Business Skills Leader

An experienced Business Skills Leader specialising in the strategic design, leadership and delivery of Business and Management Apprenticeships from Level 3 through to Level 7. With a Master’s in Business Studies (MBS) and nearly 20 years’ experience in education, Katy combines academic expertise with commercial insight. Alongside her leadership role within a Grade 1 department performing significantly above national averages, Katy also runs a successful tour company, bringing entrepreneurial and operational experience to her professional practice.

Katy began her career as an Event Manager, developing strong skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, budgeting and operational delivery. This commercial foundation continues to inform her strategic approach to curriculum leadership and employer partnerships.

She has since built nearly two decades of experience in Further and Higher Education, designing, managing and delivering apprenticeship programmes across all stages — from employer engagement and curriculum development to assessment and achievement. Her work contributes directly to the success of a high-performing, Grade 1 department with achievement rates well above national benchmarks.

In addition to her education leadership role, Katy owns and manages a successful tour company, working with international tour operators and delivering high-quality heritage experiences. This entrepreneurial experience strengthens her understanding of business growth, customer engagement and organisational strategy.

Katy is passionate about helping individuals realise their potential and believes strongly in education as a vehicle for social mobility and leadership excellence. She thrives on seeing others grow in confidence and capability.

Outside of her education role, she channels her love of history into her successful tour company, working with international visitors and sharing the rich heritage of the North East. Whether developing senior leaders or guiding visitors through historic landscapes, Katy is driven by impact, engagement and making a meaningful difference.