Training provider ceases trading as pandemic claims latest victim

An independent training provider in Birmingham has ceased trading, becoming the latest business to fall victim to the Covid-19 pandemic.

GB Training (UK) Ltd, which offers apprenticeships and is also an adult education budget provider for the West Midlands Combined Authority, has announced on its website that it has closed.

It is understood that 70 staff will lose their jobs.

The company said: “It is with regret that GB Training (UK) Ltd has ceased trading.  This is as a result of the impact COVID-19 has had on our company. Professional financial advisors (liquidators) informed GB Training that it was no longer in a position to continue trading.

“We realise this will be received with disappointment and shock, as it has to the dedicated staff who have worked for us over its 25 years.  Please be sensitive to their needs at this time and note that they too will have many questions that have yet to be answered.”

GB Training said that both the Education and Skills Funding Agency and WMCA have been advised of the action and are working with the business to ensure a “smooth handover” of all active learners to new providers.

KJ Watkin and Co have been instructed to act as the insolvency practitioner.