Eversheds advises on Heart of Worcestershire College merger

Law firm Eversheds has advised North East Worcestershire College on successful merger with Worcester College of Technology.

The newly named Heart of Worcestershire College has become one of the largest further education colleges in the country with approximately 10,000 full-time students and turnover of some £40 million following its merger.

Eversheds advised the Joint Options Group of Governors from both Colleges on the form and process of the merger and changes to governance of the merged college. Eversheds also advised North East Worcestershire College (“NEW College”) on the transfer of Worcester College of Technology (“WCOT”) into Heart of Worcestershire College and subsequent dissolution of WCOT. Harrison Clark Rickerbys Ltd advised Worcester College of Technology.

Eversheds drew on its education experts and wide array of specialists to deliver the project. The team included Nicola Bennison, Mark Taylor, Samsher Bhachu, Michael Loffler, Jane Southworth, James Ellis, Vanessa Challenger and Andrew Murray.

Glynne Stanfield, head of corporate education at Eversheds commented:

“This landmark merger has created one of the largest and most prestigious institutions in Worcestershire.

"I am confident that Heart of Worcestershire College will successfully deliver its aims of providing outstanding quality education and training and engaging with the local community and business.”

A spokesperson from Heart of Worcestershire College commented:

“We are delighted that the merger has now been achieved and would like to thank the Eversheds team and the team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys Ltd for their invaluable advice on delivering this outcome. We are pleased with the service Eversheds delivered.”

Stuart Laverick, Principal of Heart of Worcestershire College, commented on his hopes for the future:

"Heart of Worcestershire College will become one of the largest employers in Worcestershire, and through our outstanding partnerships with local organisations such as the LEP, local councils and local businesses, we are in a prime position to support the growth of the local economy. Over the next few years, we will work tirelessly to make Worcestershire proud of the standard of education and training provided by Heart of Worcestershire College. The OFSTED grading of ‘good’ is a key recognition of the high standard of work and positive progression opportunities that both North East Worcestershire College and Worcester College of Technology have provided students across the county. The merger is a key element in our drive to deliver outstanding qualifications and progression opportunities for a large number of students across many technical and vocational disciplines.”