BPP Education Group announces acquisition of Buttercups Training

Established in 1988 and based in Nottingham, Buttercups Training is a market-leading training provider delivering high-quality programmes to pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and support staff working in hospitals, community pharmacy and primary care.

BPP’s acquisition will allow Buttercups Training to fast-track their growth trajectory, while further investing in quality, customer experience, and expanding its offering to serve the growing demands of front-line pharmacy staff.

Buttercups provides training using a blended-teaching strategy, covering apprenticeship programmes, professional qualifications, and professional development to community pharmacy, secondary care, primary care, healthcare, prisons, and Armed Forces.

Buttercups’ deep understanding of the sector, combined with their experienced team of professionals, has resulted in them becoming the number one training provider for the UK’s largest pharmacy groups, creating a significant impact on the UK healthcare workforce. 

BPP is a leading training provider for undergraduate and postgraduate healthcare and nursing programmes, and is excited to add another discipline to its portfolio by creating a presence in the pharmacy sector. 

The acquisition of Buttercups Training will help to facilitate BPP’s focus on delivering a broader portfolio of programmes to both customers and clients and provide access to a leading portfolio of professional courses and apprenticeships. This links to BPP’s future growth strategy which, with backing from their sponsor TDR Capital, looks to expand its portfolio and geographical reach with the strategic acquisition of relevant education businesses.

Graham Gaddes, BPP CEO, commented, “The acquisition of Buttercups Training introduces a new discipline into our healthcare portfolio. There is an unprecedented demand for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians in the UK, and this shortfall is set to continue to increase. The acquisition of Buttercups will allow us to support their growth plans and through exceptional training programmes, focus on bridging the skills gap in the healthcare sector. This in turn builds on our vision of ‘Building Careers Through Education’. The highly experienced team at Buttercups Training are a great cultural fit for BPP, and we look forward to welcoming them into the BPP Education Group.”

Vanessa Kingsbury, founder of Buttercups Training commented, “Reflecting on the journey from its inception in 1988 to where we stand today, fills me with pride and gratitude. From a small initiative Buttercups has evolved into a beacon of excellence in the industry, impacting not just our learners, but the pharmacy sectors where they work, by setting the standard to aspire to in pharmacy training nationally.

Our success is testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of the entire Buttercups family, our staff, our stakeholders, and every learner who believed in our mission.

I look to the future under the new stewardship of BPP Education Group with optimism and excitement. The synergy between our mission and their expertise opens unparalleled opportunities for growth, innovation, and further impact on the wonderful pharmacy workforce. 

Together we are poised to address the critical-skills gap, support the evolving needs of healthcare, and foster a workforce that is not just equipped with knowledge but with innovation, resilience, and compassion to navigate the challenges of modern healthcare.

With expanded resources, our learners are set to receive an even richer learning experience that is contemporary and comprehensive.  

I am profoundly grateful to everyone who has been part of our journey so far and am eager to embrace the opportunities that now lie ahead with the BPP Education Group."