North West training provider PHX Training is targeting further growth after almost tripling its turnover in two years.
PHX posted turnover of £1.3m this year, up from £850,000 last year and £500,000 in 2010.
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The business, founded by managing director Dan Scott and his wife Jayne in 2004, delivers government-backed training initiatives including the learndirect scheme, Apprenticeship training, and the Work Programme.
Dan believes the success of the Kendal-headquartered company is down to high service levels, targeted investment and efficient financial management. A 46-strong team of trainers offer wide-ranging online resources as well as face-to-face facilities at eight training centres in Barrow-in-Furness, Blackpool, Kendal, Millom, Morecambe, Penrith, Southport and Workington.
Commenting on the success of PHX, Dan Scott, managing director, said: “Jayne and I started the business with no grand scheme, but our growth has happened largely because we’re genuinely interested in helping people to achieve. The key to success is about saying what you are going to do, then going out and doing it. We won’t take on something we can’t deliver. This is how we have created a reputation for efficiency and reliability that has acted as a platform for solid growth.”
The company has worked with Moore and Smalley Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors to improve strategic financial management by monitoring sales and costs at its eight centres. In addition, Moore and Smalley has provided accountancy and taxation services.
Colin Johnson, corporate services director at Moore and Smalley said: “PHX has generated strong expansion in recent years because Dan and Jayne have harnessed their training sector expertise with strong investment and sound financial management. This is a formula for success that is both sustainable and profitable, and we very much look forward to working with them going forwards.”
One of the key contracts operated by PHX is the government’s learndirect programme which helps to give unemployed people the skills they need to find jobs. PHX’s 90 per cent success rate for people enrolling on the programme underscores the firm’s high standards.
Dan continued: “We give unemployed people the qualifications in literacy, numeracy, IT and employment skills they need to find work. It’s a question of giving them the confidence and drive to enable them to thrive in a structured world that they aren’t used to.
“This can be difficult but we deliver efficiently because our whole team of trainers is highly motivated and properly passionate about what they do. When our training helps someone to go out and get a job, it’s amazing for the individual, but also for us because we see ourselves as stakeholders in that person’s future.”
Apprenticeships represent another growth sector for PHX. The company’s trainers enable apprentices to gain NVQ qualifications and technical certificates in subjects including customer service, business administration, warehousing, retail, management and IT. Literacy and numeracy support is also available to ensure trainees are capable of making the most of their skills.
“When we work with businesses running apprenticeship schemes, we understand the need for flexibility and tailor our training around production schedules so the company doesn’t lose out as a result of delivering training,” said Dan.
