GATESHEAD’S MESMA APPOINTS NEW BUSINESS DRIVER

A GATESHEAD technology firm that provides specialist quality assurance software for the education sector has boosted growth plans with a new appointment.

Team Valley-based MESMA has appointed Sally Forsyth as its business development executive. Joining from employability and skills provider Working Links, she brings more than 10 years’ experience working with employers and partners within the education and skills sector.

Working alongside the directors, Sally Forsyth will be responsible for developing new business, particularly in the FE, skills sector and employer providers, while overseeing the management of existing accounts, with specific responsibility to drive revenue and additional sales.

The move is the latest success for the firm and comes on the back of a strong sales performance that’s seen growth of more than 25% since the start of 2017 and current revenues in excess of £100,000.

Palmer’s College in Thurrock, Essex, Hay’s Travel and Northumberland College are among recent new users of the firm’s subscription-based services. Other customers include London South East Colleges and education and training providers Learning Curve and TPM.

MESMA software enables education leaders and administrators to better manage quality issues around apprenticeship delivery while also enabling schools, FE Colleges, training and employer providers to be prepared for Ofsted inspections, which can often take place at short notice.

Now, the firm is recruiting to further help its customers improve quality assurance and self-assessment, and develop robust improvement plans to drive change.

Director Carole Loader said continued investment in experienced people, will boost the firm’s capacity and resources to secure additional regional and national work.

“We will benefit from Sally’s expertise to meet the demand from customers investing in new online solutions to help them meet the changing education landscape and growing focus on quality assurance.

“Armed with a robust expansion plan, strong customer base, and the on-going investment will ensure further success over the next 12 months and beyond.”

About MESMA: Online quality assurance software specialists MESMA was set-up in response to changes implemented by education watchdog Ofsted, which led to schools, colleges and independent providers receiving reduced notice of inspection. In partnership with apprenticeship experts Strategic Development Network, Reform has been developed to enable the user to assess how well prepared they are for the apprenticeship reforms against a diagnostic framework using the MESMA platform.