Cambridge Professional Academy’s Growth Journey with Let's Do Business Finance (LDBF)
Helping a purpose-driven business unlock new opportunities with business finance through the Growth Guarantee Scheme
When Martin Hutchins founded Cambridge Professional Academy in 2002, he envisioned a company that would help professionals improve their skills through qualifications, making a lasting impact on the way people worked and learned. Over the years, Cambridge Professional Academy has grown to become a global leader in delivering professional qualifications, apprenticeship programs, and tailored corporate training solutions.
Like many businesses, Cambridge Professional Academy has faced challenges along the way that has required both resilience and strategic thinking to overcome. With the help of Let’s Do Business Finance (LDBF), the academy has not only weathered tough times but also positioned itself for future growth. This case study showcases how LDBF supported Cambridge Professional Academy to access business finance that would help it navigate uncertain times and come out the other side ready to continue its journey of growth and success.
What is Cambridge Professional Academy?
Martin Hutchins, the founder and CEO, had a personal connection to the education industry - beginning his own career as an engineering apprentice. His passion for learning and development as well as a bit of friendly competition with a previous colleague, fuelled his decision to complete a Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) qualification himself, which led him to running a training business, and then starting a training business of his own.
Cambridge Professional Academy began as a professional qualification provider, specialising in the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), but over the years this has evolved to includes sales qualifications and management qualifications. Cambridge Professional Academy’s ability to deliver high-quality training made them a leader in these fields, particularly in sales and marketing.
“It’s always about growing and trying. We were the first people to do blended learning, for example. That was actually the reason why we set the company up because other businesses didn’t offer it, we called it convergent learning. Taking this innovative and bold approach is probably why we became one of the largest very, very quickly.”
In 2019, the company took an even bolder step and entered the apprenticeship sector, anticipating a growing demand for apprenticeship programs driven by the UK government’s apprenticeship levy. The academy quickly established itself as a key player in this space, achieving an incredible 73% market share in marketing apprenticeships.
However, as the apprenticeship market grew, so did the competition, and Cambridge Professional Academy found itself managing a large and increasingly complex business.
The Challenge: Navigating Uncertainty
Then came the unexpected - COVID-19. With global disruption, Cambridge Professional Academy faced a myriad of challenges. Like many businesses, the academy had invested heavily in its apprenticeship offerings, committing at least half a million pounds to meet the rigorous compliance and bureaucracy involved in becoming an apprenticeship provider. But the pandemic made it increasingly difficult to encourage students to complete their programs, and the financial strain began to show.
“COVID came along, and it really created a perfect storm of challenges. We had invested heavily in our apprenticeship proposition, but whilst the programme was popular, the reality of running an apprenticeship programme was far more burdensome than we anticipated.”
The business, which had once seen rapid growth, was now grappling with operational hurdles and financial shortfalls. With no clear way forward, Martin knew he needed support. That’s when he turned to LDBF.
The LDBF Solution: A Trusted Partner in Tough Times
This was the first time Cambridge Professional Academy turned to Let’s Do Business Finance, but recognising the alignment in purpose, proposition and values, Cambridge Professional Academy has now accessed business finance through LDBF on three separate occasions. Growing a strong relationship over the years, Martin and his team have returned time and time again to LDBF not only for financial solutions but also for their understanding, empathy, and commitment to helping businesses succeed.
The first loan, under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), provided £100,000 to help stabilise the business during the pandemic. After successfully clearing this loan, Cambridge Professional Academy returned to LDBF for further support, securing £75,000 under the Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS). Each time, the company felt confident in their decision to partner with LDBF because of their transparent decision-making process and deep understanding of the business.
By 2024, Cambridge Professional Academy sought a further £100,000 loan under the Government backed Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS). This loan being used to invest in a new Learning Management System (LMS) - a vital tool that would enable the academy to continue offering online and blended learning courses, catering to the growing demand for flexible, accessible training options.
The Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS), launched in July 2024, is a government-backed initiative designed to support UK businesses seeking finance for investment and growth, replacing the Recovery Loan Scheme. Let’s Do Business Finance are an accredited lender of the scheme through the British Business Bank, offering business loans of up to £150,000.
“Let’s Do Business Finance are simply really nice people. They aren’t the ‘computer says no’ type of organisation. They take the time to understand your business, your challenges, and your vision. That’s why we keep coming back.”
Why Cambridge Professional Academy Chose Let’s Do Business Finance
What sets Let’s Do Business Finance apart is their ability to see the bigger picture. Unlike traditional lenders, who may focus only on numbers, LDBF takes a holistic approach, considering the business’ values, mission, and potential for growth.
When Martin approached LDBF for the Growth Guarantee Scheme loan, and started working with Business Manager Elaine Robinson, he knew that she would offer more than just financial support - she would listen, engage, and make a decision based her understanding of his business and growth goals.
“I knew that if Elaine approved my loan, it meant we are a good business. It wasn’t just about the numbers. It was about the potential for us to grow and keep doing what we do best - helping people through education.”
The Future: A Bright Road Ahead
Looking to the future, Cambridge Professional Academy has clear goals. The academy plans to expand its reach in the non-qualification market, utilising its vast content library to offer a range of online courses that can meet the diverse learning needs of professionals worldwide. With their own Learning Management System being developed, the company is poised to scale its online courses, creating even more flexible learning options.
“Let’s Do Business Finance has not only provided us with the financial backing we needed but also the trust and confidence to continue evolving,” Martin said. “They’ve been a key partner in our journey, and we’re excited about what lies ahead.”
Cambridge Professional Academy’s ability to pivot and adapt to changing market conditions - whether by embracing apprenticeships, launching new LMS platforms, or expanding into non-qualification learning - has positioned them for continued success. Like Let’s Do Business Finance, Cambridge Professional Academy understands the importance of creating relationships, not just transactions. This case study is a testament to the power of collaboration, the value of understanding, and the lasting impact of a financial partner who truly cares.