Training programme provider looking to expand after takeover

The Bishop Auckland firm, Learning Curve, which delivers £20m of  adult skills provision to 50,000 learners via 39 college partnerships, will now provide learning materials to more than 100 colleges and private training providers after acquiring Learning at Work (LaW).

Founded in 2007, Leeds-based LaW's paper and online learning materials are used by 90,000 learners, almost double that of a year ago, while turnover has jumped from £2m in 2011 to £3.2m in 2012. Staff numbers have also soared from four a year ago to 30.

Learning Curve, which provides training programmes for 16 to 18-year-olds and adult learners, credits using LaW's materials with helping it achieve a 93 per cent course success rate, well above the national average.

As well as delivering education for colleges, Learning Curve works with employers to provide provision to staff to gain qualifications. Programmes include apprenticeships, NVQs, and flexible distance learning.

Vocational training, largely construction-based, is done at Learning Curve Skills Centres in Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Bishop Auckland, with introduction to military training in Leeds and Wakefield.

In the past year the County Durham firm has almost doubled turnover and more than doubled its learners.

The new business, known as Learning Curve Group, will consist of LaW, Learning Curve and Learning Curve Skills Centres.

Learning Curve founder Judith Moran, Chair and Chief Executive, said: "There's a strong strategic fit between delivery and publishing, so this exciting development is a great opportunity to create a new integrated, high quality further education sector business."

LaW founder Jon Cummins, 37, will continue as managing director but will enjoy a wider brief as commercial director of the group.

A NORTH-EAST firm, which provides training programmes is looking to expand after acquiring the countrys fastest growing specialist education publisher.

The Bishop Auckland firm, Learning Curve, which delivers 20m of Adult Skills Budget provision to 50,000 learners via 39 college partnerships, will now provide learning materials to more than 100 colleges and private training providers after acquiring Learning at Work (LaW).

Founded in 2007, Leeds-based LaW's paper and online learning materials are used by 90,000 learners, almost double that of a year ago, while turnover has jumped from 2m in 2011 to 3.265m in 2012. Staff numbers have also soared from four a year ago to 30.

Learning Curve, which provides training programmes for 16 to 18-year-olds and adult learners, credits using LaW's materials with helping it achieve a 93 per cent course success rate, well above the national average.

As well as delivering education for colleges, Learning Curve works with employers to provide provision to staff to gain qualifications. Programmes include apprenticeships, NVQs, and flexible distance learning.

Vocational training, largely construction-based, is done at Learning Curve Skills Centres in Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Bishop Auckland, with introduction to military training in Leeds and Wakefield.

In the past year the County Durham firm has almost doubled turnover and more than doubled its learners.

The new business, known as Learning Curve Group, will consist of LaW, Learning Curve and Learning Curve Skills Centres.

Learning Curve founder Judith Moran, Chair and Chief Executive, said: "There's a strong strategic fit between delivery and publishing, so this exciting development is a great opportunity to create a new integrated, high quality further education sector business."

LaW founder Jon Cummins, 37, will continue as managing director but will enjoy a wider brief as commercial director of the group.