CEO of Orangebox named as Business Champion by MP Jill Mortimer

Simon Corbett, CEO of Orangebox Training Solutions, and his wife Hayley, accepted an offer from No 10 after being backed by the town’s MP Jill Mortimer.

Simon and Hayley were shown around Parliament, before heading inside No 10 where they mingled with other business leaders and chatted with Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt.

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Simon said: “It was a surreal day and when you reflect on a day like that, it makes all the hard work of the last seven years worthwhile. It is nice to feel valued and appreciated.

Simon and Hayley at Downing Street (Image: Press release)

“I set up Orangebox seven years ago and I’ve never worked so hard in my life. It is 24 hours a day, seven days a week, kind of work. At times it feels relentless, especially in this economic climate, but an occasion like a visit to No 10 Downing Street makes everything feel worthwhile.

Orangebox trains around 4,000 learners per year across the country to help them get into employment.

The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said: “Local businesses are vital for our economy, our day to day lives and our communities. Creating jobs, supporting growth in a huge variety of sectors, their tireless hard work does not go unnoticed.

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“Not only do they bring immeasurable value to the economy, but they are also the heart and soul of so many of our communities.”

MP Jill Mortimer said: “It is so good to see the hard work Simon has put in over seven years to make Orangebox a successful Hartlepool start up.

“Orangebox’s training programmes are making huge improvements to the skills and training of individuals and businesses in the local area, nationwide, and internationally.”