JOHN SAYSELL , Managing Director of Technical Training

A friend sent me a photograph recently that stopped me in my tracks. It was taken in Edinburgh in 1991, after we had won a round of the National Tandem League. On the surface, it is simply a snapshot of a moment in time. But the longer I looked at it, the more it reminded me of something far more enduring: the power of teamwork.

That day, we beat some exceptional riders. Individually, many of them were outstanding. What made the difference for us was not raw talent alone, but how effectively we worked together. Tandem racing is a simple but unforgiving teacher. If you are not aligned, not communicating, not supporting one another, you will not win. When you are, the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts.

That principle feels as relevant today as it did more than three decades ago.

At MCP Technical Training, everything we achieve is the result of collective effort. Our trainers are often the most visible part of what we do, but they are only one element of a much larger team. Behind every successful course, every confident delegate and every organisation that leaves better equipped than when it arrived, is a group of people pulling in the same direction.

Our support team – Carmen, Julie and Anna – ensure that the engine keeps running smoothly. The trainers – Matt, Mark, Colin, Andi, Jim, Ray, Andre, Bob, Bill and Nic – bring knowledge, experience and credibility into the classroom every single day. Sales and marketing, led by Sarah, Natalia and Charlotte, connect us with organisations who genuinely need what we offer. The Accounts team play a vital role too, providing the structure, clarity and consistency that allow the wider operation to function seamlessly. All of this is underpinned by leadership and the wider MCP Group, providing direction, investment and belief in what technical training can achieve.

This year marked an important milestone for us. Since moving premises in 2024, we have been able to double the number of delegates we can accommodate. That increased capacity means we are now better placed than ever to help organisations develop their technical people, bridge critical skills gaps and contribute in a meaningful way to the growth of UK industry.

As we look towards the year ahead, I am reminded that progress rarely comes from individuals working in isolation. It comes from aligned teams, shared purpose and mutual support. Just like that day in Edinburgh, success is built when everyone plays their part and trusts the people alongside them.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey this year – colleagues, customers and partners alike. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together in the year to come.