Major training provider employing more than 200 people ceases trading

Qube Learning, which has bases in Bolton and Bradford, has suddenly ceased trading with all staff reportedly made redundant.

Owner Claire Whichello informed more than 200 staff of the decision to close, which also affects around 3,500 learners – mostly apprentices.

She said: “Increased competition in the apprenticeship market, challenges regarding stagnant funding bands, uncertainty around adult education budget contracts and the expected expiry of our traineeship contracts has meant there is too much uncertainty for the business to continue.”

It comes just days after the Department for Education ended the provider’s HGV skills bootcamp contract.

The company, which is headquartered near Oxford, delivered training to big-names such as Specsavers, JD Group, Matalan, BT and Greater Anglia in sectors including care, logistics, retail and facilities. The provider was incorporated in 1994.

In an e-mail to staff, Whichello said: “On behalf of all the directors, I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to every single colleague for your dedication, loyalty, professionalism and hard work.

“This is a heart-breaking decision to have made, but please do not lose sight of the contribution and positive impact you have made to so many students over the years.”

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