Naomi Armitage – M&A Deal Lead (I’ve just changed roles from the BDM) Stuart Atkinson – Ops Director Elise Mitchell – Marketing Assistant Emma Gregson – Business Development Ian Peacock – Managing Director
ESS Driving UK Growth from Blackpool Enterprise Centre
Blackpool’s growing reputation as a hub for ambitious businesses continues thanks to ESS Group, a national consultancy with a strong local presence.
Since opening up an office at Blackpool Enterprise Centre in the heart of South Shore August 2023, the company has been going from strength to strength. Operating two complementary businesses ESS Assist and ESS Corporate Services, ESS is making a big impact both locally and across the UK.
Helping Businesses Grow and Exit Successfully
Under the ESS Group umbrella, ESS Assist specialises in bid writing and strategic consultancy, helping businesses win public sector contracts and access funding. Meanwhile, ESS Corporate Services focuses on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), working seller-side to support businesses through company valuations, preparation for sale, negotiations, and deal completion.
With clients in training, care, renewables, logistics, and construction, ESS supports purpose-driven organisations at pivotal moments—whether that’s scaling up or stepping away.
Why Blackpool?
Though ESS previously operated remotely with roots in locations like Catterick and Wakefield, a few team members made the move back to Blackpool and the decision to establish a local presence followed naturally.
“There’s a wealth of talent in Blackpool, but fewer opportunities in niche areas like consultancy and M&A,” said Ian Peacock, Managing Director of ESS. “We saw an opportunity to change that and build something meaningful here.”
Blackpool Enterprise Centre proved the perfect fit, affordable, professional, and ideally located, offering a flexible base without the high overheads.
Meet the Local Team
ESS’s Blackpool office is now home to a tight-knit, talented team covering marketing, operations, and business development:
Naomi Armitage – M&A Deal Lead, Stuart Atkinson – Ops Director, Elise Mitchell – Marketing Assistant,
Emma Gregson – Business Development, Ian Peacock – Managing Director
Recruiting for specialist roles hasn’t always been easy, but the firm has found local professionals who are thriving in their roles and helping to shape ESS’s future.
Looking Ahead
With ambitious growth plans, ESS is developing both sides of the business. ESS Assist continues to support clients with expert consultancy and its growing Tender Tracker platform, which helps training providers win public sector funding. Meanwhile, ESS Corporate Services is expanding its presence in the UK and Europe as cross-border M&A activity increases.
Powered by the Blackpool Business Community
Being based at Blackpool Enterprise Centre has not only provided ESS with a practical base, it’s connected them with Blackpool’s wider business support ecosystem, including the Blackpool Growth Business Academy. Through the programme, ESS has benefited from funded training and valuable networking opportunities.
“Blackpool’s been brilliant for us. The team, the location, and the support from the business community have all played a part in our success so far,” said Ian.
To find out more about ESS Group and their services, visit: www.esscorporateservices.co.uk
