eOrigen to create 36 jobs with £250,000 funding

Preston-based eOrigen Learning and Communications will create 36 new jobs after securing £250,000 of funding from NPIF.

The digital production company creates digital media and bespoke e-learning and training content. The funding will help EO launch and grow INPIN, its learning and development platform, on a global scale.

EO's platform brings training providers, large organisations and individual learners and employees onto a single eLearning eco-system. The company now creates actor-led training films, 3D animations and interactive multimedia e-learning courses for many Blue-Chip clients including British Airways, AMEC, EDF Energy, Sainsbury’s, NHS, RSA and RWM.

EO was founded by CEO, Mike Mulvihill, who has both film and TV experience and a commercial background working on projects for large corporate clients. The team also includes COO Ashle Whittle, who has worked for organisations including BAE Systems, Telefonica, Sainsbury’s, Home Office and HMRC, and CRO Mark Trudinger, who previously helped create a web application business servicing customers such as Sainsbury’s, Home Retail Group and Allergy Pharmaceuticals.

In 2013, EO developed a project which allowed training providers to upload and host their own content, as well as buy and sell training course materials from other providers. The system was adopted by thousands of organisations, before EO began work on IPIN, designed to offer a broader global multisector training ecosystem.

The six-figure funding has been provided by NPIF - Maven Equity Finance, managed by Maven Capital Partners and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund. NPIF was advised by a team lead by Napthens corporate partner Richard Robinson.

Martin Clark, investment manager at Maven, said: “We are delighted to support EO’s innovative L&D platform. EO is exactly the kind of business that NPIF is looking to support – its unique platform has a wide potential reach and is highly scalable, with two complimentary income streams and a blue-chip client base.”

Mike Mulvihill, CEO at EO, added: “We are privileged to have the backing and support of NPIF with this investment. It is an opportunity for the company to grow and achieve its rapid growth strategy to establish INPIN in the global learning marketplace.

"It is forecasted that by 2020, 50% of all training will be online. With our company scope and capabilities, we are at the forefront of this transformation and are proud to be driving this from our head office based in Preston."

Sue Barnard, senior relationship nanager at British Business Bank, said: “eOrigen is a fantastic northern business with a unique offering. We’re proud to support an organisation with huge potential, as it looks to further enhance its product range and embark on the next stage of its growth strategy.” Andy Walker, head of Business Growth at Lancashire County Council, said: “The fact this investment is helping to create jobs locally, while the company expands globally, is great news for Preston and Lancashire as a whole. I would encourage any Lancashire firms with similar growth ambitions to explore the funding opportunities offered by initiatives like the NPIF.”