UK Training Industry Press Releases

A leading business development organisation is bridging the skills gap in the UK by helping a record number of future leaders fulfil their potential.

Acua has announced that it enjoyed a third successive record-breaking year, doubling in size in 2010-11 to help more than 70 bluechip companies across the UK to develop a talent pool of over 5,500 employees.

As it moves into its fourth year, Acua is on target to expand by a further 50 per cent with plans to develop its portfolio of products and services in the UK and overseas.

Acua delivers leadership development programmes accredited by Coventry University, which set up the organisation in 2008 to meet an identified skills shortage, to drive business growth and improve performance in the UK.

Since being established, Acua's workforce has more than trebled to meet its growing client base which now includes major brands such as Santander, House of Fraser, The AA, Ford UK, TNT, Café Nero and Busy Bees.

In the last year, the organisation has also branched out into new business sectors including construction, pharmaceutical and retail, in addition to the existing areas of manufacturing, engineering, financial services and logistics.

Larraine Boorman, managing director of Midlands-based Acua, said: "Acua was established to help bridge the skills gap in the UK and our record-breaking year of 2010-11 demonstrates the significant effect we are having on closing it.

"We believe this is due to more businesses recognising the need to invest in developing the skills of their workforce, particularly in these challenging times, and the real impact that we can make on their performance through our unique approach.

"By tailoring the learning to the needs of the individual and the business and by delivering it in the heart of their workplace, we are able to make a massive difference.

"In the last year, we have partnered with over 70 major organisations to provide more than 5,500 people with life-changing business skills, helping them to be more effective in their current role and to fulfil their potential to take themselves and their company forward."

The accredited programmes also give learners the opportunity to work towards a Foundation Degree, accredited by Coventry University, and Acua's first group of students are due to graduate.

Boorman added: "It has been a tremendous year and we are well-placed to expand further in 2011-12 so we can continue to close the skills gap and improve business performance by helping to identify and develop talent in both the UK and international arena."

ENDS

PICTURE CAPTION:

Larraine Boorman, managing director of Acua.