BGF-backed Opus Safety has completed the acquisition of Preston-based Suresite Health & Safety Ltd, the latest in an ambitious buy-and-build growth strategy.

The tech-enabled health and safety, HR and occupational health solutions provider has acquired the health and safety function of Suresite for an undisclosed sum. It provides Opus with a significant route into the petrol forecourt market, servicing more than 3,500 petrol stations across the UK.

The deal is the fifth acquisition completed by Birmingham-based Opus, following the purchase of Agility Risk & Compliance, Three Spires Safety, GH Safety, and Sentinel Safety Solutions, and forms part of a long-term buy-and-build drive.

The strategic transaction has been supported by BGF – the UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor – and OakNorth, following BGF’s investment in Opus in July 2025. As part of the deal, all consultants at Suresite will move to Opus Safety, together with a network of associates.

Commenting on the acquisition, John Southall, Opus co-founder, said: “Suresite has built an enviable health and safety business over the last 30 years, developing a strong footprint in the petrol forecourt market through robust Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) risk assessments and compliance audits.

“As we look to accelerate our growth ambitions – both organically and through M&A – we wanted to seamlessly integrate a proven team and compliance and safety proposition that would strengthen our health and safety capabilities. The Suresite function is a perfect fit.”

Opus Safety provides services to a broad range of SMEs nationwide. Founded by John Southall, Ian Hatherly and Tom Baverstock, it has built a strong reputation as a high-quality, tailored, solution-led partner for health and safety, HR and occupational health. Its proprietary Opus Compliance Cloud software solution helps clients transform and digitise their operations.

David Bellis, investor at BGF, said: “The acquisition of Suresite’s health and safety function is yet another demonstration of the Opus team’s ambition to build a company with strength and depth in personnel, services and technological capabilities, to meet the growing needs of customers across the safety, HR and occupational health compliance landscape.

“BGF aims to back local, ambitious businesses – those with robust business models and compelling growth prospects. Opus is an excellent example of this approach and we’re delighted to be supporting them on their exciting growth journey.”

Safa Arif, Associate at OakNorth, said: “The acquisition of Suresite represents another important step in Opus’ growth journey and is a strong strategic fit for the business. It’s great to see the management team continuing to identify and execute acquisitions that broaden the business’ capabilities and support its long-term growth ambitions.

“OakNorth is focused on backing ambitious management teams and working alongside experienced investors such as BGF to support their growth plans. We were pleased to provide Opus with the acquisition funding to support its buy-and-build strategy and are delighted to see that capital being deployed into another strategic acquisition. We look forward to continuing to work alongside the management team and BGF as Opus scales the business both organically and through further M&A.”

Advisors on the deal were Fieldfisher and Evolve.

Andy Lawton Smith at Fieldfisher added: "Our team has been delighted to provide legal support to John, Ian and Tom and the whole Opus Safety group throughout its exciting journey to date. The consolidation of very highly regarded boutique providers in this sector provides their clients with deeper resource and better technology to fulfil their critical operating functions while simultaneously providing these hugely respected and conscientious entrepreneurs with a safe home for their friends and often life-long relationships. It's a win: win!"

David Neate, partner at Evolve commented: “Having supported Opus from the outset, we are delighted to have led on this transaction. Suresite is a leading player in its niche and fits well with buy and build strategy, with further growth opportunity which can be delivered through Opus’s Compliance Cloud technology.”