About us
Our family is growing.
EMB Group is a family of talented brands trusted to provide practical strategies, processes, data and digital tools. Over the past two decades, we’ve become known as a conductor of profitable transformation, operating with insight and agility.
Driven by purpose
Through outstanding expertise, originality and teamwork, we drive meaningful economic, environmental or cultural wealth for every project and its stakeholders.
Think smart and with care
We use intelligence to seek new ways to solve problems and deliver results. We’re considerate, taking time to analyse all the facts, measuring the impact of our actions.
Adapt and be resilient
We are flexible in our thinking and approach, adapting to our client’s needs and changing circumstances. We can run lean and move or recover quickly.
Build trust and rapport
We build strong relationships through open and respectful collaboration. We make people feel welcome, include every voice and foster personal connections.
Do the right thing
We behave professionally and fairly. We put people first to responsibly balance the needs of our clients, colleagues and those affected by our work.
Always strive for ‘better’
We take ownership of our role to make positive change happen. We add value through our expertise, personal touch and commitment to success – for our clients, teams, and company.
Our values inform our approach
Get to know us
Meet our senior team
Our journey
Since our beginning in 2005, we’ve developed an expert and versatile portfolio, shifting our shape in line with current policy. Primarily we serve public and non-profit agencies, but our capabilities extend well beyond these sectors.
2005
Early contract wins
A team of four senior business experts join Stephen and win over £100m business support and skills contracts from a range of Government Agencies.
2007
Taking shape
Investment plans take shape and EMB Group is formed as the holding company. Our organisational development and skills work is moved into EMB Excellence.
Origins
The original East Midlands Business Ltd is founded by CEO Stephen Smith backed by three local Chambers of Commerce to position to win business from the developing regional agenda.
2006
Growth begins
Our growth begins with teams in every major city in the East Midlands. We also begin delivering services for UK Trade & Investment, now the Department for International Trade.
2009
2010
Diversification
Consolidation of existing business and diversification includes the creation of a UKAS ‘tick and crown’ certification business for ISO standards and the establishment of a nationwide client base.
2013
Acquisition of ACM
Growth in ISO certification is dynamic and ACM is acquired to rapidly expand our existing UK client base and take us into more than 20 international markets.
2017
CCAS acquired for ISO
Our three core business areas of certification, cyber security and advisory services are all expanding. We acquire CCAS to extend our UK ISO client base further and enter the security industry market.
2021
Major contract from DCMS
We win a major grant administration contract from DCMS, bringing it up to date by introducing a new website and digitising the grant application process, whilst retaining a high quality telephone support line.
2023
Blue Marble and Qa Research join EMB Group
The acquisition of award-winning Blue Marble Research extends our footprint into the utilities, FMCG and not for profit sectors, whilst Qa Research, with their wide range of qualitative, quantitative and data collection services, adds further depth and ensures our end-to-end research capability.
2026
Raising standards
EMB Excellence is awarded a licence to accredit organisations against the Investors in People standard across Central England.
2012
Major grant programme
We begin delivery of our first major grant programme of behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
2015
Ascentor is acquired
With GDPR and cyber risk management at the top of everyone’s agenda we expand again with the acquisition of Ascentor.
2018
Sale and new growth
Following very successful growth, Amtivo acquire our cyber and certification businesses, realising our objective to invest and divest. Danielle Gillett takes the helm and a new growth journey begins.
2022
Acquisition of Pye Tait
We celebrate the New Year with the acquisition of Pye Tait, a well established research and insight consultancy with clients including the Office for Students, the Scottish Government and UKRI.
2024
EMB Group proudly launches Navigator Insight
Combining our three research agencies and forming a powerhouse of expertise and talent under one roof. 75+ years of combined heritage. Over 40 research experts. Trusted relationships with government departments, regulators, utilities and third-sector organisations.
