Meet The Team
Welcome to our introduction to the members of our Senior Management Team. Below you will find our staff profiles showcasing academic experience, expertise and areas of interest.
Chris Stott
Chief Executive Officer
Chris Stott joined Training 2000 as Head of Business Development in 2018 and was appointed as Chief Executive Officer in 2019.
Chris brings significant experience in industry and the further & higher education sectors along with an exceptional track record of customer focused, high quality delivery and growth in both professional and technical learning.
Chris began his career in manufacturing completing a printing apprenticeship and becoming a Production Manager within Europe’s largest printing company. In 2003 Chris decided to take a change of career direction and to impart some of the knowledge and experience he had gained over 20 years in industry. He qualified as a teacher and assessor and began teaching at a local FE College. Since then Chris has moved on to project manage large scale national training projects and worked in partnership with some of Britain’s largest employers. Chris remains passionate about the power of training and the value the apprenticeships bring to businesses and the UK economy and above all the opportunity they offer to the individual.
Johnny Sims
HR Business Partner
Johnny joined Training 2000 over 8 years ago and has since worked in various departments gaining key knowledge and expertise to better support his current role as HR Business Partner.
As a Human Resources professional, Johnny holds a wealth of experience including supporting senior leadership teams through working collaboratively and offering specialised knowledge and advice on a wide range of HR topics. He leads the HR team and is focused on aligning the organisations people strategy with the business strategy serving as a critical link between our workforce and the business model.
Johnny is committed to ensuring that Training 2000 truly is a fantastic place to work and, as an “employer of choice”, Training 2000 will recruit, retain, and continuously develop a team of professional and dedicated staff in a supportive culture allowing for outstanding education to all learners.
Outside of work, Johnny holds the position of ‘Chair of Governors’ for his local primary school, further supporting and contributing to the education sector which he believes is the key foundation to future success, paving the way for the next generations. As ‘chair’ Johnny provides leadership to the board through setting the school’s vision, aims and objectives whilst being responsible for ensuring it remains focused on its core strategic functions.
In his spare time, Johnny enjoys travelling, gardening, and creating special memories with his three children, dogs and wider family and friends.
Karen Soames
Head of Business Development
Karen Soames joined Training 2000 as Head of Business Development in September 2019. Prior to working within education, Karen has 13 years of experience working within the Leisure industry across numerous Business Development roles.
Wanting to make more of a difference in peoples lives, Karen moved over to the education sector where she has worked over the past 6 years, again in Business Development.
Karen has always believed that education plays such a huge role in shaping a person and who the become from a young age and wanted to be a part of a Training Provider that can change lives and make a real difference.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, Karen’s role within is to drive excellent customer service across the company whilst ensuring every that element of the customer journey is complete to a high standard.
Karen prides herself on three key traits; – passion for everything she does, being honest in her approach and excellent customer service.
Outside of work Karen has remained in the leisure industry as she enjoys going to the gym and keeping fit through various sports such as football, hockey and netball. She also enjoys yoga from time to time.
Lisa Bloomfield
Head of Contracts and Quality
Lisa joined Training 2000 over 20 years ago in July 1999 as the Programme Manager for the then new Foundation department and later went on to be the Director of Foundation.
Lisa left the Government Funding Agency to join Training 2000, where she had been a Contract Manager for the previous 7 years supporting and auditing local training providers. Lisa has held a Senior Management role here for 15 years and is passionate about the company, the people and the learners.
Lisa currently is Head of Contracts and Quality and accountable for ensuring the business demonstrates compliance; setting standards, auditing, monitoring, reporting, risk management health, safety and environment and advising on risk mitigation. Lisa leads on the Government contract with the ESFA covering the Apprenticeship and Study Programmes ensuring systems and processes are in place to comply with the funding rules and that delivery at least meets Ofsted’s standards with operational excellence in teaching, learning and assessment.
Lisa is the Designated Safeguarding Lead and is responsible for safeguarding arrangements for which she drives relentlessly. Lisa is very proud of the achievements of the safety and safeguarding teams.
Lisa is the Chair of Lancashire Work Based Learning Forum which supports members to raise the profile and quality of work based learning opportunities in Lancashire. She is also the Vice Chair of Blackburn with Darwen’s Local Safeguarding Children’s Board.
When not at work Lisa likes spending time with friends and family often socialising and camping.
Lillian Middlehurst
Head of Finance
Lillian joined Training 2000 as Head of Finance in March 2025.
As a CIMA qualified accountant, Lillian started the early part of her career in the Food Manufacturing Industry (FMCG). Progressing into different Finance roles within the organisation and obtaining excellent insight and training in all areas of the business. Since then, she has gained experience in several other sectors including Pharmaceutical, Wholesale, Veterinary and more recently Agriculture.
The education sector is new to Lillian, however she is looking forward to her new challenge. With 40 plus years Finance experience in the various sectors she believes she will be able to add value through process improvements, clarity and visibility of information as well as education of non-finance managers.
In her spare time, Lillian enjoys touring in France on the motorbike, socialising with family and friends and snuggling up with her two beautiful fur-babies.