Training specialist invests in ‘new chapter’

A South Tyneside training business is set to grow.

Simply Learning is investing more than £1 million in its Jarrow head office and two training centres. 

Bosses say the expansion will increase training capacity, introduce new courses and grow the company’s headcount.

The firm, which provides training for thousands of construction, renewables and utility professionals each year, delivers more than 200 courses, covering subjects from health and safety to plumbing and manual handling. 

The investment will also include refurbishing a previously unused office building to create a new regional base for UK National, its parent company, enabling the facilities management specialist to house engineers and staff as it expands across the North of England and Scotland.

Sonny Parker, managing director of UK National, said: “Since we acquired Simply Learning 18 months ago, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to get the business in a position where it can really scale and realise its full potential, and this investment is a culmination of both of those things.

“Thousands of people every year tap into the fantastic training provided by the Simply Learning team, and this expansion will allow us to further strengthen its offering.

“It will provide us with the space required to deliver more training, create more jobs and help plug the skills gap, which is a major barrier to growth for businesses across the UK’s construction, renewables and utilities sectors.”

The investment, which received support from South Tyneside Council, including a Business Growth Grant funded by the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, follows the appointment of Simply Learning managing director Claire Irving, who joined in January 2025 and played a central role in planning the refurbishment. 

Claire added: “According to the latest findings from the CITB, the UK needs over 250,000 extra construction workers by 2028 to meet current levels of demand.

“Add to that the workers required in the supply chain and in fields such as engineering, renewables and utilities, and the need for skilled staff becomes even more stark.”

Councillor Margaret Meling, lead member for economic growth and transport at South Tyneside Council, added: “This is fantastic news.

“Not only will this investment breathe new life into a disused building, but it will also provide opportunities for local people to gain new skills and secure high-quality jobs.

“We’re proud to have been able to support the project and look forward to seeing the company continue to grow over the coming months and years.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →