A successful East Anglian businessman is behind the acquisition of Suffolk-based Eastern Training Services (ETS).

Great Yarmouth-based Graham Hacon – who owns growing energy industry supply and safety inspection company 3sun Group – has said he is committed to developing technical training to meet increa-singly high industry standards both nationally and internationally following the buy-out.

Leiston-based ETS was previously owned by John Harris, who has now retired from the company. He set up and ran the Leiston Training Centre for Education and Construction Industry Training Board, which trained hundreds of local people to help build the Sizewell B nuclear power station.

ETS specialises in vocational training to the energy, construction engineering and manufacturing industries.

Mr Hacon, who has now assumed the role of managing director of ETS, has worked in the offshore instrumentation and construction engineering sectors for more than 20 years.

He said: “My industry experience is very closely aligned with that of ETS and I am passionate in supporting training and development, particularly for the flourishing renewables industry.

“I am looking forward to continuing to build ETS and further establishing its already excellent reputation, particularly expanding into new international markets and securing increasing levels of business with new and existing customers.”

The company assess and verifies skills, and enhances and “upskills” the performance of staff and the company said it assured clients of a safe and competent workforce.

Mr Hacon has appointed James Hall as operations manager.

He said: “The company has built up a very well-established reputation through its breadth of experience, first-class service and professional approach. As a company accredited to the ISO 9001 quality standard, we will continue to work to high manage-ment standards and strive to continue improving our service offering.

“We focus on strong client relationships, from small businesses to corporate companies, across the whole of the UK. With this acquisition, we hope to continue expanding and working with new customers, whilst continuing to offer the highest quality service to our existing clients.”

Mr Hacon’s company 3Sun stepped in to secure the jobs of 10 engineering apprentices following changes to a training programme last year. It came following changes in the way the ECTIB engaged apprentices, which saw many employers choosing not to take on apprentices.