IAM has created IAM Driver Retraining Academy to focus on delivering courses on behalf of the police and local authorities.

Chief executive Simon Best said that around 25% of his organisation’s work is currently focused on the fleet market – but he is actively looking to increase this share after purchasing PDS.

He said: “We are looking to move increasingly into the driver training market and we recognised that, while we had the capability to do this, we didn’t have the expertise. We do now.

“Our ability to deliver speed awareness courses fits in very well with our increased capabilities when it comes to driver training and risk assessment.

“In addition, PDS also has its own online risk assessment service which we were keen to utilise. We intend to keep on growing the company and investing in the development of this software.

“PDS also has enjoyed success in delivering Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training and that’s also something we intend to grow.”

The IAM now has 90 employees – in addition to 120 self-employed trainers – including the 18 full-time staff members it acquired following the purchase of PDS. No redundancies are planned.

“This deal consolidates our position as one of the biggest five driver trainers operating today – and that’s where we want to be,” said Best.