BPIF completes sale of BPIF Training

Print Solutions

The British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) has announced the completion of the sale of BPIF Training. The business has been acquired by Fiona Hudson-Kelly, a highly experienced figure in apprenticeships, workforce development and business growth.

Fiona is widely recognised across the apprenticeship sector as the founder of Smart Assessor, one of the leading software platforms supporting apprenticeship training providers. She brings significant commercial and strategic expertise to BPIF Training as it enters this new chapter.

The decision, taken after careful consideration by the BPIF board of directors and management, reflects BPIF Training’s strength as a high performing, regulated training provider. The divestment enables BPIF to concentrate resources on its core membership and business services activities, and to invest in the development of key services for the industry.

Continuity has been a priority throughout the transition. Arrangements are in place across key support functions including finance, HR, and IT, and BPIF Training will continue to operate from the Meriden office shared with the BPIF.

Importantly, the change of ownership will not impact learners, employers or apprenticeship programmes. BPIF Training will continue to deliver training and support as normal, with existing arrangements, learner support, and employer relationships remaining unchanged.

BPIF and BPIF Training will maintain a close working partnership in support of the print, packaging and graphic communication industries.

‘This is a milestone moment for both organisations. BPIF Training has built an excellent reputation as a provider of high quality apprenticeships and training, and under Fiona’s leadership it will have the independence and investment capacity to go further. For BPIF, this strategic decision allows us to sharpen our focus and investment to strengthen the services we deliver to our members,’

said Charles Jarrold, chief executive, BPIF.

‘One of the greatest strengths of BPIF Training is its exceptional leadership team and dedicated people. Karly Lattimore and her experienced team will continue to lead the business day to day, providing continuity, expertise, and trusted support to learners, employers, and partners, with my support as chair as we build on the company’s strong foundations and future growth ambitions,’ said Fiona Hudson-Kelly, owner and executive chair, BPIF Training.

Karly Lattimore, managing director, BPIF Training, added: ‘BPIF Training has achieved significant progress over recent years, with continued improvements in quality, employer engagement, and organisational performance. This new chapter creates exciting opportunities to build further on those foundations, while maintaining the strong sector relationships and values that are central to the organisation.’