Leadership and management training company In Professional Development is toasting a record year after successfully pivoting its business model during the pandemic.
In Professional Development reacted to Covid-19 by switching the delivery of its courses from a face-to-face format to using video conferencing technology.
Dave Hall, CEO said “Last April, we were projecting no income due to the impact of the pandemic and the cancellation of our face-to-face programmes.
“We knew we had to respond with a new strategy, so we decided to move our delivery to a virtual setting.
“This was a huge risk, as we were venturing into unexplored territory. Never before had we delivered a single virtual course. The team worked tirelessly to ensure the new platforms and processes were implemented.
“However, the new format featuring interactive video conferencing and breakout sessions has proved extremely popular and has enabled us to offer a record number of programmes with a vast increase in bookings, leading to a rise in full-year revenues of 16 per cent to a record level.
It meant In Professional Development was able to deliver more courses and attract a record number of delegates in the year to March 31, propelling annual sales revenues from £2.7m last financial year to £3.4m for this financial year.
The company, which caters for executives, directors, managers and other senior leaders across the public, private and third sectors throughout the UK and overseas, ran a total of 317 open and in company programmes – up from 134 in the previous year.
These drew a total of over 3,500 delegates, compared with 1,300 in 2019/20 when all programmes were delivered face-to-face.
In line with its growth, In Professional Development recruited 11 staff during the year, taking its workforce to 29. Next financial year, we are looking to recruit a further 12 members of staff.
The company has taken more office space at its Wigan headquarters to accommodate its growing workforce and plans further recruitment during this financial year as it looks to increase sales revenue to £5.5m goal for the new financial year.
In Professional Development, which began trading in 2018, is led by directors Marc Davis, Dave Hall, Jon Palmer and Stuart Thompson.
Its courses – including the flagship Executive Mini MBA and a Directors Development Programme – focus on helping delegates to improve their skills and equip them with tools and strategies to enhance their own performance and that of their organisations.
Topics covered include leadership and negotiation skills, corporate governance and finance, strategic planning and advice, coaching and mentoring, digital marketing and social media.
In Professional Development runs accredited courses in conjunction with academic and professional partners including the University of Chester, the University of York, the University of East London, the Chartered Management Institute and the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
The company surpassed expectations over the past year by demonstrating its resilience and ability to adapt to the changing business environment.
Dave Hall said “Our strong performance has also meant a significant increase in staff numbers, which is something we are especially proud about given the wider economic backdrop.”
Dave Hall went on to say “executives and other senior leaders had opted to use lockdown periods to upskill their staff and develop their own skills, which was another factor contributing to InPD’s bumper growth."
For the last financial year we delivered to over 25 international delegates and we are looking to increase that number this FY.
Other operational highlights during the year included the launch of a specialist division offering bespoke courses to businesses and organisations, and In Professional Development’s appointment as a core delivery partner for the £30m Cheshire and Warrington Accelerate skills project.
Dave Hall said In Professional Development are excited to bring back face-to-face courses when it is safe to do so and would combine these with virtual delivery.
This Press Release has also been published by Business Up North.
