XVR Simulation and LearnPro eFireService have merged to create a global leader in virtual reality (VR) and e-learning solutions for the health, fire, police and other emergency services. The combined software suite provides a platform for e-learning management, an authoring tool, competency reporting, and training, including an immersive virtual reality simulation training platform.
The combined business has a focus on public sector organisations where training is essential to maintain and improve skills and knowledge, and together they will have over 450 fire, police and health customers in over 50 countries. The suite of products are used by leading public sector institutions to train over 300,000 emergency service and health care staff each year.
The newly formed group will be led by Joost Beerthuis, CEO of XVR Simulation, supported by the founders of LearnPro eFireService, Christine Blaydon, Stewart Walters, and Neil Colling.
Commenting on the merger, Joost Beerthuis, CEO XVR Simulation, stated, “Merging XVR Simulation and LearnPro eFireService is an exciting opportunity that brings together expertise in training both front line staff and incident response/managers. XVR Simulation is the market leader in virtual reality training for emergency services and combining with LearnPro eFireService’s expertise in learning management and competency training and reporting will make us a global leader in virtual reality training and e-learning for the health and emergency services.”
Christine Blaydon, MD and founder of LearnPro eFireService, added, “At LearnPro eFireService, we have developed a platform that includes a vast library of content created with our customers in the NHS as well as within the fire service, all delivered on a user-led, multi-platform basis. Adding the immersive capabilities of XVR Simulation will be exciting for our staff and customers.”
Neil Colling, MD and founder of LearnPro eFireService, noted, “We are excited about the shared heritage and focus on fire and rescue customers, with the combined business having unique ability to deliver training, competence management, and e-learning capabilities from incident commanders through to the station and front line staff. There is a wide range of customers associated with emergency response and public infrastructure that we are able to support.”
Looking ahead, Beerthuis added, “The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, with training face-to-face or in a group significantly restricted, have reinforced to our customers the value of technology-driven training, delivered in a flexible manner. The combined business is well placed to invest in new products to support our customers as we launch new products such as XVR Expo and WorkforcePro.”
