LRQA Sharpens Risk Strategy with Targeted Global Acquisitions

In today’s complex regulatory and business climate, corporate risk is evolving faster than many organizations can keep pace. From supply chain transparency to climate accountability, companies are facing heightened expectations—and scrutiny. In response, LRQA has completed five acquisitions in five months, bolstering its capabilities across high-growth risk domains.

This expansion underlines a clear strategy: to build a specialised risk management portfolio that reflects where the biggest challenges—and opportunities—are emerging.

Building Targeted Expertise for Modern Risk Demands

As regulatory frameworks evolve, companies are under pressure to show leadership across ESG metrics, supply chain integrity, and operational resilience. LRQA’s recent acquisitions reflect this trend, bringing in expertise across several fast-changing risk areas:

RESET Carbon, based in Hong Kong, strengthens LRQA’s capabilities in corporate and supply chain decarbonisation, helping companies meet climate targets amid tightening emissions regulations.

Canada’s StepUp Solution Services enhances food safety and compliance services, adding valuable North American reach as global food systems face increasing scrutiny.

EcoEngineers contributes deep knowledge in renewable fuels and clean energy, supporting businesses transitioning to lower-carbon technologies and clean energy markets.

Ergon Associates, a UK-based expert in labour rights and gender equality, fortifies LRQA’s responsible sourcing and human rights assurance services, critical as legislation on forced labour continues to expand globally.

Core Business Solutions brings expertise in quality management system certification, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enabling these businesses to strengthen their compliance and risk frameworks.

Rather than adopting a broad-brush consulting model, LRQA is pursuing a sector-driven approach—targeting disciplines where clients most urgently need insight and support.

Balancing Growth with Cultural Integrity

Alongside technical expertise, LRQA is also mindful of how acquisition strategies can impact company culture. Professional services deals often risk eroding the entrepreneurial DNA that made a business valuable. LRQA’s corporate development team is actively working to preserve the identity and independence of the acquired firms.

“Preserving founder-led culture is a core part of our integration strategy,” says Jonathan Chidley, Corporate Development Director. The aim is to maintain and grow what made these businesses successful, not to homogenise them.