L&D Companies in Southampton: 231 Active Firms (2026)
L&D companies in Southampton design and deliver workplace training, apprenticeships and skills programmes for employers across the local metro area.
Buyer demand tends to sit with HR, talent, compliance and operational managers rather than a single procurement centre. Southampton-area providers typically sell employer-funded workplace learning, leadership programmes, compliance courses, apprenticeships and qualification-linked delivery to local and national organisations. Engagements range from short course delivery and retained training calendars to cohort-based programmes with assessment, learner support and reporting obligations. The market therefore mixes advisory-led specialists with delivery-heavy training businesses, especially where public funding, safeguarding and inspection preparation shape the operating model.
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Southampton has 231 actively trading L&D firms, giving the local market a sizeable but still quite fragmented supplier base. Reported employment totals 558 people, so many providers appear to operate with small teams or associate-trainer capacity rather than large permanent workforces. Only 3 companies have turnover above £5M, while 53 were incorporated since 2022. That points to a broad entry-level and early-commercial layer, with relatively few operators reaching larger contract scale in the local area.
Corporate training and L&D provision does not sit under a single UK licence, so compliance depends on the activity being sold. Providers delivering publicly funded apprenticeships or qualification-linked programmes face a more formal regime: APAR entry, employer nomination, ESFA agreements, funding-rule compliance and monthly learner records all matter. Governance, safeguarding and qualified teaching arrangements also sit close to the commercial model, because Ofsted inspection applies to further education and skills provision. For large employers, the Apprenticeship Levy remains part of the funding backdrop through HMRC and GOV.UK rules.
Southampton’s L&D market appears likely to stay mixed between specialist training boutiques, apprenticeship-facing providers and general workplace learning firms. Scale-up scarcity matters: the cohort has many smaller operators, so differentiation tends to come from sector focus, quality assurance and the ability to manage funded-learning administration without letting it dominate delivery. Employer demand has been tied to skills gaps, compliance needs and management capability rather than discretionary learning alone. Consolidation may occur where providers need broader course coverage or more inspection-ready processes, but the market still looks service-led rather than platform-led.
What’s in the file
One row per company, 50+ columns — everything below plus each company’s verified directors, from Companies House filings.
Company data
Verified directors — included
231
Active firms
2026
3
Over £5M turnover
Southampton L&D firms
53
Incorporated since 2022
younger local operators
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Key facts
About 1% of the trading cohort reports turnover above £5M (3 of 231 firms) — the rest sits below that revenue band.
22% of the cohort was incorporated since 2022 (53 firms), so a sizeable share is in its first few filing cycles.
Corporate training and L&D provision is not a single licensed UK sector, but publicly funded apprenticeship providers must use APAR, work under ESFA agreements, follow funding rules and submit monthly learner records.
Ofsted inspection applies to further education and skills providers under the Education and Inspections Act 2006.
The Apprenticeship Levy is charged at 0.5% of annual pay bill where the annual pay bill is over £3 million, with a £15,000 annual allowance.
In 2024, 59% of employers provided staff training in the previous 12 months, while 63% of employees received training.
UK training expenditure fell from £59.0 billion in 2022 to £53.0 billion in 2024 in 2024 prices.
Top Southampton L&D companies
Financial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides employer-focused training programmes and apprenticeships in data analytics, AI, digital marketing, business analysis and accounting. Delivers mentor-led, project-based courses through an…
Serves UK employers and workforce development teams seeking Apprenticeship Levy-funded digital, AI, data, marketing, accounting and management training for existing employees and early-career staff.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · -11% CAGR over 3y
Location
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Financial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides vocational training courses including apprenticeships, skills bootcamps and short courses. Delivers online and in-person programmes leading to accredited qualifications in areas such as…
Serves apprentices, adult learners, jobseekers and employed or self-employed people seeking qualifications, alongside employers needing workforce training in business, customer service, marketing,…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · -56% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Financial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides workplace health and safety training courses including CITB Site Safety Plus, IOSH and NEBOSH programmes, first aid, working at height and asbestos awareness training, alongside consultancy…
Serves employers and workers needing workplace health and safety compliance, with a strong focus on construction contractors, site supervisors and managers, plus organisations with first aid, fire…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Growing · 1% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Financial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides workplace assessments and training focused on disability support, neurodiversity, and mental health. Delivers assistive technology and software training, accessibility and ergonomic…
Serves UK employers, government departments, banks, financial services firms, retail sites, universities and students, as well as individuals with disabilities, neurodiversity, hearing or visual…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 7% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Financial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · -68% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Financial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsFinancial Health
HealthyHealthy · 0% CAGR over 1y
Location
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Financial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsFinancial Health
StrongStrong
Location
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Financial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed · 0% CAGR over 0y
Location
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Financial Health
N/AN/A
Location
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Financial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
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Financial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
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Financial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Financial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
WeakWeak · Hiring · 19% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Financial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 32% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Computed from 5 filingsProvides consultancy and training in oil spill response and emergency management. Services include contingency planning, incident management training, preparedness reviews, emergency exercises,…
Serves B2B and public-sector organisations exposed to oil spill and emergency incident risk, including oil and gas operators, marine/shipping firms, ports, offshore energy teams, and incident…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 14% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Financial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Financial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
WeakWeak · -90% CAGR over 2y
Location
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Financial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides consultancy and training programmes focused on mental health, inclusion and social care. Delivers courses, mentoring training, and professional development resources that help organisations…
Serves UK organisations and individuals seeking inclusion, wellbeing and barrier-awareness training, including social care providers, education settings, SEND/mental health professionals, mentors and…
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · Hiring · 3% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Financial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsFinancial Health
WeakWeak · 0% CAGR over 2y
Location
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Financial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
WeakWeak · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Financial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed · -72% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
StrongStrong · Growing · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Financial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 15% CAGR over 5y
Location
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Financial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed · -24% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Financial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides online vocational courses and apprenticeship training programmes, including marketing, business administration and management. Delivers tutor‑supported learning through an online platform…
Serves employers seeking apprenticeship support for staff and individual learners studying online, including small businesses in childcare, sports, leisure, marketing, administration and operations…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · -4% CAGR over 3y
Location
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Financial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides training and qualifications for the insurance and financial services sectors, including CII and CPD courses, professional development programmes, apprenticeships, and recruitment-linked…
Serves insurance and financial services employers, including firms hiring apprentices or developing staff, plus sector professionals and entrants seeking CII, CPD and career progression support.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · -62% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Computed from 5 filingsProvides HR consultancy and employment law support to businesses, including advice on staffing issues and HR projects. Delivers management and staff training courses and develops off‑the‑shelf and…
Sells to businesses needing HR support, employment law advice, recruitment and workplace training. Serves employers, leaders, managers and staff teams seeking day-to-day HR help, one-off projects,…
Financial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 6% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Financial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides HR consultancy and employee training courses, including mandatory workplace training on compliance, safety, and professional development. Designs and delivers training programmes for…
Serves UK businesses and employers, especially HR and management teams, that need staff training for workplace safety, compliance and professional development.
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · -5% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Financial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides operator training for plant machinery, cranes, forklifts, access equipment and lifting operations. Delivers accredited NPORS and Lantra courses and online health and safety training for…
Serves businesses and operators in construction, industrial, utilities, warehousing and distribution, agriculture, ports, marine and marina sectors, mainly needing plant, lifting and machinery…
Financial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Computed from 5 filingsProvides leadership development and organisational consulting services, including executive coaching, team performance programmes, culture and diversity initiatives, and training for professional and…
Serves B2B and professional audiences, selling to organisational leaders, workplace teams, whole organisations and professional or internal coaches seeking leadership, culture, team development and…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 13% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Computed from 5 filingsProvides cross‑cultural communication consultancy, training and coaching for organisations. Delivers culture‑specific and functional seminars, keynote speeches and workshops based on the Lewis Model,…
Serves businesses and professional organisations with international teams or cross-border relationships, including managers, project teams and staff working across cultures.
Financial Health
WeakWeak · -3% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Computed from 3 filingsProvides health and safety consultancy and training services for businesses, particularly in construction and related industries. Offers site safety inspections, CDM support, scaffold inspections,…
Serves businesses in construction, manufacturing and related industries, including managers, site teams and staff needing health and safety consultancy, inspections, accreditation support and…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Growing, Hiring · 12% CAGR over 2y
Location
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Computed from 3 filingsProvides transport and workplace training courses including LGV/HGV driver training, Driver CPC, ADR dangerous goods, forklift truck operation, C1 ambulance and B+E trailer licences, plus lifting…
Serves businesses and individuals needing transport and logistics training, including local authorities, logistics firms, construction and warehousing employers, ambulance/C1 candidates, HGV/LGV…
Financial Health
WeakWeak · -23% CAGR over 2y
Location
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Computed from 5 filingsProvides security services and professional training. Activities include SIA security and stewarding courses, first aid and licensing training, event and venue security, door supervision, security…
Targets businesses, venue operators, event organisers, property managers, licensed venues and private clients, plus individuals seeking SIA, stewarding, first aid or licensing qualifications.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 32% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
HealthyHealthy · 0% CAGR over 3y
Location
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Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
HealthyHealthy
Location
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Financial Health
N/AN/A
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Financial Health
N/AN/A
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Financial Health
N/AN/A
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Financial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
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Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
HealthyHealthy · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 172% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Computed from 3 filingsFinancial Health
HealthyHealthy · 0% CAGR over 2y
Location
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Computed from 5 filingsProvides communication skills training using simulated actors and facilitated workshops. Offers placements for healthcare students, STEPS framework training, and actor role players for OSCE exams and…
Serves healthcare organisations, universities, and public, private and independent sector organisations, especially health and social care teams, educators and exam leads.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 50% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
StrongStrong · Growing · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
HealthyHealthy · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
WeakWeak · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
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Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
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N/AN/A
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Computed from 4 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
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How Southampton L&D companies work and how to sell to them
What they do
Employer-funded L&D providers usually make money through a blend of day-rate delivery, per-learner fees, programme management charges and retained training calendars. Apprenticeship-facing and qualification-linked providers add funded delivery, assessment coordination, evidence gathering and learner-support administration to the service model. Pure software revenue is less common; where digital learning libraries or portals are sold, they tend to support tutor-led programmes rather than replace them. Pricing often follows the shape of the engagement: open courses are bought per delegate, bespoke leadership or compliance programmes are scoped as projects, and larger employer relationships may run as annual call-off arrangements with reporting obligations attached.
Who they sell to
Most Southampton-area L&D firms sell into employers rather than consumers, with buyers spread across HR, talent, compliance, operations and finance. The day-to-day sponsor is often an L&D manager, HR business partner or operational head trying to solve a skills, safety or performance issue; procurement and finance tend to become more involved when the contract covers multiple sites, funded apprenticeships or a multi-year programme. Smaller courses may be bought directly after referral or local search. Larger engagements typically involve capability scoping, trainer credentials, sample materials, safeguarding evidence, pricing schedules and, in some cases, a formal tender or preferred-supplier route.
What they buy
Most L&D firms tend to spend on systems and services that reduce delivery administration or help prove quality to employers. Common buying areas include learner management systems, scheduling tools, CRM, proposal software, assessment workflows, attendance tracking, finance and billing, HR systems for associate trainers, cloud storage, cyber security, and analytics for completion, satisfaction and progression reporting. Apprenticeship and qualification-linked providers also need support around funding-rule compliance, learner records, internal quality assurance, safeguarding documentation and inspection preparation. Services spend often goes to accountancy, employment law, curriculum design, bid writing, paid search, website conversion, trainer recruitment and content production.
Why and how to sell to them
Commercial pressure often comes from the gap between service-led delivery and the administrative load behind it. L&D buyers tend to evaluate suppliers when they win a larger employer contract, expand apprenticeship or qualification delivery, replace spreadsheet-led learner tracking, hire delivery managers, prepare for inspection, or need clearer reporting for HR and finance sponsors. Outbound works better when it reflects their operating model: evidence that a tool cuts tutor admin, improves employer reporting, protects compliance processes or raises trainer utilisation is more relevant than broad productivity claims. For smaller providers, a low-disruption implementation and clear pricing usually matter more than enterprise feature depth.
How this list is built
Data sources
This list is built from UK Companies House filings, XBRL accounts data, and semantic analysis of each company's public website. Revenue and headcount figures come from the most recent filed accounts; where the company has not filed, values are estimated using a model trained on filed history and peer benchmarks and are labelled as estimates.
Classification
Rather than relying solely on SIC codes, Firmbase classifies each company semantically: the company's website is crawled, an AI model reads what the company actually sells, and the company is placed into the relevant industry and subsectors. SIC codes are used as one signal but not the only one. This means a company that registered under a generic SIC code but pivoted into (for example) fintech is correctly identified as fintech, not as its original SIC category.
Freshness
The underlying company data is refreshed from Companies House continuously; filings appear in the list within days of submission. The curated list ordering is regenerated when the underlying data moves meaningfully (company count changes by more than 5%, a new company enters the top-ranked segment, or the filed-revenue numbers for the top firms change). You can see the last-updated timestamp near the top of the page.
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Frequently asked questions
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