BPIF Training acquired by entrepreneur Fiona Hudson-Kelly

The British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) has announced the sale of BPIF Training, the UK's leading provider of apprenticeships and vocational qualifications for the print, packaging, graphic communications, and related industries.

The business has been acquired by Fiona Hudson-Kelly, an entrepreneur, investor, and apprenticeship specialist and the founder of Smart Assessor, a software platform supporting apprenticeship training providers.

BPIF says that the decision was “taken after careful consideration by the BPIF board of directors and management,” reflecting BPIF Training’s “strength as a high-performing, regulated training provider.”

The organisation describes Hudson-Kelly as someone able to bring “significant commercial and strategic expertise to BPIF Training as it enters this new chapter.”

Following the divestment, the BPIF will aim to concentrate further resources on its core membership and business services activities, while investing in the development of other services for the industry.

Continuity is a key focus during the transition according to the BPIF, with arrangements in place across key support functions including finance, HR, and IT. During this time, BPIF Training will continue to operate from its Meriden office which it shares with the BPIF.

The organisation has also stressed that the change of ownership will not impact learners, employers, or apprenticeship programmes, with BPIF Training continuing to deliver training and support as normal with existing arrangements.

Charles Jarrold, chief executive of the BPIF, says: “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.”

Hudson-Kelly adds: “I am delighted to be joining BPIF Training at such an exciting stage in its journey.

“One of the greatest strengths of BPIF Training is its exceptional leadership team and dedicated people. Karly Lattimore [managing director of BPIF Training] 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.”