Canadian Software Provider Harris Acquires UK-based Apprenticeship-focused EdTech OneFile

Harris, an Ottawa-headquartered global software provider, has acquired OneFile, a UK-based leading apprenticeship and learning software provider.

Founded in 2005 by Susanna Lawson, OneFile is a Manchester-based market-leading provider of learning and development software to support the delivery of apprenticeships and qualifications training through its ePortfolio and learning management (LMS) platform. For almost 20 years, OneFile has pioneered EdTech, becoming the UK’s leading end-to-end education software provider, supporting over 1.2 million people across more than 750 organizations – from construction and logistics to public sector and leisure – to learn for their future.

OneFile’s mission is to give people the tools to shape their own future, reach their potential and be the best they can be. The company believes that when people have the tools to learn in a way that suits them and apply their knowledge in the workplace, learning is more engaging.

Commenting on the acquisition, Steve Hammond, Senior Executive Vice President at Harris, said,

“We are excited about continuing the success that OneFile has already achieved. Sussana has entrusted Harris with her employees and products and she has found a forever home for her vision which will be taken good care of. OneFile fits in perfectly with existing brands and opportunities for growth are abundant, and we’re excited for their future at Harris.”

Following the deal, OneFile will retain its brand and technology platforms, and CEO and Founder Susanna Lawson will move to an ambassadorial role as OneFile Founder, while Sue Thexton, CRO of OneFile, will become Executive Vice President and Managing Director of the company,

Susanna Lawson, Founder & CEO of OneFile, said,

“UK apprenticeships and training qualifications span a huge range of occupations and sectors. We envision many avenues of growth for OneFile and look forward to learning from and being supported by Harris to expand our reach and offerings.”

Sue Thexton, Chief Revenue Officer of OneFile, added,

“I am delighted and humbled to be named as the new MD of OneFile. Susanna has spent the past 16 years building the company to where we are today, and I welcome the opportunity to be entrusted with the next stage in our development.”

Harris was founded by Nigel Harris in 1976. Since its inception, the company has acquired vertical market software businesses, managing them well and building them for the future. Through acquisitions, Harris has grown extensively from its roots in the utilities, local government, education, and healthcare verticals to operate over 160 businesses globally across more than 20 industries. The company is a part of Constellation Software Inc., one of the world’s most active acquirers of VMS businesses.

About the Author

Author: Shalini Pathak

Shalini Pathak is a Staff Writer at EdTechReview (ETR) – India’s leading edtech media & community. She has over four years of experience in media, covering different beats. Like all writers she’s an enthusiastic reader first with a passion to create out of the box content, and an ability to write about any topic. As a part of the ETR team, she will cover the latest in the edtech industry with a focus on edtech startup stories and their funding.

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