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Academy+

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Market Research Report: Academy Plus Group Ltd (Trading as academy+)



Company Overview



Name: Academy Plus Group Ltd
Mission: The mission of academy+ is to create greater opportunities for some of the hardest-working sectors of society, by providing high-quality, affordable learning, development, and wellbeing solutions. The company values—integrity, community, and passion—are the foundations of everything it does.

Founding: The company was founded in November 2013 as Be-A Education Ltd. Initially focused on the B2C market with its consumer-facing brand, New Skills Academy.

Headquarters: London, UK

Key People:
  • Ian McClelland - Chief Executive Officer

  • Paul Joyce - Chief Commercial Officer

  • Savannia Flynn-Naidoo - Chief Operating and Product Officer

  • Lucy Scott - Chief Creative Officer

  • Molly Scarff - Head of Marketing

  • Dan Grant - Chief Technical Officer

  • Board Members: Ian McClelland, Jay Verjee, Richard Villiers

  • Advisory Board: Jay Verjee, Richard Villiers, Fede Alvarez-Demalde


Ownership:
  • Investment Arm: Addition Capital, established in 2018, is the direct investments arm of a London-based family office investing in UK SMEs with growth potential.


Number of Employees: No information available

Revenue: No information available

Reputation: Academy+ is known for providing blue-chip quality learning and development opportunities through its range of sub-brands which include New Skills academy+ and Staff Skills academy+. It serves both individuals and SMEs with a catalog of over 700+ certified courses.

Products



New Skills academy+


  • Description: Offers individuals a wide range of CPD-certified courses covering various topics from career development to hobbies and wellbeing.

  • Key Features:

  • Provides an annual subscription model for unlimited course access.

  • Operates a supportive Facebook study community.

  • Over 950,000 individuals have used the platform.


Staff Skills academy+


  • Description: Equips SMEs with mandatory training, personal development, and wellbeing services.

  • Key Features:

  • Uses AI to tailor courses and content to specific client needs.

  • Provides white-labeled online training for large organizations like Unison, Tesco, and Vodafone.

  • Serves over 1,000 UK SMEs.


Scott Bradbury


  • Description: Offers bite-sized digital learning resources designed to enhance performance and wellbeing at work.

  • Key Features:

  • Covers management development, team working, personal effectiveness, and wellbeing.

  • Resources are adaptable for personal learning, group training, and can be integrated into everyday activities.


Recent Developments



Rebranding


  • What: In 2024, Be-A Education Ltd rebranded to academy+, consolidating its brand portfolio.

  • Impact: Unified direction and improved product innovation through new proprietary tech stack.


Acquisitions


  • Scott Bradbury Ltd Acquisition: Acquired in April 2024 to expand their multimedia library and complement Staff Skills Academy's services.


Product and Technology Advancements


  • B2C Subscription Product Launch: Launched in 2021 to provide a subscription model in the B2C market along with an online learning community.

  • Re-platforming for Product Innovation: Complete re-platforming of B2B and B2C LMSs and websites in 2023 to enable faster product innovation and stability.


Partnerships


  • Strategic Alliances: Strategic partnerships with major organizations like Tesco and the Federation of Small Businesses to widen learning opportunities.

  • Social Mobility Initiatives: Offers platform access at discounted rates to UK housing associations and charities.


Summary



Academy+ has transformed from a single-brand enterprise to a diversified group serving individuals, SMEs, and enterprise clients. With a relentless focus on expanding its course offerings and making vocational training accessible, it aims to revolutionize its sector through strategic partnerships and innovative technology solutions. Addition Capital's investment has strategically positioned the company for further growth, enhancing its capacity to meet the changing educational needs of its clientele.