SWAT Gas is now part of Realise Training Group, further expanding our Smart Energy Training division’s gas, plumbing, heating and renewable energy offering in the West Midlands.
The fast-growing Smart Energy Training division has finalised the purchase of Redditch-based SWAT Gas from owner and director Reuben Smith.
The acquisition completed on 27 July 2026 for an undisclosed sum. It represents the fourth acquisition completed by Smart Energy Training in 2026, following Energy Training Centre in Nottingham, Elements Training & Assessment in Stourbridge and Brookhouse in Yorkshire.
SWAT Gas was formed in 1999 and currently supports around 2,000 engineers a year in securing vital training qualifications, such as the ACS (Accredited Certification Scheme) and the Managed Learning Programme for new entrants to the industry.
Paul Drew, Director of Smart Energy Training, said: “We are delighted to complete this acquisition and to bring SWAT Gas into Smart Energy Training and the wider Realise Training Group.
“The business has an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality training with experienced course leaders. With the backing and expertise of Realise, we are confident SWAT Gas will continue to grow and thrive.
“As well as continuing the excellent programmes the team at SWAT Gas has offered, we will also expand the offering by rolling out apprenticeships.
“In addition to working with existing learners, we are keen to partner with West Midlands Combined Authority, as well as industry leading organisations, to support local projects and further bolster the pipeline of skilled professionals, helping to meet the growing demand for the trade, driving job creation across the region.
Alongside the acquisitions completed by Smart Energy Training this year, the division has two further sites in the East Midlands, based in Ashbourne and Lutterworth.
SWAT Gas was formed by Reuben’s father, Christopher Smith, and his business partner, Terry Cobain, in 1999. Its eight trainer assessors are made up of five full-time members of staff and supporting freelance contractors.
Smart Energy Training became part of Realise Training Group in March 2025 and provides apprenticeships and accredited courses across the gas, plumbing, heating and renewable energy sectors.Reuben said: “I joined the business shortly after it was founded and it’s been a real honour to support our loyal customer base.
“We have people regularly come from as far as Scotland to take their courses at SWAT Gas and the team has been fantastic.
“It’s a family business and it means a lot to me. I’ve had three or four conversations with other potential purchasers, but they haven’t felt right.
“From the moment I started conversations with Paul and the team at Smart Energy Training, I got a really good feeling and I had confidence this was the right team to take the business forward and offer our colleagues and customers the very best service moving forward.
“This investment will allow the business to grow far bigger and far stronger than we could on our own. I’m delighted that Smart Energy Training shares our vision and I’m looking forward to being a very interested observer and see how our colleagues and customers continue to grow and develop.”