A North East-based educational learning specialist is scaling up its operations and creating new jobs after receiving a seven-figure investment from the North East Elevate Fund which is managed by FW Capital.
National Learning Group is an award-winning online tutoring service which provides 1:1 tutoring to helping students to excel in their studies. It has recently located to a new office in Gateshead and has a registered office in Hexham. Their offering covers all age ranges from reception to adult learners with services including specialist exam preparation for GCSEs and A-Levels, adult skills training, and tailored support to meet each student’s unique educational needs. The tutoring services cover all major areas of curricula, including national and international educational boards, enrolling 4,000 students a year with a carefully selected network of over 350 tutors.
This funding is facilitating the firm’s next phase of growth enabling them to invest in their infrastructure. This includes the development of their own proprietary software to enhance the useability of their online tutoring systems. It is also strengthening its senior management team with some key new director appointments including Neil Stephenson as Chairman. It is also backing the development of a high-quality Alternative Provision Centre which will provide facilities for children who are unable to attend mainstream schools and assist expansion into more commercial education opportunities.
The investment comes via the North East Elevate Fund, which is part of the North East Mayor Kim McGuinness’ £100m regional investment framework administered by The North East Fund. Along with both the North East Accelerate and North East Spinout Inspire funds, it aims to strengthen access to early-stage finance for start up, scale up and growing companies in North East England, and tackle long-standing market failures that have hampered innovation-led growth in the region. FW Capital was introduced to The National Learning Group by Armstrong Watson.
Oliver Batten, Managing Director at National Learning Group said: “We’re experiencing significant growth and this funding is helping us to expand our presence. The addition of a new alternative provision educational centre means we can meet the increased demand for accessible high-quality tuition. We’ve been very pleased with the backing from FW Capital who have recognised our potential and are excited to have an investor on board who is aligned to our vision. Keith Charlton and the team at FW Capital couldn't have been more supportive, they were patient and ensured we got the funding quickly. That speed and understanding allowed us to move from the planning phase to being fully operational without losing any momentum."
“We’ve also welcomed Neil Stephenson as Chairman of the business, he is a highly experienced and respected businessman who will make a great impact at The National Learning Group. I’m looking forward to working together to take the business to the next level of growth.”
Keith Charlton, Fund Manager at FW Capital added: “There is a clear and growing demand for high-quality online tutoring, and the National Learning Group team has shown they have the vision to meet it. We’re proud to fund this next chapter, strengthening senior management and launching the new educational centre, to help drive both economic opportunity and educational excellence."
David Wilson, Corporate Finance Partner at Armstrong Watson added: “Oliver and the team at National Learning Group are a valued client of Armstrong Watson and they have managed to build a strong, highly credible business which is growing at an exceptional rate. It was clear during the investment process that FW Capital were very much aligned with the business and their aspirations and goals, and I look forward to following Oliver and the teams progress on the back of this significant investment.”
Neil Stephenson, Chairman at National Learning Group added: “I’m an active tech investor with vast experience of scaling businesses rapidly and working alongside institutional funders. My commercial and marketing expertise alongside the vast executive experience I have makes me a good fit. I was attracted to the opportunity to work in a business which makes a positive impact to young people’s lives and to support a fabulous chief exec as he personally and professionally grows.”
To find about more about the North East Fund and its Elevate and Accelerate Funds, visit https://www.northeastfund.org/
