Expansion planned after training firm’s MBO

TRN (Train), which is based in Gateshead, is looking to open up training centres in major cities such as Manchester, Leeds and London after being bought out by its management team. The company was founded in 2002 and was previously part of care home operator, the Executive Care Group. It specialises in providing workplace training and skills for workers in the construction and health and social care sectors, as well as delivering Government-funded training programmes to young people and to help unemployed people back into work.

As well as providing training in its North East heartland, TRN (Train) also has a presence in the North West and Yorkshire and is now looking to expand into other areas.

Managing director Mark Hewitt said: “We are looking to really grow the business on the back of the MBO – these are very exciting times. We have construction training skills centres in Gateshead and Middlesbrough as well as satellite centres focusing on health and social care in South Shields and Middlesbrough.

“We want to roll out our business plan in a controlled manner but now we have concluded the MBO we are very much in control of our own destiny.”

TRN (Train) employs more than 20 people at its Gateshead base, with plans to create further jobs as the company expands. The MBO has been backed by a private investor.

Katherine Hay-Heddle, corporate partner at law firm Ward Hadaway, and Julie Harrison, head of banking at Ward Hadaway, led the firm’s team advising the management at TRN (Train) on the buy-out.

Ms Hay-Heddle said: “The company does valuable work in helping to boost skills and training.”