The Executive Development Network

What The Executive Development Network does

The Executive Development Network (EDN) is a UK B2B apprenticeship and training provider delivering outcome-focused leadership, management, and professional development programmes to employers across the country. EDN operates as a sector brand of The Opportunity Provider Ltd (TOP), an employee-owned training group that was legally renamed from HIT Training Ltd in January 2025. The group also encompasses HIT Training (hospitality, catering, retail), Connect2Care (adult care, healthcare, early years, funeral services), and Professional Assessment, and collectively employs 382 people with a 25-year operating heritage dating to Hospitality Plus in 1998. EDN itself was launched in 2021 to address demand for management and leadership skills training, and currently supports over 8,000 active apprentices across the broader group and 100,000+ cumulative learners since founding.

EDN's product portfolio spans apprenticeship standards from Level 2 through Level 7, including Customer Service Practitioner/Specialist (L2-3), Business Administrator (L3), Sales Executive (L4), and Senior Leader (L7) programmes, alongside CMI-endorsed professional certificates in management, coaching, sustainability, and inclusive leadership, plus Mental Health First Aid courses (L1-3) and the LeadHERship pathway for women in leadership. Delivery uses a blended learning model combining online content, virtual classrooms, 1:1 executive coaching, and face-to-face sessions, with an LMS tracking off-the-job training compliance (minimum 6 hours per week). Exclusive partnerships with Arden University (degree-level apprenticeships) and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI-accredited qualifications) anchor the curriculum stack.

Revenue is generated primarily through government-funded apprenticeship delivery, with costs shared between the Apprenticeship Levy (for employers with payroll exceeding £3m), government co-investment, and employer contributions, supplemented by short courses and bespoke corporate training packages priced £65-£3,900 per learner. Go-to-market is enterprise field sales targeting HR, L&D, and senior management at UK employers, complemented by event-driven demand generation through webcasts and '3rd Horizon' industry events, plus the Crown Commercial Service framework for public sector access. The customer base is concentrated in hospitality and foodservice (Center Parcs, Compass Group, Sodexo, Merlin Entertainment, Aramark, Boparan Restaurant Group, Baxterstorey, ETM Group), with growing exposure to manufacturing and education sectors. OFSTED 'Good' rating, ESFA approval, and consecutive industry awards (British Training Awards 'Apprenticeship Provider of the Year' 2024 and 2025, Princess Royal Training Award 2024) underpin regulatory standing and brand credibility.

Name

The Executive Development Network

Legal name

The Opportunity Provider Ltd

Website

https://edn.training

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Executive Development Network (EDN) is a UK B2B apprenticeship and training provider delivering leadership, management, and professional development programmes (Levels 2-7) to employers across hospitality, catering, and broader business sectors, operating as a sector brand of employee-owned The Opportunity Provider Ltd.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Training and Apprenticeship Services

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Executive Education & Corporate Programs (Non-degree) (EDAHAHAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Technical & Digital Skills Training (BPACANAB), Workforce Development & Continuing Education Divisions (Noncredit) (EDAHADAG)

Keywords

• Apprenticeship training provider
• Leadership development programmes
• Management apprenticeships
• Professional development courses
• Workforce upskilling services

Headquarters

HQ city

Shoreham-by-Sea

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Apprenticeship Training: Government-funded apprenticeship programmes where costs are shared between the Apprenticeship Levy (for large employers with payroll >£3m), government co-investment, and employer contributions. EDN delivers Levels 2-7 apprenticeships across leadership, operations, customer service, sales, and business administration.
2. Professional Certificates: Short courses and professional certificates in leadership, management, coaching, sustainability, and mental health. Delivered online with flexible scheduling. Includes CMI-endorsed qualifications.
3. Bespoke Corporate Training: Tailored training packages designed for specific organisations with content contextualisation, business examples, and delivery format customization (virtual/blended/in-person).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Executive Development Network designs and delivers government-funded apprenticeship programmes (Levels 2-7) and professional training certificates for UK employers. Offerings span leadership, operations, customer service, sales, business administration, sustainability, coaching, and mental health first aid, delivered through a blended learning model (online, virtual, and face-to-face) and contextualised to each employer's business challenges.

Product overview

The Executive Development Network (EDN) offers a portfolio of apprenticeship programmes (Levels 2-7) and professional training courses focused on leadership, management, customer service, sales, and sustainability. The offering includes: apprenticeships covering Senior Leader (Level 7), Customer Service Practitioner/Specialist (Levels 2-3), Business Administrator (Level 3), Sales Executive (Level 4), and various management pathways; CMI-endorsed certificates in First Line Management, Management and Leadership, Professional Coaching Practice, and Sustainability-related topics; Mental Health First Aid courses (Levels 1-3); Strategic Leadership qualifications; and the LeadHERship pathway for women in leadership. EDN operates as a division of The Opportunity Provider Ltd (TOP) alongside sister brands HIT Training (hospitality/retail) and Connect2Care (care/healthcare).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HIT Training: Market-leading apprenticeship and training provider for hospitality, catering and retail
• Connect2Care
• Professional Assessment
• The Opportunity Provider (TOP)

Products and services

• Senior Leader Apprenticeship Level 7 apprenticeship programme focused on developing strategic leadership capabilities. Includes CMI Level 7 in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice. Minimum duration 8 months, recommended 18 months. Aimed at senior leaders across UK employers.
• Customer Service Practitioner Apprenticeship Level 2 apprenticeship focused on foundation skills for providing quality customer service. Minimum duration 8 months. Targeted at organisations developing entry-level customer-facing teams.
• Customer Service Specialist Apprenticeship Level 3 apprenticeship developing professional knowledge of business and customer support skills. Minimum duration 8 months, recommended 15 months. For employers building specialist customer-service capability.
• Business Administrator Apprenticeship Level 3 apprenticeship focusing on administrative skills to support, solve, and succeed in business operations. Minimum duration 8 months. For employers developing business administration capability.
• Sales Executive Apprenticeship Level 4 apprenticeship focused on developing sales techniques, customer understanding, market strategy, and target achievement. Minimum duration 8 months, recommended 15 months. Eligible for Association of Professional Sales (APS) Level 4 Sales Certification.
• Certificate in First Line Management and Leadership Level 3 CMI-endorsed certification designed for practising or aspiring first line managers. Fully online delivery with flexible scheduling. Priced at £1,700 plus VAT.
• Certificate in Management and Leadership Level 5 certification for practising or aspiring middle managers, covering management and leadership principles within organisational contexts. CMI-endorsed; delivered online.
• Certificate in Professional Coaching Practice Fully online programme for aspiring or practising professional coaches, endorsed by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Develops professional coaching competence for managers and leaders.
• Certificate in Strategic Sustainability Leadership Level 7 certification for senior leaders and strategic managers to integrate environmental, social, and economic priorities into corporate strategy. CMI-endorsed; delivered online.
• Certificate in Sustainability Principles For First Line Managers Training for first line managers to champion responsible sustainability practices in everyday business decisions. Develops awareness of environmental, social, and economic priorities at the operational level.
• Certificate in Sustainable Management and Leadership Certification for managers to embed sustainable practices into everyday operations, balancing economic performance with environmental stewardship. CMI-endorsed; delivered online.
• Inclusive Leadership Programme CMI-endorsed programme helping managers create environments where diversity is a lived culture, with practical tools to ensure every voice is heard and valued. EDN Certificate £200 + VAT per learner; cohort cost £3,000 + VAT.
• Level 1 Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health 5-hour course providing knowledge to identify suspected mental health conditions and start conversations about mental health. Priced at £65 + VAT (non-regulated) or £75 + VAT (regulated) per learner.
• Level 2 First Aid for Mental Health Level 2 interactive online workshop developing understanding of common mental health conditions and reducing stigma in the workplace. Priced at £150 + VAT per delegate.
• Level 3 First Aid for Youth Mental Health Level 3 programme equipping learners with knowledge and confidence to spot signs of mental health challenges in youth and respond effectively. Priced at £130 + VAT per delegate.
• Level 3 Supervising First Aid for Mental Health Level 3 interactive online workshop for supervisory, managerial and leadership roles to qualify as mental health first aiders. Priced at £225 + VAT per delegate.
• Strategic Leadership Three qualification options (Award, Certificate, Diploma) combining strategic leadership and people development content with flexible online learning. Priced at £1,200 (Award), £1,700 (Certificate), £3,900 (Diploma) exc VAT.
• LeadHERship Pathway Innovative pathway of workshops and apprenticeships specifically designed to address challenges women face in career progression. Includes Inspiring LeadHERship workshop, Emerging Leader apprenticeship, Elevating LeadHERship workshop, and Operational LeadHERship apprenticeship.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90% employer satisfaction rate
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Arden UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExclusive partnership providing degree-level apprenticeship pathways and academic credibility to EDN programmes. Enables delivery of higher education qualifications alongside professional apprenticeships.
• Chartered Management Institute (CMI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with CMI provides recognised management and leadership qualifications. EDN programmes include CMI Level 3 to Level 7 certifications in management and leadership practice.
• Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerGovernment body providing funding and regulatory oversight for apprenticeships in England. EDN operates as an approved training provider within the ESFA-funded apprenticeship system.
• Crown Commercial ServicecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerEDN is an approved supplier on the Crown Commercial Service framework, enabling public sector organisations to access EDN training programmes.
• Planet MarkminorOthersEDN received Planet Mark Certification in 2025, marking commitment to sustainability and journey towards net zero. Demonstrates environmental stewardship in business operations.
• Good Youth Employment StandardsminorOthersEDN certified against Good Youth Employment Standards, demonstrating commitment to quality apprenticeship delivery and youth employment best practices.
• The 5% ClubminorOthersGold accredited membership. National movement of employers committed to creating meaningful 'earn and learn' opportunities through apprenticeships, graduate programmes, and formal workplace training. Over 1,200 member employers.
• Multicultural Apprenticeship AllianceminorOthersHIT Training (parent company) is a proud patron, championing inclusive learning, promoting representation, and delivering training that transforms lives and strengthens communities.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Remit Group: UK apprenticeship provider focused on business administration, customer service, and management programmes. Direct competitor for EDN's Level 2-4 apprenticeship portfolio.
• Kaplan UK: Major UK professional training and apprenticeship provider covering financial services, leadership, and management. Competes directly with EDN for Levy-paying employers seeking accredited management programmes.
• Corndel: UK leadership and management apprenticeship specialist serving FTSE and major employers. Closest direct competitor to EDN's Level 5-7 leadership/management apprenticeship portfolio with similar enterprise GTM.
• QA Ltd: One of the UK's largest commercial apprenticeship and training providers across tech, management, and professional services. Direct competitor for EDN's apprenticeship programmes, particularly in enterprise sales to Levy-paying UK employers.
• Aspire Training Solutions: Mid-sized UK apprenticeship provider delivering programmes across business administration, customer service, and management. Comparable to EDN on multi-sector apprenticeship delivery to Levy and Non-Levy employers.
• BPP Professional Apprenticeships: UK professional education group offering degree apprenticeships and professional certificates, including CMI-endorsed pathways. Comparable to EDN on academic and professional credential stack.
• Lifetime Training: UK apprenticeship provider with strong focus on hospitality, fitness, and active leisure sectors. Closest comparable to EDN/HIT given overlapping hospitality vertical specialism and apprenticeship-led model.
• Learning Curve Group: Multi-sector UK training provider delivering apprenticeships and funded programmes across health, education, and commercial sectors. Direct competitor for Levy-funded apprenticeship contracts.

Broad incumbents

• City & Guilds: Major UK awarding body and training provider with broad portfolio including apprenticeships and management qualifications. Larger incumbent offering overlapping capabilities through a wider portfolio rather than EDN's specialist leadership focus.

Emerging players

• Multiverse: Tech-focused apprenticeship and professional training provider targeting enterprise employers in the UK. Emerging competitor with strong tech/digital specialism but partial overlap with EDN's management apprenticeship offering.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks3 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/The_EDN
• Facebookfacebook.com/ExecutiveDevelopmentNetwork
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-executive-development-network

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about The Executive Development Network