20 Years at MCP
John Saysell, Head of MCP Technical Training in the new Reading facility.
20 Years at MCP
Where did that time go?
We’re delighted to share a special blog post from John Saysell, Head of MCP Technical Training, who reflects on his remarkable 20 - year journey with MCP.
John’s story offers a unique, behind-the-scenes look at how MCP’s technical training programs have evolved, grown, and adapted over the years. From humble beginnings in 2004, to overcoming industry challenges, to expanding our training facilities in Reading, John highlights the milestones that have shaped the company we are today. Join us as John takes you through the highs, the lows, and the unforgettable moments of his two decades at MCP. Here's to the next 20 years!
John Saysell Reflects on 20 Years at MCP
On 4 December 2004, I joined MCP Management Consultants. On my first day, to my embarrassment, I left my briefcase in the car park.
In the first week, I sat in on a Spares and Materials Management course with Peter Jackson. I learnt more about red wine than economic order quantities. At the time, the two partners in the company were Peter Gagg and Richard Jones.
In early 2005, MCP bought the intellectual property and equipment from my old company, Langcet, and we started to offer technical training. I went to see City & Guilds in London and started the accreditation process. I spoke to old customers and trainers that I knew. After many visits to colleges and business premises in the Thames Valley, I called a company called React at Lambs Farm Business Park, near Reading. They had a 3-phase supply, essential for industrial electrical training and an empty warehouse.
So, working with freelance trainers like Phil Lannen, Dave Regan, Tony Winnard, Jennifer James, and Matthew Reason, we started to deliver training in Reading and on customer sites.
Assistance Required
Soon I needed an assistant, and Tina Burbage joined the team. There were two of us. Mick Neville and Tony Suddes joined full-time. Colin Wright joined the freelance team. Helen Edge made a cameo appearance in technical training to cover Tina’s maternity leave.
In 2013, we decided to lease our own unit, C1, in Lambs Farm Business Park. Colin Wright and his team refurbished the unit to a high standard, and we had a permanent base with a practical area right next to the classroom.
A New MCP
Peter Gagg and Richard Jones sold the company to the employees of MCP in 2014 and MCP Consulting Group was formed with a new board of directors. We had a huge project at Dubai Airports, and lots of the technical trainers joined the consultants, training literally hundreds of technicians. My right-hand woman, Carmen, joined the team.
All the time, we had a good amount of work in the UK and all around the world with blue-chip companies. We like working with big companies because they usually pay their invoices.
I was clocking up 25,000 miles a year up and down the motorways of England.
We are still working with some of the customers from the early days, including Thames Water, Heathrow Airport, Pladis (formerly United Biscuits), Ocado, apetito, and Lucozade.
Ups and Downs
The 2008 crash was tough but it was a walk in the park compared with Covid 19 when 97% of our order value disappeared in April 2020! Furlough was really helpful, and we were able to resume face-to-face training with social distancing some months later. I was forever being asked if we could deliver our courses online. Unfortunately, it is far too difficult to cut armoured cable virtually!
A Move in Premises
Between 2018 and 2026, roughly 20% of UK techs will have or will be retiring. Post-Brexit, lots of techs returned to their home countries. We have a massive technical skills shortage in the UK. Not great for UK PLC, but good for MCP. So much so, technical training has moved into much larger premises in Lambs Farm Business Park. This will enable us to deliver twice as much training from Reading.
A new electrical trainer, Andi Quelch, started on 2nd December. He will join the technical team, which now includes Carmen, Julie Shaw, Sarah Matthews, Jim Lesser, Mark Everson, Matthew Reason, Colin, Andre, Bill, Bob, and Nic. From technical training supporting one household to supporting 12 households.
2024 was a record year in terms of the number of courses, development centres, and delegates. Here’s to the next 20 years!
Christmas 2014 - including Colin Wright, Sarah James, Sam, Celia, Helen. Carmen, a younger looking me and Mick Neville.
A Look to the Future
As John highlights, the last two decades have been a period of tremendous growth and change. But as we look ahead, the future is just as exciting. Our commitment to expanding our training capacity - with new trainers, upgraded facilities, and a continued focus on hands-on, real-world training - ensures that we remain at the cutting edge of the industry.
With the increasing demand for skilled technicians and engineers, our role in addressing the skills gap has never been more crucial. As the world of industry evolves, so too does the need for training that goes beyond theory and focuses on practical, impactful solutions.
Thank you to all who have been part of our journey. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or are just discovering what we do, we look forward to many more years of learning, growth, and success together.
Here’s to the next chapter in MCP’s story - and to the continued success of everyone we work with.