Debra Stuart, Julian Berriman and Carly Wallace acquire Study Active

Health and fitness qualification specialist, Study Active, has been acquired by three fitness education veterans – Debra Stuart, Carly Wallace and Julian Berriman.

The move marks a return to the sector for Stuart, a former Premier Global CEO and Executive Director of Active IQ. Stuart will take up the role of CEO at Study Active, while Berriman will become Director of Education and Wallace Managing Director.

Berriman – who spent 20 years at Premier Training, including as International Research and Development Director – is currently the Director of EuropeActive’s Professional Standards Committee.

In March 2024, Study Active acquired the Premier Global brand, a move designed to preserve and evolve the legacy of Premier as a leader in health and fitness education.

Stuart said the new ownership group is committed to “modernising training delivery, raising standards across the board and bridging the gap between qualifications and real-world careers in fitness”, adding: “We are not just evolving the brand; we are reigniting a movement. This is about excellence, inclusion, and creating long-term impact for both learners and the industry as a whole.”

The move will see James Luscombe, founder of Study Active, transition into a shareholder role.

Luscombe said: “This is an exciting new era for Study Active. With Debra, Carly and Julian now leading the charge, we’re perfectly placed to drive innovation and raise the bar for fitness education in the UK.”