THE region's biggest assistive technology training provider has moved into larger premises following a major recruitment drive over the past six months.

Chris Quickfall set up Invate in 2006, not long after he was diagnosed with dyslexia, in a bid to offer technologies to help disabled people in education and employment.

This led to the launch of e-Quality Learning – a spin-out firm that offers 70% online and 20% face-to-face training to individuals in employment and education.

Quickfall, managing director at e-Quality Learning, said: “Over the past two years, the company has experienced significant growth and it is a great feeling to be able to provide employment for many people from around the North East and beyond.

“The more people that require our services, the more trainers and developers and space we need. Therefore, we are always on the lookout for bright and enthusiastic candidates to help with customer demands.

“As we operate a full equality employment policy, the new space is very accessible, with two disabled lifts, wide walkways and accessible toilets – this was a must as around half the people we employ have a kind of disability.”

And now e-Quality Learning has invested over £400,000 in its new Hebburn home, which is three times the size of its previous office space in Newcastle. The firm also has offices in London and the Midlands, as well as the North-East

Founded in 2010, the company has seen a surge in demand for its remote training services nationwide.

Having spent two successful years in Byker, Newcastle, e-Quality Learning’s staff numbers have rocketed from 10 to 32.

The company also houses several software training products, so the new 8000sqft building will also act as a storage and distribution warehouse, allowing for a much more efficient end-to-end service so it can more easily distribute products to end-users.

The company’s services were developed after research Northumbria University did into how people with varying disabilities process and retain certain information. It is the only organisation in the UK that provides ongoing assistance to support individuals after the initial one-to-one training is complete.

Its specialist assistive technology services are aimed at private corporations and Government bodies such as DWP, Access to Work, the NHS, as well as universities, colleges and schools that all have learners who would benefit from this style of assistive training.