Central Training Gets Recognition at House of Commons

A Southend based hairdressing training company was invited to attend a prestigious House of Commons ceremony after being named a finalist in the National Apprenticeship Awards.

Martin Kolton, MBE, Chairman of Central Training Group and Managing Director, Primrose Campbell, attended a special ceremony during National Apprenticeship Week to recognise the very best of training providers across the country. They were presented with a special certificate for being finalists in the Hair and Beauty Apprenticeship provider of year in the FE Week and ALEP Apprenticeship Awards 2023.

Central Hairdressing Academy, based in London Road, Southend, has years of experience in training hairdressers as well as apprentices in the business sector, and this year the company celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Having Central’s work recognised by key parliamentary figures during the reception was hugely rewarding for Martin, who is the founder of the business and has been awarded an MBE for his services to apprenticeship training. As well as outstanding training, Central, along with other finalists, were praised for embracing inclusivity and diversity in their training. Greeting the finalists, the Rt Hon Anne Milton and Lord Iain McNicol told them they were working hard to help diversify industries with people from different backgrounds and opening opportunity to all.

As long-standing holders of the Investor in People award, Central also hold the Matrix award – an international quality standard for organisations that deliver advice, information and/or guidance. The company has also won awards for spearheading inclusivity and diversity in the workplace.

Like the rest of the team, Martin is eagerly awaiting the grand finals of the competition to be held in Birmingham in March but, already, there is immense pride for what has been achieved. He added: “I set this business up in my hometown of Southend 40 years ago and I am proud to have made such a positive impact upon the lives of so many young people. Since those early days, we now work with learners across the country, so this award recognises the hard work and dedication that every one of our team brings to work every day. Their commitment is why we have been recognised at the highest level.”