Pictured above: John Clerkin 

At a time of huge growth Derby based Develop Training, the UK's leading technical training provider, has strengthened its board with the appointment of executive John Clerkin, in the new role of  Sales & Marketing Director.

John was previously with Croner (Part of the Wolters Kluwer Group) a leading global information services and publishing company.

John, who lives in Derby,  brings with him over 20 years experience in sales and marketing. At Croner he held the position of Head of Corporate & Public Sector Sales and his initiatives included creating a partnership strategy which delivered £2m in sales revenue over a 14 month period. His track record also includes Yell Group and Bass plc, where he started his career.   

The Board level appointment demonstrates Develop's commitment at a dynamic time for the operation, which turns over in excess of £15m and employs 115 staff (including 39 full time trainers).  Develop's customer base includes some of the country's top utility companies, contractors, facilities management companies, as well as public sector bodies such as the NHS, local authorities and the Ministry of Defence.

Originating in 2000, Develop operate through six Training Centres across the UK, (Ascot Drive in Derby, York, Warrington, Swindon, Glasgow and Linlithgow near Edinburgh) offering training, consultancy and assessment programmes across all industry sectors.

Last year Develop created a new Utility Division as one of the few providers delivering multi-utility training and is the only one that offers a unique combination of technical and behavioural training. Over the past six months the firm has also expanded its current offering with the launch of Develop Scotland, providing a full range of over 300 open and bespoke courses from a base in Linlithgow (near Edinburgh) .

Develop's Executive Chairman Rod Tompsett commented; "Over the past 12 months our business has continued to improve efficiency and to become more customer sensitive. There are many new initiatives planned for the next 12 months to allow Develop to expand its share of the technical training market and John has many of the skills we need to help us deliver them to our customers in line with their business objectives. He has an impressive track record and proven experience in implementing robust operational sales and marketing plans and we are delighted to have him on board."

Develop is about to launch a new Eco Centres at Linlithgow to support its expanded portfolio of training and support for emerging renewable energy technologies. It is also broadening its offer with the launch of a Facilities Management Division with a new Consultancy service for FM customers. Other plans include extended e-learning packages and greater use of online support for delegates as well as providing online training records via the Develop Community Portal.  

John commented; "It is a very dynamic period of growth at Develop and I'm looking forward to helping shape and extend the brand to maintain our position as the country's leading technical trainer provider. Both the training market and our client base continue to evolve, becoming ever more customer-centric.  My role focuses on the retention and future growth of our client base by providing clear vision, confident direction and strong leadership and I'm excited about helping Develop become even more successful."