We are pleased to announce that at the end of this month, a series of acquisitions will take place on the same day. Firstly, a new company jointly owned by Hill Labs and Sam Brooks will acquire the Canterbury-based sister companies ‘Food and Health Standards’ (FHS) and ‘Auditing Solutions’ (AS) from Ian and Gail Shaw. FHS and AS provide Environmental Health Officer services, food safety auditing services, and municipal water sample collection services to a range of customers within and beyond Canterbury. Secondly, the water operations within FHS, led by Lisa Shaw, will be carved out and moved into Hill Labs, while maintaining a close relationship with FHS.
Sam Brooks, with nearly two decades of experience in commercial auditing services, will lead the FHS and AS businesses as their new CEO. Gail will retire upon completion of the transaction, but Ian will remain in a senior role, working closely with Sam and the rest of the team. Hill Labs will co-own these businesses with Sam, with representation on the Board of Directors, but will not be responsible for day-to-day operations. However, in a few months, FHS/AS will move to the same building as our lab at Print Place in Christchurch, allowing both businesses to leverage each other's strengths and create synergistic service offerings for our shared customers.
Sam has deep experience in food safety audits, an area we aim to grow in the future.
Sam says, “Embarking on this new venture with such a competent team fills me with confidence. It has been wonderful getting to know everyone and being welcomed into the family culture within the business. I have also had the opportunity to meet customers, understand their unique journeys, and see how the valuable insights we gain on site can support their progress. I am excited to embark on this next chapter alongside Hill Labs.”
Ian says, “This is a timely and exciting development for FHS and ASNZ for many reasons, including securing the legacy of both companies, which span some 30 years. Staff and customer relationships, and the security of our services will now be cemented for the future. I could not think of a better company than Hill Labs, together with Sam Brooks, to enable this to happen. FHS and ASNZ have similar values to Hill Labs, operating as a family-type business. I get to carry on in a senior role, which I am very happy about. Our services will certainly be enhanced, with expansion already on the horizon.”
Regarding the second part of the deal, water analytical laboratory services are already an important part of Hill Labs. Growing into municipal water sample collection services (and other water compliance-related activities) will see us becoming vertically integrated in this important space. Lisa Shaw and her water team have developed a reputation for being reliable, supportive, and responsive, and are trusted locally in Canterbury to deliver essential services for drinking water, storm water, and waste water sample collection. Lisa and her team look forward to joining Hill Labs and moving to our site at Print Place in Christchurch, continuing to deliver the high levels of service their customers value. Lisa says “I have worked with Hill Labs for nearly nine years now and have always respected and aligned with their core values, high level of customer service and emphasis on staff care and morality. I look forward to being a part of another family company, where our combined values and services can excel even more.”’
Lisa is pictured below with Jared Halstead, currently our Business Manager – Asbestos, who will soon take on the role of Business Manager – Asbestos and Water Compliance Services. Jared has a strong background in field-based water-related services and is excited to return to a familiar area.
Jared says, “After spending time with Lisa and her team, it is clear that we are well aligned in our drive to deliver high-quality and reliable results for our customers. I'm excited about expanding the field operation and further enhancing our great customer partnerships.”
Jonno Hill, Managing Director, says, “We have worked with FHS for years now as valued customers of our water testing services in Christchurch, so it is great to be able to provide Ian and Gail with the exit they wanted and to partner with Sam to do so. Sam and I have enjoyed getting to know each other and are looking forward to working together on the Board of FHS/AS. It’s also been great getting to know Lisa better and seeing her and Jared getting on so well – I can’t wait to see what they’re able to do in terms of evolving and growing this exciting area for us.”
If you are interested in learning more about any of these services, we’d love to hear from you. For enquiries related to drinking water, storm water, or waste water sample collection, please contact Jared Halstead at jared.halstead@hill-labs.co.nz. For auditing services enquiries, please contact our Head of Sales, Sara Hargraves, at sara.hargraves@hill-labs.co.nz.
Pictured left to right: Lisa Shaw and Jared Halstead. Sam Brooks, Jonno Hill, Ian Shaw and Gail Shaw
