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Our Expert Witness and Assessment Services division continues to grow, with the exciting new addition of the renowned provider of independent social work and psychology services, WillisPalmer. For over 20 years, WillisPalmer has provided independent assessments, therapeutic interventions and consultancy aimed at keeping families together wherever possible.
It’s been an acquisition years in the making, as Chief Strategy Officer Dan Franklin explains:
“I first met Mark several years ago and we have kept in touch ever since. When he decided it was time to explore a sale, he knew WillisPalmer had found a good home with us. I’m delighted that we have come to an agreement and look forward to welcoming the entire WillisPalmer team into the handl Group portfolio.”
Who are WillisPalmer?
Based in Colchester, WillisPalmer was established in 2004 by Mark Willis and Andre Palmer to fill a crucial gap in the market for high quality independent social work services delivered to local authorities and the courts. Over the past 20 years, the company has grown to encompass hundreds of ISWs and psychologists, supporting authorities across the south of England.
Their hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed, with the company selected as a Parliamentary Review Best Practice Representative in 2020, and placing as a finalist in the Business Excellence awards.
How will they be working with handl Group?
WillisPalmer will be helping handl Group to build on the hard work of ASCS, who offer similar services across the UK, with a customer base predominantly found in the North of England. They’ll also be sharing best practices with Foresight and ASCS in order to add value across our Expert Witness and Assessment Services division.
Company MD Sarah Stowe, will be remaining in position leading WillisPalmer’s senior management team, while co-founder Mark Willis will be operating as an advisor as the company settles into life as part of the handl Group.
It’s an opportunity Mark is delighted has finally come to fruition:
“It was 2019 when I first spoke to Dan Franklin about handl Group, and I’d been impressed with him and Graham since our very first meeting. Covid held things up, but by last year things had finally begun to align and the deal made perfect sense.”
“I was already aware of handl Group, the good work done by Mind Right – who I’d worked with in one of my other businesses – so they felt like a natural fit. I’m sure we can learn from brands across the group, and share the things we’ve learned too. ASCS will be a natural partner, moving in the same circles we do, but at the other end of the country. I’m excited to see what happens next.”
That theme of collaboration is shared with Expert Witness and Assessment Services divisional managing director Susan Henry, who also sees the acquisition as a chance for handl brands to work together on more projects:
“It’s a great fit with a number of the handl brands in the Expert Witness and Assessment Services division, already operating in the field of independent social work services, giving the group even greater visibility and allowing us to help even more local authorities across the country.”
What’s next?
Your growth is always our goal, and handl Group is continuing to expand with new acquisitions across all of our divisions. We’re on the lookout for companies who – like WillisPalmer – move in our circles, share our goals, and can work alongside our existing brands.
To learn more about our acquisition criteria, click here for our five key questions.
