Sponge is Learning Provider of the Year

We’ve done it again! Sponge has picked up yet another highly prestigious award, winning GOLD in the Learning Provider of the Year category at the 2019 Learning and Performance Institute (LPI) Learning Awards. The event celebrates the highest achievements in workplace learning and development.

When reviewing submissions for this highly competitive category, the judges looked at how Sponge’s seriously creative solutions are transforming learning for clients such as AstraZeneca, Royal Mail, AXA and Tesco. They also heard from a number of our clients before reaching their verdict. For example, Louise Vamvoukaki, Associate Director, Sustainability, Education and Engagement at AstraZeneca, enthused, “When we set out to find a new supplier, Sponge shone out from the rest; from the outset they were interested in us, understood what we were trying to do and shared our passion.”

Commenting on their decision, the Learning Awards’ judging panel agreed, “Sponge’s clear business philosophy shines through in its interactions and solutions with customers, as well as its approach to staff recruitment, management and development.

“Sponge is not afraid to fail and learn within the team in order to identify the best solution for clients. The company works with clients to discover real learning needs and is prepared to challenge to identify the best solution for the end user.

“Sponge shared several impressive customer testimonials that demonstrated the company’s approach, partnership and creative solutions.”

Louise Pasterfield, Sponge’s Managing Director, said, “I’m so proud to see the business I founded 15 years ago named Learning Provider of the Year. I believe our ongoing success is down to our unique approach to learning and development. It’s an approach that not only delivers exceptional results for clients, but also supports the growth of our own hard-working and highly talented team here at Sponge. It’s thanks to our people that we’re able to do what we do for clients!

“I’m really pleased that the judges recognise the value we place on putting people at the core of everything we do, ensuring that we have a deep understanding of learners’ needs as well as business goals. Afterall, that is how we, as an industry, will truly unleash people’s potential.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see what can be achieved when combining innovative technologies and the very best talent, which we are very fortunate to have at Sponge, to deliver seriously creative digital learning.”

The ceremony, which took place at the Dorchester Hotel in London on 7 February, was attended by leading figureheads from the global learning community and recognises outstanding examples of high standards, best practice, innovation and excellence in L&D. Watch Louise Pasterfield and Sponge’s Operations Delivery Manager, Carly Penhale, pick up the Learning Provider of the Year award here.