Kate Lou

Kate is a seasoned consultant with over 20 years of expertise in leadership, education, and quality across the training and skills sectors. She has consistently demonstrated strategic vision and operational excellence at the executive director level, delivering impactful results. At SCL Education Group, Kate led the development and implementation of quality standards, significantly enhancing learner outcomes.

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Her extensive experience spans working with both colleges and independent training providers (ITPs), where she has developed quality initiatives, diversified curricula, secured funding, and driven business growth.

As Director of Quality at Morgan Hunt, Kate established and led the organisation’s quality and training division, improving teaching practices nationwide and providing training solutions across sectors like housing and local government.

As Managing Director of Orchid Training and Consultancy, Kate mentors CEOs and senior leaders, supporting strategic development, quality improvement, and business growth. Her advisory roles on several boards further highlight her ability to translate visionary ideas into actionable plans, shaping the future of training and education.

With a Master’s in Education Management from King’s College London and a PGCE, Kate is dedicated to fostering continuous improvement and high standards, making her an invaluable asset to organisations seeking sustained success.

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Rob Mottram 

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Rob is a versatile and dynamic consultant with a wealth of experience in quality frameworks and standards across various educational settings, including Independent Training Providers, General Education Colleges, Offender Learning, and Adult and Community Learning. With a focus on apprenticeships and work-based learning, Rob has established himself as a specialist in these areas, consistently delivering high-quality outcomes.

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Rob has held several key roles within the training, education, and skills sector, demonstrating his broad expertise and leadership. His experience includes serving as Head of Quality for a large national training provider, Head of Learner Experience for a further education college, and most recently, collaborating with the West Midlands Combined Authority to develop enhanced quality assurance mechanisms.

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As a non-executive director and advisory board member, Rob provides sector-specific expertise to a select group of organisations, supporting and challenging leadership teams to achieve excellence. His roles involve offering executive-level guidance on governance, statutory responsibilities, and continuous performance improvement, ensuring that the organisations he works with deliver the highest quality services.

Rob is known for his effective communication skills and his ability to connect with people at all levels. His natural warmth and approachable style make him a valuable asset in any setting, where he consistently fosters collaboration and drives positive change.

Dr Gareth Thomas

Significant experience in successful public sector policy implementation, performance improvement and stakeholder management, all whilst working in politically sensitive environments. Driven by the opportunity to contribute to economic growth, whilst helping others to reach their potential. 

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Gareth has held a number of senior roles in the skills sector on behalf of Government. Gareth’s role’s included Director of Integrated Employment and Skills for the Learning and Skills Council, leading pre-employment programme design and implementation nationally for the Skills Funding Agency, and Head of the Area Relationship Team (East Midlands), overseeing the quality and performance management of many Colleges and Training providers across the East Midlands (including Apprenticeship delivery).

Gareth is a regular speaker at numerous national conferences and events, and has maintained his close relationship with policy makers. More recently Gareth has supported the Local Skills Improvement Planning Process, working closely with East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire). He has also successfully supported a number of businesses through market entry, growth, diversification and ultimately sale.

Gareth is an Education and Skills Ambassador for the Institute of Directors, and President of Market Harborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

Ann Potterton

As an apprenticeship, skills, and leadership consultant, Ann brings over 25 years of experience in the education and training sector. At BT, she expanded the company’s award-winning apprenticeship programme from hundreds to thousands of apprentices following the introduction of the apprenticeship levy.

As CEO of the Institute of Telecoms Professionals, she established an apprenticeship programme that empowers small organisations to grow their own talent. Additionally, she developed and implemented a skills programme tailored to the rapidly evolving Cell and Gene Therapy sector. Most recently, Ann spent a year with Ofsted, inspecting further education and skills providers.

Ann has extensive experience in leading, managing, and developing teams. She has designed and facilitated leadership development programmes for both blue-chip and medium-sized organisations. This blend of training expertise and inspection experience enables Ann to support our clients in crafting strategies and plans that deliver high-quality education, whether through direct or outsourced delivery.

Ann holds a BA (Hons) and a PGCE, is a Chartered Member of the CIPD, a governor of a large college group, and a part-time Inspector, ensuring she remains up-to-date with the latest trends and policies.

We are excited to announce that new associates will be joining our expanding team soon! Stay tuned for updates as we grow and enhance our services to better serve you. Thank you for your support!