Wetherby based Pitman Training Group, the UK’s most established independent training provider, is thrilled to announce a senior hire, as part of the group’s investment into the continued international expansion of their franchisee network.
Nicola Hoskin, joins the Yorkshire Superbrand™ bringing with her a wealth of experience working on the global development of some of Britain’s most iconic brands such as Marks & Spencer & TopShop. Her role will be to work with Pitman’s growing network of international franchisees, providing strategic support and insight for existing international partners, as well as identifying opportunities for further growth and expansion into new markets, as part of her delivery of the international business strategy. Her understanding of different market dynamics and experience in these will ensure the Pitman model is adjusted accordingly to best fit local requirements whilst maintaining brand integrity.
Nicola said: “My ultimate goal is to develop an international business that rivals the UK in terms of size and success and to ensure that the Pitman brand is the leading vocational training provider worldwide. I am a huge fan of such a prestigious Great British brand as is Pitman. It boasts incredible heritage and I am excited to explore and potentialise the currently untapped international growth opportunities. I am also thrilled to be joining an organisation that harbours such inherent passion and knowledge amongst the team.”
She added: “In the first few days of starting this role I was lucky enough to attend the inaugural graduation ceremony for Pitman students in Ramallah, Palestine. The auspicious occasion celebrated the achievements of all Pitman graduates at the Cultural Palace in Ramallah with 150 guests, and hosted VIP dignitaries including Educational Heads and Government Ministers. This event hit home to me how important Pitman’s work is in International regions, the impact it makes and how respected the brand is in influential circles.”
Nicola has 15 years international retail experience, with specific focus on the management and expansion of multi brand operations across the Middle East, North Africa, Russia, Europe and the emerging CIS region where she has worked with some of the largest global brands including GAP, Banana Republic and iconic British brands – Marks and Spencer, Topshop / Topman. Her most recent position was as International Business Manager at Arcadia Group where she was responsible for developing and delivering the international strategy to ensure sales growth and profitability.
Claire Lister, Pitman Training Group MD said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Nicola to the Pitman family. The brand is at a point where International expansion is a key part of our growth strategy and we are privileged to have Nicola in the team to help us drive this forward further. Her strong commercial background teamed with her hands on experience of global cultures, having lived and worked in the Middle East for 10 years, will be put to great use helping us to navigate the challenges and opportunities of operating a franchise internationally.”
Nicola will work from London but also closely with the team in Wetherby Head Office.
Pitman Training Group has been heavily focused on global expansion over the last few years, with now 10 partnerships worldwide including 3 in Nigeria, Romania, Spain, Zimbabwe, Kuwait, Palestine, Malaysia and Cayman Islands. There are also some imminent launches scheduled for the latter quarter of 2016 and early 2017 in Russia, Kenya and Dubai.
