Pitman Training is delighted to announce the appointment of Mike Smith as their new Head of Development. Thanks to a career spanning over 25 years in the adult education and franchising sectors, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team as they continue to expand the franchise across the UK, Ireland and overseas.

Mike spent a decade as a multi-site franchisee for a global IT training company out of the United States, before joining their head office team in Florida as the Group Vice President of Operations and Franchise Development for a further 15 years. Pitman Training had been a company Mike had been familiar with throughout his career. Reflecting on his initial attraction to the role, Mike says, “I could see that they were on an interesting journey of development with their business model and desire for international expansion. I felt strongly that my experience in dealing with numerous multinational markets, but with a particular focus on international education brands, stood me in good stead when joining the team at Pitman Training.”

Mike’s appointment coincides with the Franchise India team signing for the Master Franchise in India, “Our focus for the next 12 months is to continue international expansion. We want to capitalise on our recently finalised Master agreement for India who have a development target to open 120 Pitman Training centres in the next 10 years. We have also set ourselves the ambitious goal of operating in at least four new countries by this time next year.”

In his role, Mike will be pivotal in the evolution of Pitman’s UK and Ireland franchise development strategy as well as abroad, “My primary focus closer to home will be attracting investors who are eager to build up valuable assets across multiple locations. Throughout this process I will guide those prospective franchise partners through their due diligence by offering them all the support they need as they plan a portfolio of investment.

“Fishing outside of the traditional franchise pond, work starts this month on identifying and collaborating with companies to create synergistic partnerships, adding Pitman Training as a complementary offering to their current business.”

Entrepreneurs and prospective franchise partners can meet the team next month on stand G30, Friday 6^th & Saturday 7^th October at the National Franchise Exhibition at Birmingham’s NEC.