A Coventry education and training provider which has more than doubled its client and learner base has moved into new and expanded premises in the region.
SCCU, which provides education and training opportunities through apprenticeships, traineeships and commercial courses, has grown its client base of businesses and schools from 70 to over 150 organisations and the number of learners on apprenticeships to over 400 within the last 12 months.
The firm, which was established in 2010 by managing director Scott Riddell, works with schools, businesses and community groups predominately across Coventry, Warwickshire and the wider West Midlands, to develop and grow their workforces.
SCCU has multiplied its team from six to now more than 30 members of staff – and the dramatic period of growth has facilitated a move into new premises four times the size of the previous headquarters.
SCCU, which was assisted in its move by Coventry commercial property firm Bromwich Hardy, is now based at Binley Business Park where all arms of the business will be accommodated – including the firm’s planned training facilities.
Scott founded SCCU after identifying a niche gap in Coventry and Warwickshire for training and education in the sport and school sectors – and said the changing job market and educational landscape has played a major role in the company’s success to date.
“Recently there has been a change in approach to education from the government, which is increasingly giving the message that university is no longer the only option for a career and professional development,” he said.
“Its backing of apprenticeships has been a major boost for SCCU, as they’re experiencing a resurgence and increasingly considered a more beneficial route to getting candidates work ready.
“With business demand growing, we recognised the need for larger premises which would not only accommodate all of SCCU’s operations but also have capacity in line with our ambitious growth plans as we look to extend our reach into new regions and develop new services.
“The move into Binley Business Park was the ideal location, making SCCU centrally located to our geographical footprint and accessible for both clients and learners.”
Coventry law firm Band Hatton Button, in Warwick Road, assisted Scott with the lease of SCCU’s new offices.
Scott added: “It was fantastic having the support of both David Penn at Bromwich Hardy and James Leighfield at Band Hatton Button – both showed excellent professionalism and efficiency.
“As the move was new to me it’s been a learning curve but both James and David were highly knowledgeable and made the move as simple and efficient as possible.”
James Leighfield, trainee solicitor at Band Hatton Button, said: “The growth of SCCU in the last six months is a direct reflection of Scott’s hard work and unique approach to professional development.
“Scott’s commitment to providing high quality training in a constantly changing market is not just of benefit for SCCU, but for the wider region in supporting individuals, schools and businesses to achieve their objectives in a variety of ways.
“We were delighted to be of assistance for the move which will ensure SCCU’s growth for years to come.”