A Bedford-based global training firm has been named one of the most exceptional businesses in the UK.
Skills4Stem focuses on providing relevant and up-to-date skills within the science, technology, engineering and mathematics sectors (STEM) as well as specialist expertise in the construction industry and the built environment.
Launched in 2014 by Sarah Davis, the business now has offices in the UK and Republic of Ireland and employs 20 people. Its blended learning programmes include a combination of classroom, online and webinar training, and it builds skills leading to internationally-recognised technical qualifications in construction, engineering and project management.
Skills4Stem’s global growth has so impressed an independent panel of business experts that this week the business was named one of just 3 UK finalists for an international foundation’s “Microentrepreneur Award for Growth.”
The Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards, funded by the Citi Foundation, are an annual celebration of Britain’s entrepreneurs who have accessed “responsible” business finance.
After a successful first three years, Skills4Stem turbocharged its growth when it secured investment from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) to help Sarah expand the company, improve its digital marketing strategy and create a live web chat to help their customers in real time.
Sarah Davis said:
“Skills4Stem is really delighted to be named as a finalist for the Microentrepreneur Award for Growth, my team and I very rarely get a chance to reflect on how far we have come in such a short time, opportunities like this help to remind us to celebrate the milestones on our journey. I also hope we can inspire others to be brave and think big, great things can come from little acorns!”
Many of the UK’s 5.9 million SMEs (Small, Medium and Microenterprises) would not exist without the financial and business support they access from the UK’s ethical “responsible finance” sector, which in 2019 lent £171 million to thousands of credit-worthy businesses and social enterprises.
“Businesses like Skills4Stem play a vital role in strengthening communities throughout the UK by creating jobs, unlocking opportunities, and addressing social and environmental challenges,” said Bob Annibale, Global Director, Citi Inclusive Finance and Community Development.
“The Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards recognise the positive impact they are having on a local and national scale, and these exceptional finalists and the responsible finance providers which supported them all contribute to the economic, social and environmental vibrancy of their communities. We are proud to support the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards and the eighth cohort of finalists in the UK.”
Theodora Hadjimichael, Chief Executive of Responsible Finance, said:
“With impressive entrants from all over the UK, entrepreneurs and their businesses needed to be truly remarkable to make the shortlist.”
Sarah must now wait until 9 July 2020 when the winners of the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards will be announced.
Read about the other finalists here.