Hartlepool training provider going for growth with potential £350k turnover

Recent research has shown that three in four people believe training courses are a waste of time, so Orangebox Training Solutions is hoping to combat the issue.

Reaching its second anniversary, the North East-based training company is celebrating its successful ‘outside of the box’ approach with a line of business triumphs.

The company, which operates from its offices on Queens Meadow Business Park in Hartlepool, is set to achieve a turnover in excess of £350k thanks to the expansion of its operations and training offering.

Established in March 2016 by managing director, Simon Corbett, a former specialist operations police officer, the company started off specialising in the delivery of effective communication and management training courses.

Orangebox has since grown its course offering, delivering a range of first aid, fire safety, and health and safety and fully funded courses, and to date has trained over 7,000 people.

Simon said: “Training has a stigma attached to it. 75 per cent of training that is carried out is considered ineffective purely because they’re dreaded by most participants who believe them to be boring and a waste of time.

“On starting up Orangebox back in 2016, I knew I wanted to change this. I wanted the company to be renowned for providing memorable and enjoyable training courses, that were considered beneficial for participants and value for money by businesses, setting us apart in a highly competitive market.”

Over the past two years, Orangebox has delivered training courses to many clients, including Barnardos, Durham County Council and Elddis Transport, as well as various local schools, doctors surgeries, and care homes.

This year, with financial support from the Tees Valley Business Compass, Orangebox has expanded its operations overseas, delivering its flagship course, Dynamic Deliveries, to teachers in schools in the UAE.

Simon added: “Orangebox is currently working with two international schools in Dubai, delivering courses to groups of teachers to help build their confidence when it comes to communicating effectively in situations outside of the classroom.

“The aim going forward is to build similar relationships with international schools and academies across Europe, tapping in to the ongoing need for strong communicators within the education sector.”

As well as expanding its operations overseas, the company aims to cement a strong, well-respected training course offering in cities across the UK.

Orangebox has already made a footprint in the capital. In partnership with one of its biggest clients, Engie, it has carried out a number of management training programmes with the company’s graduate management talent pool in London.

With the latest recruit starting at the beginning of March and further appointments expected, Orangebox has plans for continued expansion across all areas of the business over the next 12 months.