Newcastle training firm nesma aims for expansion with Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund loan

A Newcastle marketing and PR training company is aiming for significant growth after expanding its reach on the back of a loan.

TusPark-based nesma, which was launched in 2009 by marketing professional Veronica Swindale, delivers a range of courses, including accredited training qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).

Now the company is keen to capitalise on its expansion plans following an undisclosed loan from NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans, which is managed by NEL as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).

Following the loan, nesma has launched its SkillsPartner programme, brought in more specialised staff to create new content and courses, and also entered many new different markets available to it. The company is also looking to double its revenue year-on-year over the next five years.

In response to Covid – and then market demand – nesma converted its training to a 99% online model, but Ms Swindale said the firm prides itself on the classroom environment that has been maintained through live professional tutoring. It has a 94-100% pass rate on a quarterly basis.

The online training model has also triggered growth in international markets, growing its overseas client base from zero in 2019 to 10%, now delivering training across 30 different countries.

Ms Swindale said: “I set up nesma to deliver marketing training because I’m passionate about empowering people. I believe that if you have choices over your career, you have a more enriched life, and I believe that better education and the confidence that brings, gives you those choices. We’ve helped thousands of students complete their qualifications with us and I’m very proud of that.

“I am extremely pleased to have got the business to a point where we can add value, not only to individuals, but to the marketing and communications capability of whole organisations through our SkillsPartner programme. I made a strategic decision to bring Paul Sutherland into the business as our commercial director last year, and he has helped me shape our vision and led on the transition to make us future fit.

“I approached NEL based upon a recommendation from a colleague. I found working with them very straight forward and I look forward to continuing the relationship with them as we grow.”