Blackpool training provider to go global and create jobs

A new business in Blackpool that provides training to the maritime industry is set to create five jobs after receiving free start up support from Boost Business Lancashire.

Colossal Training was founded in 2011 by Lee Kirton, an ex-Royal Marine commando of 10 years and a serving maritime security consultant. The company provides training in a number of subjects to the commercial maritime industry and to armed forces leavers, including security, survival techniques, onboard fire-fighting and first-aid.

While based in the UK they have delivered training courses in other countries, including Spain and Greece, and will be investing further in international trade to achieve future growth.

Dean Fitzmaurice, chief operations officer, heard about Boost –the £7.2m Lancashire Growth Hub supported by the European Regional Growth Fund – and accessed free support through its Lancashire LEAP business start-up service.

Dean attended a free international trade seminar programme delivered by the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and accessed a growth voucher to develop a new website to help promote the company to new overseas markets. He also received specialist coaching session from an expert in worldwide trading based at the North & Western Lancashire Chamber.

Dean said: “We have identified that there are market opportunities for us in South Asia and the Middle East that could lead to a high level of growth at Colossal Training. The support from Boost has been invaluable, it has helped us formalise an international growth plan which will lead to the creation of 5 new jobs. The new website will enhance our global presence to such a level that we could become a worldwide leader of vocational training.” The Lancashire LEAP programme is delivered for Boost by Regenerate Pennine Lancashire and Winning Pitch.