Team Valley based training company, Access Training, is reporting strong growth and an ambitious trajectory for expansion – under the steer of a new managing director and senior management team.
During the last 12 months, the firm has seen an impressive 45% growth in turnover, a 26% uplift in staff numbers, as well as 40% of its employees being promoted and the launch of a host of exciting new products.
The firm says it has bold plans for further expansion, investment and a recruitment drive.
Access Training’s strong performance is down to a senior management shake-up and the launch of new services, including fully-funded professional upskilling courses for businesses, and new apprenticeships in areas including HR, project management, teaching assistant and school business manager.
After 38 years with the company, Malcolm Armstrong stepped down as managing director and is succeeded by his son, David Armstrong who was formerly finance director. Malcolm is now chair of a new senior leadership team comprising managing director, David Armstrong; director of training, Sharon Wallace, and Valerie Green who heads-up business development and marketing.
Demand for Access’ accountancy and fire & security systems apprenticeships has been booming over the last 12 months, with the demand for the fire & security systems course being so high that an additional cohort has been created. The company is also seeing places on its ESF fully-funded CPD courses filled in record time.
Managing director, David Armstrong, said: “Taking over from my father was daunting because it was big boots to fill – he’s been here for so long and he knows the sector inside-out but I’ve navigated the transition with the support of a great, close-knit team and I’m delighted to be announcing healthy growth and expansion.
“We remain focused on supporting our learners and businesses with their training needs and also on being as responsive as possible to the changing requirements of the North East business community, whilst ensuring we are adding value.”
Access Training’s biggest clients include Newcastle University, Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, KAEFER, Pyrocel Limited and Miller UK Ltd.
The firm has 28 employees and has recently recruited a business development consultant, a fire, emergency and security systems skills coach and another apprentice to support the team. A number of additional team members will also need to be recruited over the next six months to meet buoyant demand for services.
Chair, Malcolm Armstrong, comments: “Access Training has established an excellent reputation over the last 38 years and I think the latest accounts and company developments clearly demonstrate it has a bright future.
“The way the team has responded in such a dynamic and agile way to industry and working practices changes created by the pandemic has proved that the company is in good hands.
“As Chair, I will continue to work with the management team to support, advise, and be a critical friend.”
