E-learning shows steady growth according to Epic study

An independent study into the e-learning market commissioned by Epic, a leader in innovative learning and communications, shows steady growth, poor profitability and improving productivity in the industry. The study, which took in 157 companies providing e-learning product and services in the UK, looked in detail at the financial performance of 34 major e-learning suppliers over a three-year period, and shows:

- Year-on-year growth of 18% - at a time when general training revenues were static or declining
- Improving productivity – topline revenue per employee increased by 24% over the period studied
- Poor profitability – with certain players prepared to bear heavy losses in order to build market share

Full details of the study are published in the April edition of TJ (Training Journal) magazine, or available online at http://www.trainingjournal.com/tj/640.html. The picture that emerges from the study is of an emerging, fragmented industry, with consolidation fuelling rapid growth at the top of the market, sometimes at the expense of profitability.

Matt Gokhool, CEO of Epic says ‘We are delighted at last to have tangible confirmation of the steady growth of e-learning in the UK, and a clearer picture of the market which will be illuminating for buyers and sellers alike. For us, the study shows how, against a background of turbulent market conditions, Epic has managed to achieve scale while maintaining stability and profitability. This will inform our strategy going forwards and also, we hope, make a contribution to the growing maturity of our industry.’

The author of the study, John Helmer, an independent consultant at the time when the study was published, has since moved into a more long-term relationship with the company in guiding marketing strategy.

Notes to Editors:

Epic is a leader in the innovative use of digital media for learning and communications. It creates tailored solutions specific to the needs of clients and end-users that help organisations improve their performance. Epic’s many, loyal clients cover a broad spread of industries across both public and private sectors, with particular strengths in Government, Defence, Education, Finance, Retail and Telecommunications.

The company has won numerous awards over its two decades of existence, and is highly respected for its work in fostering understanding of this emerging area of practice. A wealth of free resources is available on its website at www.epic.co.uk, including the new Epic Blog.

For further information, please contact:

Ericka Newton
Marketing Manager
Epic
52 Old Steine
Brighton BN1 1NH
Tel: 01273 728686
Fax: 01273 821567
E-mail: marketing@epic.co.uk
web: http://www.epic.co.uk
Blog: blog.epic.co.uk