Security and international development specialist acquired

A Swindon-based provider of security and development services has been acquired.

Torchlight Group has a global team of security and development experts that works with governments in more than 40 countries in two broad areas: international aid and development and national security and resilience – helping nations affected by war or natural disasters to introduce stable government, stamp out corruption, and improve its legal system.

The Windmill Hill Business Park-based group delivers programmes on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Ministry of Defence, the Home Office, the National Crime Agency, the United Nations, and the United States Agency for International Development.

The group has been acquired by London-based Axiom International, a specialist in the provision of strategic capacity building programmes, institutional and public sector reform, peace-building and national security development.

Axiom International forms part of the larger Limerston Capital-backed AFA International, led by CEO and Axiom Co-Founder professor Angela Gallop, CBE. It is AFA International’s second acquisition following the formation of the group in 2020.

Ed Dickson, co-founder and managing director of Torchlight Group, said: “We are very excited by the opportunity to join forces with Axiom International, bringing together world-class expertise in security and development, and Limerston Capital, who are dedicated to realising organisational potential and leading ambitious growth strategies.

“We are immensely proud of all that we have achieved at Torchlight since our inception in 2011 and look forward to this new chapter with such credible and ambitious partners, who share our desire to bring enduring security and stability where it is needed most in the world.”

Chris Gregg, co-founder and chief executive of Axiom, said: “We are delighted and look forward to working with Ed Dickson and the outstanding Torchlight team going forward.

“Ed has built a formidable capability in delivering outstanding programmes across the world. The combination of Axiom and Torchlight will take our client-focused approach to a whole new level, and we’re extremely excited about the future.

“The businesses are in a fantastic position to deliver further growth in the coming years working with the experienced team at Limerston Capital.”