What Whyy? Change does

Whyy? Change Limited is a privately held UK apprenticeship and professional training provider headquartered in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. Founded in 2015 by Ray Byrne as TWA Lean Consulting, the company was rebranded to Whyy? Change Limited in 2022 and now operates as an Ofsted 'Good' rated independent training provider with 8 employees and a 2,500 sq.ft training centre at the AESSEAL New York Stadium. The company delivers 13 apprenticeship standards across Levels 3-7 in leadership and management, marketing, HR and learning, lean six sigma/operations, and quality/HSE, alongside accredited professional qualifications, short courses, and bespoke corporate training.

The underlying technology is conventional face-to-face and blended delivery executed by a small team of qualified practitioners; there is no proprietary platform, API, or AI capability disclosed. Revenue is generated through three streams: (i) apprenticeship training funded primarily via the UK Apprenticeship Levy with employers contributing a minimum 5% co-payment, (ii) commercial short courses (CIM, CMI, CIPD, Lean Six Sigma, Functional Skills) delivered individually or in cohorts, and (iii) bespoke corporate training, partly subsidised by the South Yorkshire Skills Bank for eligible employers. The go-to-market is enterprise field sales targeting HR and L&D decision-makers in South Yorkshire, supplemented by Chamber of Commerce partnerships, regional events such as the Operational Excellence Expo, and award-led PR.

The customer base spans 70+ employer partners including AESSEAL, Henry Boot, Sonoco, B. Braun, Sheffield Forgemasters, and Sheffield Hallam University, with a heavy weighting towards South Yorkshire manufacturing. The business is founder- and management-owned, bootstrapped with no disclosed external funding, and is currently expanding its leadership bench (Head of Marketing hired June 2024, Lean Coach September 2025) and adjacent service lines via a sister brand, Whyy? Unboxd.

Name

Whyy? Change

Legal name

Whyy? Change Limited

Website

https://whyychange.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Whyy? Change is a South Yorkshire-based, Ofsted 'Good' independent training provider delivering 13 apprenticeship standards (Levels 3-7) and accredited professional qualifications in leadership, marketing, HR, and Lean Six Sigma to 70+ regional employer partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Apprenticeship Training Services

NAICS

Apprenticeship Training (611513), Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Professional and Management Development Training (61143)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Change Management & Transformation Leadership (EDABAAAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Workforce Development & Continuing Education Divisions (Noncredit) (EDAHADAG), Change Management & Transformation (Org/HR) (BPACAJAD), Organization Design & Change Management Consulting (BPAHACAD)

Keywords

• Apprenticeship training
• Professional development
• Lean six sigma
• Leadership qualifications
• Corporate training

Headquarters

HQ city

Rotherham

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Apprenticeship Training: Government-funded apprenticeship programmes through the Apprenticeship Levy scheme. Employers contribute 5% of costs with government covering 95-100% of funding. Programmes span Levels 3-7 in Leadership, HR, Marketing, L&D, Quality, HSE, and Lean Six Sigma.
2. Commercial Short Courses: Standalone professional qualification courses including CIM Marketing, CMI Leadership, CIPD HR and L&D, Lean Six Sigma certifications, and Functional Skills (Maths & English) delivered as face-to-face or blended learning.
3. Bespoke Corporate Training: Tailored training solutions designed collaboratively with businesses to address specific strategic needs. Funding available through Skills Bank for eligible South Yorkshire businesses.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Whyy? Change is a South Yorkshire-based independent apprenticeship and professional training provider that delivers government-funded apprenticeship programmes (Levels 3-7) alongside accredited professional qualifications and bespoke corporate training. The company delivers interactive face-to-face and blended workshops covering leadership, marketing, HR, Lean Six Sigma, quality management, and functional skills, accredited by CIM, CMI, CIPD, Highfield, and Pearson Edexcel. The portfolio is built around 13 apprenticeship standards supplemented by standalone certifications and QHSE advisory services.

Product overview

Whyy? Change is a multi-channel apprenticeship and professional training provider offering a portfolio of 13 apprenticeship standards across Levels 3-7, supplemented by accredited professional qualifications and bespoke training services. The core offering consists of: (1) Apprenticeship programmes spanning Business Administration, Leadership/Management, Marketing, HR & Learning, and Lean Six Sigma/Quality disciplines; (2) Professional qualifications accredited by CMI (Chartered Management Institute), CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development), CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing), and Pearson Edexcel for functional skills; (3) Standalone Lean Six Sigma certifications (Yellow Belt, Green Belt); (4) ISO management system training (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001); (5) Bespoke training solutions co-designed with employers; and (6) QHSE advisory/managed services. Delivery is primarily through interactive face-to-face workshops at their Rotherham training centre, with blended learning options available. The company was founded in 2015 as TWA Lean Consulting and rebranded to Whyy? Change Limited in 2022.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Whyy? Unboxd: A sister brand offering alternative solutions to traditional consultancy services, as mentioned alongside the main training brand.

Products and services

• Apprenticeship Programmes (Levels 3-7) A portfolio of 13 apprenticeship standards across Levels 3-7 spanning Business Administrator, Team Leader, Multi-Channel Marketer, Improvement Technician, Internal Audit Technician, Marketing Executive, Improvement Practitioner, Quality Practitioner, Operations Manager, People Professional, Learning & Development Consultant Business Partner, Associate Project Manager, and Marketing Manager. Programmes are government-funded via the Apprenticeship Levy for South Yorkshire employers.
• Lean & Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certificate A 2-day introductory course into business process improvement, Six Sigma tools and Lean methodologies including DMAIC, 5 Why's, Kaizen, 8 wastes and 6S. Aimed at team members and managers across all business functions.
• Lean & Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate An advanced Lean Six Sigma certification building on Yellow Belt knowledge for more comprehensive process improvement implementation. Aimed at practitioners leading improvement projects.
• CMI Level 3 Principles of Management & Leadership A Chartered Management Institute accredited Level 3 qualification covering fundamental management and leadership principles. Delivered as a standalone professional qualification.
• CMI Level 3 Coaching & Mentoring A CMI accredited Level 3 qualification focused on coaching and mentoring skills for managers. Delivered as a standalone professional qualification.
• CMI Level 5 Management & Leadership A CMI accredited Level 5 qualification covering intermediate management and leadership competencies. Delivered as a standalone professional qualification.
• CMI Level 5 Management Coaching & Mentoring A CMI accredited Level 5 qualification focused on management-level coaching and mentoring practices. Delivered as a standalone professional qualification.
• CMI Level 7 Strategic Management & Leadership Practice A CMI accredited Level 7 qualification (Award, Certificate, or Diploma) for senior leaders focused on strategic management and leadership excellence. Delivered as a standalone professional qualification.
• CIM Level 4 Professional & Digital Marketing A Chartered Institute of Marketing accredited Level 4 qualification covering professional and digital marketing competencies. Delivered as a standalone professional qualification.
• CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice A CIPD accredited Level 3 qualification providing essential knowledge, skills and behaviours for aspiring people professionals at operational level. Delivered as a standalone professional qualification.
• CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management A CIPD accredited Level 5 qualification for established people practitioners providing HR solutions to mid-senior level managers. Delivered as a standalone professional qualification.
• ISO 9001 Training Training courses covering ISO 9001 quality management system requirements and implementation. Aimed at quality professionals across industries.
• ISO 9001 Internal Auditor Internal auditor training for ISO 9001 quality management systems. Aimed at quality professionals conducting internal audits.
• ISO 45001 Training Training courses covering ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management systems. Aimed at health and safety professionals.
• ISO 45001 Internal Auditor Internal auditor training for ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management systems. Aimed at H&S professionals conducting internal audits.
• ISO 14001 Training Training courses covering ISO 14001 environmental management system requirements. Aimed at environmental and sustainability professionals.
• ISO 14001 Internal Auditor Internal auditor training for ISO 14001 environmental management systems. Aimed at environmental professionals conducting internal audits.
• Functional Skills Level 1 Maths Pearson Edexcel certificate in Functional Skills Maths Level 1, 55 hours total qualification time, covering fundamental mathematical concepts for everyday and workplace application.
• Functional Skills Level 2 Maths Pearson Edexcel certificate in Functional Skills Maths Level 2, equivalent to GCSE grade 4-5, covering advanced mathematical concepts and problem-solving.
• Functional Skills Level 1 English Pearson Edexcel certificate in Functional Skills English Level 1, covering reading, writing, speaking, listening and communication skills.
• Functional Skills Level 2 English Pearson Edexcel certificate in Functional Skills English Level 2, covering advanced reading, writing, speaking, listening and communication competencies.
• Bespoke Corporate Training Tailored training programmes designed collaboratively with businesses to address specific strategic needs and organisational objectives. Funding available through Skills Bank (40-60%) for eligible South Yorkshire businesses.
• QHSE Advisory Services Managed advisory services covering Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental management consulting, supporting client compliance and management system implementation.

Quantifiable outcome

• 96% first-time pass rate at End Point Assessment
• +10 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AESSEAL plccoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 October 2021AESSEAL is a key strategic partner hosting the Operational Excellence Expo (OPEX) event at the AESSEAL New York Stadium. AESSEAL provides venue hosting and supports operational excellence training initiatives. Multiple AESSEAL employees have completed apprenticeships with Whyy? Change.
• Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCIM is an accredited examination partner providing internationally recognised marketing qualifications integrated into Whyy? Change's marketing apprenticeship programmes at Levels 3-6.
• Chartered Management Institute (CMI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCMI provides accreditation for leadership and management qualifications including CMI Level 3, 5, and 7 programmes. CMI accredited programmes are integrated into apprenticeship standards.
• Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCIPD approved centre providing HR and Learning & Development qualifications at Levels 3 and 5. Whyy? Change is one of CIPD's approved centres in South Yorkshire.
• Highfield QualificationscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccredited examination body for functional skills qualifications in Maths and English (Levels 1-2) delivered through Whyy? Change programmes.
• Pearson EdexcelcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for reformed functional skills qualifications in Mathematics and English at Levels 1 and 2, with emphasis on real-world application.
• Department for EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment body regulating apprenticeship standards and funding. Whyy? Change delivers apprenticeship programmes under DfE recognition as an approved training provider.
• Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of CommerceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional chamber partnership supporting business networking and promoting apprenticeship training to member businesses in the South Yorkshire region.
• Sheffield Chamber of CommerceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChamber partnership for Operational Excellence Expo event and business networking. Facilitated initial connection between Whyy? Change and CCPI Europe.
• CCPI Europe (Marmon Group/Berkshire Hathaway)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading thermocouple manufacturer partnered with Whyy? Change for Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt training. CCPI Europe staff trained across all business functions with company-wide adoption of Lean6 methodology.
• Skills EnglandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment skills body supporting apprenticeship funding and workforce development programmes accessible to Whyy? Change learners and employers.
• Sheffield City Region Providers NetworkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNetwork membership supporting collaboration with other training providers and access to Skills Bank funding for South Yorkshire businesses.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Remit Training: UK-based independent training provider delivering apprenticeships and vocational qualifications across multiple sectors including business, care, and management. Comparable apprenticeship portfolio and target customer profile to Whyy? Change's Levels 3-7 programmes.
• Lifetime Training: One of the UK's largest apprenticeship and training providers, delivering programmes across multiple sectors and apprenticeship levels. Whyy? Change directly competed against Lifetime Training in the 2025 South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards, indicating overlap in target market and offering.
• First Intuition: UK training provider offering professional qualifications and apprenticeships, including AAT, ACCA, and management programmes. Was named alongside Whyy? Change in the same South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards shortlist, confirming direct competition for the same employer customers and apprenticeship standards.
• Babington: National apprenticeship and training provider offering programmes in business administration, leadership, digital, and professional services. Operates in the same apprenticeship standards and CMI/CIPD qualifications space as Whyy? Change, with overlapping target customers in mid-sized UK employers.

Broad incumbents

• QA (QA Apprenticeships): One of the UK's largest training and apprenticeship providers, offering programmes across technology, management, and professional services. Overlaps with Whyy? Change in management and leadership apprenticeships, but at significantly larger scale and broader portfolio.
• BPP Professional Education Group: Major UK professional education provider offering apprenticeships, professional qualifications, and degree programmes. Overlaps with Whyy? Change in CIPD, CMI, and management apprenticeship delivery, particularly at higher Levels 5-7.
• Kaplan (Kaplan Financial / Kaplan International): Large UK and international training provider with professional qualifications and apprenticeship offerings. Comparable in the CMI/CIPD qualification delivery space, with significantly greater scale and geographic reach than Whyy? Change.

Emerging players

• Multiverse: Tech-focused apprenticeship provider in the UK delivering programmes in data, software engineering, and digital skills. Competes in the broader apprenticeship market with employer customers; differs in technology-led, digital-first delivery model versus Whyy? Change's face-to-face approach.
• Made Training: UK apprenticeship and training provider focused on management, leadership, and professional development programmes. Comparable CMI-accredited leadership and management apprenticeship portfolio to Whyy? Change, with similar target customer segments in mid-sized employers.

Regional players

• The Apprenticeship Network: Smaller UK apprenticeship training provider with regional delivery focus. Comparable in operating model and apprenticeship standards offered, though typically serving different geographic regions than Whyy? Change's South Yorkshire base.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/whyychange
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@whyychange
• Facebookfacebook.com/whyychange1
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/whyychange
• Instagraminstagram.com/whyychange

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 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 Whyy? Change