AMS Group acquires Verve Co to launch high-growth strategic consulting division

By Rob Kelly

09 Dec 2025

Oliver Burton; Right: David Clegg, Founding Partner, AMS Group

AMS Group has bought Bilsborrow based Verve Co. (Verve Collaboration), a leading strategic advisory firm trusted by SMEs across the UK and beyond, to accelerate the launch of its new mid-market consulting division.

Verve Co has earned a strong reputation for delivering strategic consultancy and non-executive chairman and director services to a diverse mix of clients, from founder-led businesses to established corporates, across a wide variety of sectors.

The firm is proudly sector agnostic, working with organisations from many different industries.

Details of the cost of the deal have been undisclosed.

This acquisition marks a significant step in AMS Group’s expansion into relationship-led consulting for the mid-market, with the creation of a new division focused on helping businesses achieve their strategic and operational goals.

With further senior hires planned in the coming months, the division will enable AMS Group to offer strategic board advice from experienced sector leaders who understand the unique challenges faced by businesses and their stakeholders.

The new division will also introduce an Outsourced Finance solution to help clients streamline their internal finance operations, as well as IT consulting services with a focus on technology, systems, and AI to drive efficiency and manage risk.

Ebrahim Sidat, chief executive at AMS Group, said: “Our growth is intrinsically linked to the growth of our clients, and as part of our advisory-led approach, our clients are increasingly requesting for more strategic input from our team.

"With the acquisition of Verve Co, it allows us to offer this strategic advice and invest more time to grow value for our clients. We’re excited to offer this service under one roof and one brand, giving clients the reassurance of AMS quality and expertise”

Oliver Burton, founder of Verve Co, added: “With AMS Group, we have the opportunity to create something truly distinctive in the consulting market.

"Our goal is to bring together the best people, the latest technology, and a relentless focus on client outcomes to deliver a service that stands apart. We’re not just joining forces—we’re raising the standard for what consulting can achieve.”

Burton brings over 20 years’ experience working with SMEs and corporates across the North West, including as chief executive of Forbes Solicitors, a top 200 UK law firm.

His track record spans strategic growth, succession planning, and board-level advisory across multiple sectors.

Mark Heppell, corporate partner at JMW Solicitors, acted on the legal aspects of the transaction.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Rob Kelly

Latest news

1

BAE Systems workers escalate strike action Typhoon production Warton

BAE Systems workers escalate strike action

09 Dec 2025

2

AMS Group acquires Verve Co to launch high-growth strategic consulting division Oliver Burton; Right: David Clegg, Founding Partner, AMS Group

AMS Group acquires Verve Co to launch high-growth strategic consulting division

09 Dec 2025

3

UrFuture eyes rapid growth with backing from Lancashire’s Fhunded Angels UrFuture Co Founders LR Jayel Williams Holly Hobbs And Tom Keighley

UrFuture eyes rapid growth with backing from Lancashire’s Fhunded Angels

09 Dec 2025

4

Blackburn manufacturer wins national Innovation Award for industry-first EV conversion Cally Beaton, MD Daniel Miller, Sales Director Patrick McKimm and Michael Wilkes from Rhino (sponsor

Blackburn manufacturer wins national Innovation Award for industry-first EV conversion

08 Dec 2025

5

Plans revealed for Preston Station Quarter offices The plans

Plans revealed for Preston Station Quarter offices

08 Dec 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

St Catherine's Christmas Tree-Cycling
Tree Cycling.png.png
LBV Hub Fundraisers
25 Nov 2025 - 10 Jan 2026

St Catherine's Christmas Tree-Cycling

Several locations, Preston, PR5 5XU

10:00 - 13:07

Lancashire post Budget analysis finance leaders events
MHA-BTI Logo_black (002).jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
27 Nov 2025 - 27 Dec 2025

Lancashire post Budget analysis finance leaders events

Farington Lodge Hotel, Stanifield Lane, Farington, Preston, PR25 4QR

08:00 - 10:00

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up December
long banner dec Freelancer.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
15 Dec 2025 - 15 Dec 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up December

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 12:00

Preston Tech Connection Christmas Social
PTC December Social.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Social
16 Dec 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Preston Tech Connection Christmas Social

Wings and Beer, Cannon Street, Preston, PR1 3NT

18:00 - 20:00

Chamber Business Lunch – December
Logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Social
19 Dec 2025 - 19 Dec 2025

Chamber Business Lunch – December

Morecambe Football Blub, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

11:00 - 14:00

Chamber Breakfast Networking – January
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
08 Jan 2026 - 08 Jan 2026

Chamber Breakfast Networking – January

3-1-5 Health Club, Lancaster, LA1 3PE

08:00 - 10:00

Lancashire Business Expo 2026
SE, Lancashire 2025.png.png
LBV Hub Exhibitions
27 Mar 2026 - 27 Mar 2026

Lancashire Business Expo 2026

Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre, Preston, PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin