation of shared central services such as HR, marketing and finance.
In a fragmented marketplace for environmental services, CEO Prof Peter Skipworth sees a significant opportunity to build a leading nationwide environmental services and consultancy business. He said: “Our mission at Cura Terrae is to take care of the earth. We believe that businesses have an obligation to solve the climate crisis and Cura Terrae will help them meet and maintain environmental standards across land, air and water.
Investors
This significant development is a result of investment by Palatine Private Equity, whose long-term commitment to place purpose and responsibility at the heart of their investment strategy aligns perfectly with Cura Terrae’s shared mission to protect the environment.
Board
Our new direction will also bring changes to Ecus’s Board structure. Andrew Gunning will be stepping down as Managing Director (and into retirement) but will continue to advise for a period of time. Kit Hawkins will take over from Andrew as Managing Director, and Paul White becomes Strategy Director. Pete Skipworth will be Non-Exec Chair, and Sara Blannin is Non-Exec Finance Director, with Neil Scarlett joining as a further Non-Exec.
Pete Skipworth will be Cura Terrae’s CEO, with Ecus’s Finance Director Sara Blannin as CFO. Piers Clark, the respected water sector professional, will become non-executive Chair and Palatine Impact Partner James Gregson will also be joining the board.
"It’s a real privilege to be asked to lead Ecus at such an exciting time in our history, and I am relishing the opportunity to take us to the next level. Ecus is a great company, with fantastic staff, a strong and loyal client base, and a very inclusive and progressive culture. We’ve grown strongly over the last couple of years and I’m looking forward to continuing that growth, with new services, new colleagues, new offices and new clients. I’m keen that we continue to lead by example in the development of a sustainable future for our environment and communities, as the future depends on what we do today.
The formation of Cura Terrae brings a wonderful opportunity to build upon the existing and diverse client networks within EMS and Envirocare. Being part of such a strong group allows us to deliver a wider range of services to an enhanced suite of sectors, and gives us the opportunity to develop our offering through innovation, integrity and accountability. I’d like to thank Andrew Gunning for what he has achieved during his two year tenure as Managing Director, and I wish him the very best for his retirement. Andrew, it’s been an absolute pleasure working with you and you really have been the wind beneath Ecus’s wings!"Kit Hawkins
Incoming Managing Director
"In leading Ecus over the last two years, through what has proved to be a fairly challenging period, I have noted time and time again the strength and resilience of the whole Ecus Team. I am sure these qualities will take the company forward under the leadership of Kit and Paul, and that being part of Cura Terrae will enhance what can be achieved in terms of growing the company, delivering for clients and, making it an even greater place to work!"
Andrew Gunning
Outgoing Managing Director
