Considering Selling Your First Aid Business? Talk to Us
At the First Aid Training Co-operative we appreciate the hard work and investment in time and energy it takes to run a successful first aid training business. We also understand how much harder that is as a smaller enterprise, that’s why we go to such lengths to support our Members and Associates.
Running your own first aid training business can be rewarding, but let’s be honest—it can also be exhausting. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been doing this for years. You’ve taught the same CPR drills more times than you can count, navigated endless regulatory updates, invested in equipment, marketing, compliance, and admin, and you’re now at a point where you’re simply ready to do something else.
Maybe you’re tired. Maybe costs are going up, admin is getting heavier, or new guidelines are draining your time and energy. Perhaps you’re just bored of repeating the same sessions. You’ve built something good, your clients trust you—but now it’s time for a change.
We understand. And we can help.
Career Change, Retirement, Looking for a Way Out?
We also speak to many people each year who come to us because they are considering leaving the first aid training industry and are wondering what their options are. This might be due to a career or lifestyle change, new opportunities, retirement, or for a myriad of other reasons – but the main point is that they want something back for the years of investment they’ve made, and they want to ensure that their clients are well looked after.
At the First Aid Training Co-operative (FATC), we offer an easy, respectful way for first aid trainers and small business owners like you to step away from teaching, knowing their clients are in safe hands. Whether you’re retiring, changing careers, or just want to stop running the show, we can take on your client list and other assets, giving you the freedom to move on.
Why Sell to First Aid Training Co-operative?
We’re not just another company. We’re a true business co-operative, owned by the member businesses who work within it. That means we value people, relationships, and high-quality service above everything else.
Founded in 2015, by the amalgamation of two long running first aid training businesses, we currently train around 6,000 people a year across the UK. We’ve successfully acquired client lists from other first aid trainers and companies, including Medi-K Training – the UK’s leading equestrian first aid provider, and Focus Training – Healthcare sector training specialists.
When you sell to us, you’re not handing your legacy over to a faceless corporation. You’re passing it on to a team of professionals who understand the industry and will continue to care for your clients the way you did. An ethically run organisation, and who make solid steps to reduce their carbon footprint, all whilst supplying clients with a top rate service and an exceptional training experience.
The Best Results Start With A Conversation
If you are considering leaving the first aid training sector, and would like to discuss how that might look for you and how we can help, then get in touch by clicking the button on the right and completing the form. We’ll get in touch, and take things from there.
What We’ll Help You With
We’ll give you a return on your investment for the following:
- Assets – these are usually your client database – regular customers who book physical or mental health first aid training, and possibly training equipment if it’s in good condition.
- Goodwill – This is things associated with your brand, (website, social media profiles, marketing collateral, etc). If yours is a trusted, unique brand with a strong reputation, that we can continue under the FATC umbrella.
We’re not looking to buy your company structure. You keep your limited company to wind down or pivot as you see fit—we just want to ensure that your valued clients continue to receive the service and training quality that they’re used to, whilst giving you a way out.
Two Options for Selling
We offer two flexible ways to hand over your business, depending on your needs:
1. Cash Purchase
We’ll negotiate a one-off payment based on the value of your assets and goodwill if appropriate. Amongst other things, this usually considers:
- Your income from course bookings
- How reliable and consistent your client base is
- Rebooking rates and customer loyalty
- Types and volume of courses delivered
You’ll receive a lump-sum payment, usually within weeks of agreement being reached (subject to due diligence). We can even split payments over two financial years to reduce your tax burden.
2. Commission Model
If you prefer a longer-term income, we can set up a 5-year referral agreement. You’ll earn an 8% commission on all future courses booked by your referred clients. These payments are made quarterly and tracked through our Client Management System.
A History of Successful Acquisitions
If the above description sounds like you, get in touch by clicking the button below to start a conversation with us about what will work best for you. We have successfully acquired multiple small first aid training businesses, ensuring that clients of those companies have their ongoing training needs not only met but that they also benefit from our efficient and cost effective client management process, and other added value extras such as our digital manuals.
The owners of these companies have then been able to turn their attention to whatever was on the horizon for them, taking with them a fair financial remuneration for the size of their business. Everyone is a winner!
FATC Acquisition of Medi-K Training – A Case Study
Medi-K First Aid Training for Horse Riders was acquired by the First Aid Training Co-operative in summer 2020 following the Covid pandemic and associated lock-down. During this time, the previous owners made some decisions about their lifestyle which involved training as paramedics amongst other things. This wasn’t going to allow time to continue running Medi-K, which was already a sizeable training organisation that took up all of their time.
All business acquisition involve a lot of frank and honest discussion, and this was no different, and allowed us to work out the best solution for Medi-K’s previous owners, and their clients who are now happily part of the First Aid Training Co-operative client list. In fact, we have significantly grown our presence in the equestrian sector and built on the great foundations that the previous Medi-K owners had created.
In order to do that we have worked with some of the previous training team, as well as training up new equestrian specialist trainers to serve the sector. We have also added an Equestrian First Aid Manual to our suite of digital first aid manuals to further support the sector.
The Process – Simple and Confidential
We appreciate that it isn’t easy to come to the decision of handing over your business, and we’ll make the process as easy as possible for you:
- Initial Conversation
We have a short, informal chat to understand your business and your goals.
- Information Sharing
You’ll complete a questionnaire giving us basic information like course types, turnover, client base, and location. We don’t need names of clients at this stage—just course numbers and patterns.
- Valuation & Agreement
Based on what you share, we’ll make an offer. We’ll draw up a fair and transparent agreement, with full confidentiality.
- Handover Support
We’ll work with you to inform your clients and (if you agree) your trainers. We can send emails on your behalf, arrange online handovers, or even meet larger clients in person.
- Payment / Commission Setup
Once the handover’s complete, you’ll receive your payment or start earning regular commission.
Ready to Move On?
If you’ve had enough of the hassle, pressure, and repetition of first aid training, we offer you a dignified exit and a respectful continuation of your legacy. Whether you want a one-off sale or ongoing income, the First Aid Training Co-operative is here to support you every step of the way.
Let’s talk. It could be the best decision you’ve made since starting your business.
Just fill in the form below and we’ll be in touch soon to discuss everything with you.
FAQ’s
Every business is unique. It depends on the size and reliability of your customer base, rebooking rates, turnover, and course type. We are not buying your limited company, only your client list and any relevant assets.
Cash payments are usually made quickly after agreement and due diligence checks have been completed. Commission payments are made quarterly for a 5 year period.
We tag your clients in our Learning Management System, and whenever they book, it’s tracked. Quarterly reports calculate your share, and we send you the payment following an invoice.
We’ll send you a questionnaire asking for information on things like:
- Marketing efforts and website details
- What courses you run and how often
- Annual turnover
- Course pricing and VAT
- Accreditation body memberships
- Geographic coverage
- Your trainer team
- Anonymised customer database
Yes. We treat all shared information with strict confidentiality and request that you anonymise your client list in the early discussions.
Usually, no. We buy the client list and potentially other relevant assets, not the company itself. In some cases we may also purchase the brand and operate it under the FATC umbrella.
Possibly. We specialise in first aid, but we’re open to opportunities if they complement our services.
We’ll help you with that. We can draft a joint communication plan, set up meetings, or run a full handover plan so clients feel reassured, know what to expect, and understand the benefits for them.
We are always looking to expand our team with skilled, dynamic First Aid Trainers. We may invite your current trainers to work with us — subject to adapting to our delivery style and policies.