Pictured above: Baroness Wilcox, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Business, Innovation and Skills joins Babington College's Chairman Frank Lord (left) and Dr Chris Payne, CEO (right) to officially open the college's new head office on Pride Park, Derby

Baroness Wilcox, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Business, Innovation and Skills was in Derby today to officially open prestigious new facilities for post 16 learning provider Babington Business College.

The independent college, which specialises in vocational skills development and Apprenticeships, is relocating from Charnwood Street and upgrading its Corporate Office and training facilities to new, spacious premises at Pullman Business Park on Pride Park.  Learners and staff will enjoy light and spacious accommodation and new, state-of-the-art IT and learning equipment.

Dr Chris Payne, Chief Executive Officer, Babington Business College, says: "Moving to Pride Park as our flagship premises is part of our national growth aspirations. Babington has six regional centres and Pride Park sets the standard for future developments as we aim to become a national, multi-site training organisation. 

"The move also demonstrates our commitment to provide employers and learners in Derby and across the UK with access to the facilities, experience and expertise that they expect of a top learning provider.  

"Having worked with employer partners in Derby for a number of years we are now ideally positioned to strengthen these existing relationships, whilst developing mutually beneficial relationships with new employers and learners from the city and across Derbyshire. Employers can expect tailored solutions that mirror their business needs, whilst learners will receive high quality, focused skills development within the workplace."

Baroness Wilcox is also presenting WorldSkills Bronze Medals to Babington Business College learners Daniel Inglis, 20, Rebecca Jones, 18, and Louise Muggleton, 20. The trio enjoyed considerable success earlier this year in the WorldSkills Accounting Technician Skills Contest in London, a competition considered the "Olympics of the learning industry". It is held annually in more than 50 countries.

Baroness Wilcox says: "It is a personal privilege to share in the success of these very capable young people and I think it is only right and proper that they should be the focus of today's celebrations. Everyone at Babington Business College should be very proud of this success, as well as the exciting opening of these wonderful new learning facilities and corporate headquarters. I am pleased to see that the work the college does in helping young people gain new skills reflects the Government's commitment to this cause."

Philip Hanson, Director, HSKS Limited, says: "Our partnership with Babington has resulted in another one of our valued team members on the verge of achieving his AAT Technician in Accounting, as well as celebrating his success in WorldSkills. 

"The skills development that Babington's team provides is of the highest quality and provides young people with a platform on which to build their future careers. The college's move to new premises and its commitment to its long-term in Derby is a real bonus to us. They have really got to know and understand our business needs and we will continue to partner to ensure that our staff receive the best continuous professional development."

WorldSkills Bronze Medal winner Daniel Inglis is from HSKS and has just started his AAT Technician level 4 in Accounting with Babington Business College having successfully completed both the foundation and intermediate awards. Daniel adds: "My AAT Technician in Accounting is more than just a piece of paper, it's my future. When you do the maths, learning at work really adds up. I've got a great job, a great career opportunity and a real qualification that is mine for life. Add to this my WorldSkills success and I am very hopeful for my future!"

Babington Business College is a pioneer of the Apprenticeship programme, with the first Accountancy Apprentice in the country and the first Insurance Apprentice in the North of England. The college specialises in vocationally focused qualifications including Business Administration, Accounts, Providing Financial Services, Team Leading, Customer Service, Providing Mortgage Advice, Providing Financial Advice and Management.