Leading outsourced-services provider, handl Group, has acquired organisational health and wellbeing specialist, Robertson Cooper.
Manchester-based Robertson Cooper is a leader in wellbeing. The business works with UK and international corporate, public sector and higher education clients to deliver a sustainable approach to mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Its mission is to deliver more good days at work to everyone, everywhere.
Founded over 20 years ago as a spinout from The University of Manchester, it employs a team of wellbeing specialists, business psychologists and data analysts, providing evidence-based, integrated approaches to employee health, wellbeing and resilience. Support packages and online products cover health and wellbeing strategy, measurement, and training.
The Robertson Cooper team has an exceptional track record providing a broad range of services and advice to its clients which include global blue-chip businesses such as Aviva, Mace, Nestle and GSK.
According to handl Group CEO Graham Pulford, the acquisition is a major step forward in the group’s plans to build a leading market presence in the established wellness sector and provide an entry point for new multi-service partnerships with clients from blue chips to smaller organisations.
Graham explained that corporate management teams now place far more emphasis on the health and wellbeing of their workforce, as the overwhelming evidence states companies that do this well reap a wide range of benefits.
He noted that preventative approaches to mental health and wellbeing are often a source of competitive advantage.
“It stands to reason that companies that treat their employees well will attract and retain talent and build brand advocacy from within, especially in the current challenging climate.” – handl Group CEO Graham Pulford
“It is a highly reputable, evidence-led business and a great fit for handl Group. The team will help spearhead our strategy to diversify into the corporate sector, with a new range of services built around a next generation wellbeing platform. Our aim is to utilise the deep experience of founders Professor Ivan Robertson and Professor Sir Cary Cooper, who will continue to be involved in the Group, and provide a complete commercial package for employers.”
Ben Moss, Managing Director, Robertson Cooper said: “I’m genuinely excited to be leading Robertson Cooper into its next chapter with handl Group as the new owner. With the support of our Founders, we’ve evolved with the health and wellbeing market and now the business is ready for a new level of growth. After 10 years as MD, I know that takes a particular kind of support: the kind that handl Group brings.
“We share values around technology, innovation, collaboration and a razor-sharp focus on exceptional client experience. handl also brings a commitment to invest in its businesses, plus powerful synergies within the Group.” – Ben Moss, Managing Director, Robertson Cooper
“For those reasons, and more, I’m confident this is the right change at the right time and look forward to a bright future for Robertson Cooper and its clients.”
Professor Cary Cooper, Robertson Cooper Founder said: “Robertson Cooper has been a labour of love for me and my co-founder Ivan Robertson for the last 20 years – how time has flown. During those years great colleagues have done remarkable things for fantastic clients. Ivan and I are hugely grateful to all those involved and are proud of the positive impact Robertson Cooper has had on the world of work.
To find out more about the company, visit www.robertsoncooper.com
