Why MTD Training is One of the UK’s Most Loved Workplaces.

Feature with  HYER

How a management training specialist created a workplace recognised as one of the UK's most loved companies to work for

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Since 2001, MTD Training has established itself as a leading provider of management training and leadership solutions, delivering programmes in over 25 different countries to more than 9,000 organisations.

Behind this impressive track record lies a workplace culture that recently earned the company a place on the Breakthrough Culture Award list, recognising MTD as one of the UK's most loved companies to work for.

Founded by Sean McPheat, who remains the driving force as CEO, MTD has developed a comprehensive approach to helping organisations enhance their management and leadership capability. Their training is designed and delivered by accredited industry specialists, combining practical experience with behavioural science and leadership psychology to create results-driven learning experiences.

What distinguishes MTD's external offerings - management training courses for everyone from new managers building confidence to experienced leaders refining skills - is mirrored in their internal approach to developing their own team. The company has created a culture where individuals feel valued, empowered, and part of a shared journey of growth and innovation.

This commitment to employee development is reflected in their impressive metrics: an 85.7% retention rate for employees with 5+ years of service and 100% retention in senior leadership roles. These figures highlight MTD's success in creating long-term career satisfaction and developing talent from within.

Employee engagement scores further demonstrate the effectiveness of their approach, with ratings of 8.6 for empowerment to innovate and 8.8 for recognition and reward. MTD achieves these results through transparent leadership, which earned a score of 9.0 for communication and transparency, alongside tailored wellness programmes and structured growth opportunities.

The company's career pathways have enabled team members to progress from junior positions to senior leadership roles. Their Chief Learning Officer exemplifies this journey, having started in a junior position before advancing to a senior leadership role through tailored development programmes and mentorship from the CEO.

MTD's approach to employee wellbeing extends beyond standard benefits. Unique initiatives like "pawternity leave" for new pet owners and "furwell leave" for those experiencing the loss of a pet demonstrate empathy for significant life events. These policies, along with flexible working arrangements and enhanced benefits like private healthcare, support work-life balance - resulting in an 8.8 score in this area.

The company actively maintains its culture through regular feedback mechanisms, including employee surveys that help align practices with team needs. This ensures their culture evolves alongside their people rather than remaining static as the organisation grows.

Individuals who thrive at MTD tend to be collaborative, driven, and open to growth. The company values people who bring energy, creativity, and a desire to excel, aligning with their mission of delivering excellence. Their recruitment process focuses not only on technical fit but also on understanding candidates' career aspirations and how MTD can support them, ensuring a mutual fit that lays the foundation for long-term success.

New hires benefit from structured induction programmes and mentorship opportunities that set them up for immediate success while aligning with their long-term aspirations. The company applies its expertise as a global learning and development partner to design industry-leading internal development programmes, ensuring employees at all levels have access to the tools and support they need.

MTD's multi-media training centre at their head office enables them to create award-winning blended learning solutions, including video, podcasts, e-learning, and online support - capabilities they use for both client training and internal development.

Their Breakthrough Culture Award recognition validates MTD's approach to creating a workplace where people feel inspired by their work while continuously developing their skills. As a company dedicated to helping other organisations enhance their management capability, MTD demonstrates the power of applying their own expertise internally.