Employees take over at online training company

High Speed Training, an online training provider based in Ilkley, has become an Employee Owned Trust (EOT), meaning it is now wholly owned by its workforce.

Founded in 2008, the business specialises in online compliance training covering a wide range of sectors, from retail and hospitality, to construction, education and safeguarding.

It says that by embracing the employee-owned model, it aims to foster a culture of shared responsibility, collaboration, and long-term success, where each employee has a direct stake in the company’s performance and decision-making.

The company also recently achieved B Corp certification, an accreditation from the global non-profit B Lab, which ensures a business meets high standards of social and environmental impact.

The firm has certified over 2.5million learners and has grown considerably since its inception, primarily under the leadership of co-founder and owner Dan Jordan. He remains on the Board of Directors and oversaw the transfer of the business to its employees.

Carole Urey, CEO, said: “As High Speed Training has grown over the last 15 years, we have always focused on two key values – providing first-class training for our learners and guaranteeing security and opportunity for our colleagues.

“By becoming an Employee Owned Trust, we are ensuring we can stand by both of these commitments effectively and sustainably.

“As a registered B Corp, we are pleased to be moving to a business model that puts people before profits, that will allow us to run our organisation for the benefit of our learners and our employees, and help to secure our long term health.

“Since 2008, we have certified over 2.5million learners. They, and all of our employees, are what make High Speed Training special, and this decision solidifies our commitment to supporting and empowering each and every one of them.”

High Speed Training was supported by BHP and Freeths on the deal.

Chris Humphreys, tax partner at BHP said: “I really enjoyed working with the team at High Speed Training and the legal team at Freeths to help the company transition to ownership by an Employee Ownership Trust.

“Throughout the process I felt that HST was transitioning to employee ownership for the right reasons and objectives, as everyone we worked with already had a culture of shared responsibility, collaboration and commitment to a common goal.”