Mantra Learning joined the Network to stay connected to the ever-evolving further education landscape at both regional and national levels. Over time, it has become much more than that – providing our employees with valuable opportunities for professional development, as well as a platform to share best practice, gain new insights, and build meaningful connections across the sector.
Being part of the Network is incredibly important to us, as it enables us to work collaboratively with organisations across Greater Manchester to share knowledge, exchange best practice, and collectively drive positive change within further education.
For our learners, we are continuously lobbying for Government funding in further education alongside the GMLPN that will have a significant impact on Greater Manchester ‘s residents.
Over the past 25 years, we have built strong relationships and partnerships with a wide range of organisations and businesses, enabling us to support both employed and unemployed people across Greater Manchester. Working alongside other members of GMLPN, we have also contributed to driving and influencing positive change at a governmental level, helping to shape decisions around further education funding.
Since Mantra Learning joined the Network, the GMLPN has grown considerably, welcoming additional training providers, colleges, universities, and sector partners. This expansion has created even more opportunities for networking and collaboration across the region. Sharing a common passion for further education and best practice, we continue to strengthen these relationships, working together to foster positive change and drive the development of the sector.
Looking towards the future, we hope that more organisations and business continue to join the network and mark the solidarity of Greater Manchester when it comes to further education. Additionally, we’d love to continue to build on existing connections and partnerships to shape development across the sector.
Our hope is that, with such a strong partner in GMLPN, we will be able to support tens of thousands more people with the skills needed for sustainable employment and career progression.
Mark Currie, CEO of Mantra Learning & Chair of GMLPN
Following the formation of the Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network in 2001, Mark has often reflected on why the initiative continues to be such an important project and one that remains close to his heart.
Supporting GM residents to build successful careers, and local businesses to thrive through a skilled workforce is a central focus for Mark, and he has continually championed the role of education and training in achieving these goals.
Mark therefore has strongly supported the establishment and development of the GMLPN, an organisation focused on bringing together people, providers and employers with a shared vision on this challenge in Greater Manchester.
Fast forward to 2026, the network has grown to include more than 140 diverse members, including colleges, universities and sector partners. Together, they collaborate, support one another and advocate for greater investment, positive changes and funding rights for education in the region and on a national level.
As CEO of the transport and logistics training provider the Mantra Group, Mark continues to advocate for the important role the Network, and partners such as the GMCA have to play in underpinning the region’s future growth and ensuring residents have the opportunity to find and sustain good jobs.
Kay Hadfield, Operations Director, Mantra Learning
Kay Hadfield, General Manager and the longest-serving employee at Mantra Learning, has shared her thoughts on when and why the business joined the network.
“Looking back, I attended my first GMLPN event in 2002, when it was still a small voluntary organisation chaired by David Guthrie of Alliance Learning. At the time, the Executive Board included John Whitby (Stegta), Jan Hill, Ray Bettany, Louise Timperley (Kaplan), and Mark Currie (Mantra).
Although membership numbers were relatively modest, attending the quarterly events had a significant impact on my confidence and professional development. Events were held at the Lancashire Health & Racquet Club and would typically welcome around 30 attendees, creating a supportive and collaborative environment.
Since those early days, the organisation has grown considerably, continuing to provide invaluable support to training providers and colleges across the region. Around 2004, Gail Power was appointed as the first full-time member of staff, marking an important milestone in the Network’s development. During this period, an office was established in Middleton, and Gail played a pivotal role in strengthening Greater Manchester’s position as an active and influential member of the Northwest Provider Network Group.
The strong foundations laid by Gail were further developed by Richard Nash, who joined the organisation in 2009 and continued to drive its growth and progression.
Now, 25 years on, with membership having grown significantly, the Network continues to provide our organisation with valuable opportunities to connect with peers, build meaningful partnerships, and help shape developments across the sector.”
Paul Wilde, Apprenticeships Director
“Over my past 14 years at Mantra Learning, the business has seen significant fivefold growth alongside the establishment of our sister organisation, the National Logistics Academy. This growth has been driven by the hard work and dedication of both past and present staff, as well as the support of partnerships with external organisations such as GMLPN.
The Network has helped keep us up to date with the ever-changing landscape of further education at both regional and national levels. It has kept the business informed of regional funding opportunities while also helping us to understand the priorities and focus of the DfE and Ofsted.
This knowledge and advice have enabled Mantra Learning and the National Logistics Academy to train tens of thousands of people over the last 25 years, from unemployed individuals to apprentices, across sectors including logistics, construction, automotive, and health and social care.
In a year that has seen an unprecedented amount of change for the FE sector, it is with the support of organisations such as GMLPN that our business has been able to successfully navigate change, as well as help shape and influence some of the governmental decisions being made. Our hope is that, with such a strong partner in GMLPN, we will be able to support tens of thousands more people with the skills needed for sustainable employment and career progression.”
