In-Comm Training and Business Services

Vocational Training and Apprenticeship Servicesin-comm.co.uk

In-Comm Training and Business Services is a UK vocational training provider delivering engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships (Level 2-6) and upskilling courses from two academies in Aldridge and Telford, serving 500+ employers across aerospace, automotive, defence, and metal forming.

Company typePrivate
Founded1982
HeadquartersWalsall, United Kingdom
Headcount11–50
GTM typeB2B
OfferingServices

What In-Comm Training and Business Services does

In-Comm Training and Business Services Limited is a private UK vocational training provider headquartered in Aldridge, Walsall, with a second technical academy in Telford. Founded in 1982 (with predecessor roots in the 1953 Engineering Industry Group Apprenticeship), the company delivers apprenticeships from Level 2 to Level 6 and workforce upskilling courses primarily to UK engineering and manufacturing employers, serving 500+ companies across aerospace, automotive, defence, precision tooling, and metal forming. Its core products are apprenticeship standards (engineering fitter, machinist, toolmaker, welder, mechatronics, business administration), open short courses, and managed services for health and safety and quality compliance.

The company's technology base is industrial rather than digital. Training is delivered through two purpose-built academies — the 20,000 sq ft Aldridge headquarters and the £3m, 20,000 sq ft Telford Technical Academy (opened January 2023) — equipped with industrial-standard CNC machinery, a 6-axis ABB robot with Siemens PLC integration (Bauromat UK partnership, 2024), CAD via SolidWorks, and metrology equipment. The flagship asset is the UK's first Precision Tooling Academy, a £1m partnership with Brandauer embedding an advanced training facility inside Brandauer's commercial toolroom at Aldridge, where apprentices train on live production runs. Two newer offerings extend the model: In-Talent (2025), a pilot recruitment-plus-training service delivering job-ready candidates, and the 'I'm Included' Inclusivity & Diversity campaign targeting women in engineering.

Revenue is generated through four streams: government-funded apprenticeship training (apprenticeship levy for large employers, 95-100% government funding for small employers depending on apprentice age), paid open courses and short training programmes, managed compliance services, and the In-Talent recruitment pilot. The company is family-led, with Managing Director Gareth Jones and Executive Director Bekki Phillips at the helm since 2015, holds Ofsted 'Good' accreditation, and operates with no disclosed external private equity or venture capital backing. Geographic focus is the West Midlands, Black Country, Shropshire, and the wider Midlands manufacturing corridor.

In-Comm Training and Business Services firmographics

Firmographics

Name: In-Comm Training and Business Services
Legal name: In-Comm Training and Business Services Limited
Website: https://in-comm.co.uk
Company type: Private
Founded year: 1982
Operating status: Operating
Headcount range: 11–50 employees
Short description: In-Comm Training and Business Services is a UK vocational training provider delivering engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships (Level 2-6) and upskilling courses from two academies in Aldridge and Telford, serving 500+ employers across aerospace, automotive, defence, and metal forming.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

In-Comm Training and Business Services industry classification

Industry

Product category: Vocational Training and Apprenticeship Services
NAICS: Apprenticeship Training (611513), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)
SIC: Services-Educational Services (8200)
akta.pro primary industry: Industrial Manufacturing (EDABALAP)
akta.pro secondary industries: Production & Manufacturing Operations (TPM, OEE, SMED) (EDABAKAK), Information Technology & Software (EDAAAPAB)

Keywords

Apprenticeship training
Engineering apprenticeships
Manufacturing skills training
Vocational technical training
Workforce upskilling

Where In-Comm Training and Business Services is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city: Walsall
HQ country: United Kingdom
HQ region: Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

In-Comm Training and Business Services business model

Business model

GTM type: B2B
Offering type: Services
Cost components: Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

Apprenticeship Training Services: Government-funded apprenticeship training for employers. Small employers (annual pay bill under £3 million) receive 100% government funding for apprentices aged 16-21. Large levy-paying employers use apprenticeship levy funds. Employers aged 22+ receive 95% government funding (5% employer contribution). Government incentive payments of £1,000 available for hiring apprentices aged 16-18 or 19-24 with EHC plans or local authority care.
Open Courses and Short Training Programmes: Accredited short courses for upskilling workforce in technical development, business support, leadership, safety compliance, continuous improvement, and quality compliance. Delivered at training facilities in Aldridge and Telford.
Managed Services: Tailored managed services for H&S compliance, quality assurance and compliance, including gap analysis, standards installation, standards maintenance, internal and external audit support.
In-Talent Recruitment and Training Service: Pilot programme combining recruitment with training and development for job-ready talent. Offered as partnership pilot programme for select companies.

Pricing tiers

Model	Billing	Price
Subscription	Multi-year contract	Small Employers (Non-Levy Paying) - Apprenticeship Funding
Subscription	Multi-year contract	Large Employers (Levy Paying) - Apprenticeship Funding
Other	One time/ perpetual license	Apprentice Incentive Payments

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels17 records

In-Comm Training and Business Services product offering

Product offering

Core offering

In-Comm Training and Business Services delivers apprenticeship programmes, technical upskilling courses, and managed compliance services to engineering and manufacturing employers across the UK. The company operates two technical academies in Aldridge and Telford, training apprentices from Level 2 through Level 6 in disciplines including engineering, machining, toolmaking, welding, mechatronics, robotics and automation, and business administration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

Apprenticeships (Engineering and Manufacturing) Government-funded apprenticeship programmes ranging from Level 2 through Level 6 covering engineering operative, lean manufacturing operative, welder, engineering fitter, machining technician, mechatronics maintenance technician, engineering manufacturing technician, and tool process design engineer standards. Targeted at engineering and manufacturing employers seeking to recruit and develop apprentices, and at individual learners seeking vocational pathways into skilled trades.
Open Courses and Short Training Programmes Accredited short courses for upskilling workforce in technical development, business support, leadership, safety compliance, continuous improvement, and quality compliance. Delivered at training facilities in Aldridge and Telford for engineering and manufacturing employees.
Precision Tooling Academy UK's first advanced training academy embedded in a world-class commercial toolroom at the Aldridge site, offering professional toolmaking courses and Level 6 Tool Process Design Apprenticeship in partnership with Brandauer. Learners train on live tooling projects producing hundreds of thousands of parts weekly.
Robotics and Automation Training Line Robotics and automation training cell featuring a 6-axis ABB industrial robot with integrated Siemens PLC control system and dosing system in a Kyrus guarding enclosure. Provides progression pathway from Level 3 to Level 4 in mechatronics and automation, developed in partnership with Bauromat UK.
In-Talent Recruitment and Training Service Pilot programme blending expert recruitment with tailored training and ongoing development, delivering job-ready talent through targeted recruitment, trade testing, gap analysis, and tailored training programmes for engineering and manufacturing employers.
Managed Services - Health and Safety Compliance Tailored managed services for H&S compliance including gap analysis, standards installation, standards maintenance, and internal and external audit support for engineering and manufacturing employers.
Managed Services - Quality Assurance and Compliance Tailored managed services for quality assurance and compliance including gap analysis, standards installation, standards maintenance, and internal and external audit support for engineering and manufacturing employers.
Apprenticeships (Business Administration) Business administration apprenticeships for employers seeking to develop office-based and operational support staff alongside the company's core engineering and manufacturing apprenticeship portfolio.

Quantifiable outcome

500+ companies served in Engineering and Manufacturing sectors across the UK
+4 more outcomes

Companies that use In-Comm Training and Business Services

Customer profile

Named customers32 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

In-Comm Training and Business Services technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API: No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

In-Comm Training and Business Services partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

Bauromat UKcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024Partnership to design and deliver robotics and automation training at Telford Academy. Developed in response to employer needs giving learners direct experience with technologies used in modern manufacturing. Training uses ABB robotic systems and integrated Siemens PLC controls in a fully operational automation cell. Progression pathway from Level 3 to Level 4.
BrandauerflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Pioneering partnership to create UK's first £1m Precision Tooling Academy embedded in Brandauer's world-class commercial toolroom at In-Comm's Aldridge site. Training unlike anything currently on market with individuals learning on live tooling projects producing hundreds of thousands of parts weekly. First company to back the academy was JLR.
HexagoncoreTechnology or IntegrationGlobal leader in digital reality solutions providing cutting-edge technologies integrated into In-Comm training programmes. Equips apprentices and professionals with hands-on experience in precision engineering, smart manufacturing, and data-driven processes.
Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey representative of metalforming sector working with In-Comm to deliver high-quality apprenticeship programmes and professional development for fastener manufacturers, forgers, sheet metal workers and pressing experts. Played key role in launch of Level 6 Tool Process Design course.
Training & Manufacturing Group (TMG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollection of 100+ like-minded businesses committed to world class best practices and future-proof training. Delivers advanced engineering skills and business support strategies through hyper-local collaboration across three decades. TMG members can access In-Comm training programmes.
Black Country ChamberminorOthersPatron member of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, providing industry representation and networking opportunities.
Shropshire Chamber of CommerceminorOthersMember of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce providing industry representation in the Marches region.
GTA EnglandminorOthersMember of GTA England, representing group training associations across England.
Made in the MidlandsminorOthersProud member of Made in the Midlands, showcasing and supporting manufacturing in the Midlands region.
EnginuitycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBacker of the 'I'm Included' annual campaign to create more female role models in engineering and manufacturing. Partnership to shine spotlight on women in the sector showcasing diverse roles, career paths and life experiences.
Adams EnclosuresminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting company for 'I'm Included' campaign promoting women in engineering. One of nine companies backing the initiative.
Assa AbloyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting company for 'I'm Included' campaign promoting women in engineering. One of nine companies backing the initiative.
FiltermistminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting company for 'I'm Included' campaign promoting women in engineering. One of nine companies backing the initiative.
Industrial PhysicsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting company for 'I'm Included' campaign promoting women in engineering. One of nine companies backing the initiative.
Jenks & CattellminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting company for 'I'm Included' campaign promoting women in engineering. One of nine companies backing the initiative.
RBSL (Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting company for 'I'm Included' campaign promoting women in engineering. One of nine companies backing the initiative.
SafranminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting company for 'I'm Included' campaign promoting women in engineering. One of nine companies backing the initiative.
Professional Polishing ServicesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting company for 'I'm Included' campaign promoting women in engineering. One of nine companies backing the initiative. MD Kirsty Davies-Chinnock featured in campaign video.
Marches Education PartnershipcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting £200,000 investment into robotics and automation training cell. Collaboration enhancing advanced engineering capability in the Marches region.
FBC Manby BowdlerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLarge Employer of the Year winner and headline sponsor of In-Comm Awards 2026.
AarcminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of In-Comm Awards 2026.
Accura EngineeringminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of In-Comm Awards 2026.
Crowe UKminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of In-Comm Awards 2026.
EALminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of In-Comm Awards 2026.
F1 (Formula 1)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial supporter of STEM Racing challenge, previously known as F1 in Schools. Supports teams in getting to World Finals and putting the region on the map.
The Halls, WolverhamptonminorOthersVenue for 15th In-Comm Training Awards 2026, hosting 400 attendees and 125 finalists.

Scale indicators21 records

Recent moves13 records

Expansion highlights6 records

In-Comm Training and Business Services competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Direct peers

QA Apprenticeships: Part of QA Ltd, one of the UK's largest IT and business training providers with a substantial apprenticeship division. Comparable as a top-tier apprenticeship provider serving major employers, with similar reliance on apprenticeship levy and government funding, though broader in digital/IT training.
Remit Training: UK-based apprenticeship and work-based training provider operating across multiple sectors. Highly comparable as a private-sector training company delivering apprenticeship standards, open courses, and employer-funded training, with similar revenue mix from government funding and employer contributions.
Lifetime Training: Major UK apprenticeship provider delivering traineeships and apprenticeships across sectors including health, childcare, and active leisure. Comparable business model (apprenticeship-led, employer-funded, government-supported), with broader sector reach but similar delivery philosophy and funding dependency.
JTL Training: One of the UK's largest apprenticeship training providers, focused on building services engineering (electrical, plumbing, heating). Directly comparable as a specialist apprenticeship training provider with employer-led model, government funding reliance, and similar end-to-end apprenticeship delivery. Diverges in sector (construction trades vs. manufacturing).
ProActive Technical Training: UK provider of technical and engineering apprenticeships, particularly in the Midlands. Directly comparable as a regional apprenticeship training provider in engineering/manufacturing, serving similar employer base with similar government funding model.

Broad incumbents

Make UK (formerly EEF): UK manufacturing trade association and training provider offering apprenticeships, consulting, and workforce development. Comparable as a manufacturer-focused training organisation with policy influence, though broader in scope (policy, networking, consulting) and operates as a membership body.
Babcock Training: Major UK apprenticeship and skills training provider, part of Babcock International. Comparable as a large-scale apprenticeship provider with defence and engineering adjacencies, though operates as a division of a larger listed defence/support services company with broader scope.

Regional players

City of Wolverhampton College: Local further education college in the West Midlands offering apprenticeships and technical training. Comparable as a regional provider of engineering apprenticeships in the same geography, but operates as a publicly-funded FE college rather than private training provider.
Dudley College of Technology: West Midlands FE college and existing partner of In-Comm on the Black Country and Marches Institute of Technology. Comparable as a regional apprenticeship and technical training provider in the same geography, with similar engineering/manufacturing courses but operates as a publicly-funded FE institution.
Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC): UK RTO and training provider based in the West Midlands region focused on advanced manufacturing technologies. Comparable as a regionally-concentrated provider of advanced manufacturing training, with similar employer base and government funding support, though operates as a research-led technology centre.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

In-Comm Training and Business Services financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

In-Comm Training and Business Services leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

In-Comm Training and Business Services funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

In-Comm Training and Business Services M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about In-Comm Training and Business Services

What does In-Comm Training and Business Services do?

Is In-Comm Training and Business Services a public or private company?

In-Comm Training and Business Services is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.

When was In-Comm Training and Business Services founded?

In-Comm Training and Business Services was founded in 1982. It employs 11 to 50 people.

Where is In-Comm Training and Business Services based?

In-Comm Training and Business Services is headquartered in Walsall, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.

How does In-Comm Training and Business Services make money?

Four revenue lines are on record. Apprenticeship Training Services are the primary driver. The others are open Courses and Short Training Programmes, managed Services and in-Talent Recruitment and Training Service.

Who are In-Comm Training and Business Services's main competitors?

Direct peers on record are QA Apprenticeships, Remit Training, Lifetime Training, JTL Training and ProActive Technical Training. Broad incumbents are Make UK (formerly EEF) and Babcock Training. Regional players are City of Wolverhampton College, Dudley College of Technology and Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC).

Does In-Comm Training and Business Services have an API?

No public API is recorded for In-Comm Training and Business Services.

What industry is In-Comm Training and Business Services in?

In-Comm Training and Business Services's product category is Vocational Training and Apprenticeship Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDABALAP, Industrial Manufacturing, with a secondary code of EDABAKAK, Production & Manufacturing Operations (TPM, OEE, SMED). Its NAICS code is 611513 and its SIC code is 8200.