Training Provider The Skills Network (TSN) Appoints Two New Executive Directors

Leading training provider, The Skills Network (TSN), announces two key appointments to its Executive Leadership Team, appointing James Earl as its new Executive Sales Director, and Mark Flannery as Executive Marketing Director.

TSN, a Selby-based training provider specialising in online distance learning qualifications and learning technology, has bolstered its ambitious growth plans by announcing two new managerial appointments as it looks to continue its expansion across the 2019/20 financial year.

James Earl

James Earl has been appointed as TSN’s new Executive Sales Director.

James joined TSN in 2012 and has been indispensable in TSN’s trajectory over the last seven years, previously holding positions as TSN’s Commercial Director, Director of Education Sales, and Director of Communications and Business Development.

In the last year, James has proven fundamental in promoting TSN’s online learning technology on the international stage.

He recently spearheaded an e-learning contract in Botswana to provide online learning content to over 5,000 students; and launched a partnership with global services company, Sodexo, to deliver mental health training in universities across the UK.

As Executive Sales Director, James will oversee TSN’s learning resource sales, technology sales, contract wins, corporate account management, and sub-contracting partnerships with over 40 Further Education (FE) colleges.

James Earl, reflecting on his new appointment, said: “It’s a really proud moment for me to be taking on the role of Executive Sales Director, having started with the organisation over seven years ago. We’ve built a solid team of a few people to over 200 full-time employees and continue to strive for growth year on year, helping organisations across the globe with learning solutions. The future looks extremely exciting for anyone involved with TSN. I believe we have now set the foundations with our new structure to grow to the next level and make an even larger impact across the learning and development industry.”

Mark Flannery

Mark Flannery has been appointed as Executive Marketing Director, the second new appointment to TSN’s Executive Leadership Team.

Mark spent two years at Stockton Riverside College Group, as Group Director of Marketing and Communications. Mark’s extensive marketing experience in the FE sector also includes his four-year tenure as Director of Marketing and Student Recruitment at Newcastle College.

Mark will lead on overseeing TSN’s marketing strategy, whilst managing multiple telesales divisions.

Mark Flannery, upon joining TSN as Executive Marketing Director, said:“It is an absolute privilege to be joining The Skills Network at such an exciting time, in a role that combines a number of my interests, including education and skills, sales, technology and innovation. The Skills Network has a strong presence in its sector and some exciting and ambitious plans for the future; these plans are being driven by a talented and ambitious group of people who are passionate about what they do!

I am looking forward to the exciting years ahead. My vision is simple – to position The Skills Network as number one in its sector, really growing the brand by delivering new and innovative educational products and services to meet the needs of customers now and in the future, whilst focusing on exceptional customer service.”

The 2018/19 financial year was TSN’s most fruitful to date, with the company attaining an annual revenue of £16m – a double-digit growth from the £14.2m that was attained during the previous financial year.

In the same year, TSN’s provision enabled over 35,000 students to access a funded distance learning qualification, aided 5,000 organisations to improve their staff learning and development, and saw TSN register 900,000 users onto its online learning platform, ‘EQUAL’.