CELEBRATIONS are under way at East Lancashire firm Training 2000 to mark the 10-year anniversary of chief executive officer Steve Gray.

Focusing on overall strategy and the direction of the company, he has taken them from strength to strength, with the business set to reach its 50th birthday next year.

Mr Gray said: “One of my life’s greatest achievements is being asked to be CEO for Training 2000, a well-respected group training association that had already existed for nearly 50 years.

“I’ve led a programme of change over the last 10 years, building on that solid platform and developing the company culture, and I’m so proud of the staff and, of course, our learners. They are what it’s all about.”

After starting his career as an apprentice, Mr Gray moved on to work as an auto electrician with Ribble Motors.

He then spent 18 years as an aircraft electrician at BAE Systems, before moving on to the group training provider, which is based at Furthergate Business Park, in Blackburn.

After joining in September 2005, he implemented a new vision and has led the business through an era of change, culminating in the launch of several projects, including a new executive leadership brand, Silverback.

The company marked the anniversary with a presentation at their annual staff conference, including speeches, images of his achievements and an award ceremony.

Speaking afterwards, he said: “I definitely see myself still being here in another 10 years, with the company by then having become one of the top 10 training providers in the country.

“The sector will change radically over the next few years, with employers having the ‘buying power’ to choose the skills training they require, and we will meet that demand, maintaining our strong employer relationships and providing training that aligns to the economy.”