Sovereign supports launch of new training group Read more

  • Status: Current
  • Date: 2022
  • Sector:
    • Education & Training
  • Location: UK
  • Buy & Build: 1

https://knovia.co.uk/

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Knovia

Knovia is a group of sector-focused, best-in-class, independent businesses that are innovative in approach consisting of Paragon Skills, a national provider of care, education and associated professional training apprenticeships, and Tempdent, the UK's leading specialist in dental training.

Investment Background

In 2015, Mark Botha, an experienced operator in the commercial service sector, joined Paragon Skills as CEO to develop the business and team and explore new market opportunities. The company was chaired by seasoned entrepreneur Heather Frankham, who Sovereign had already worked with through our investment in apprenticeship provider Lifetime Training.

Mark and his team delivered strong financial and operational performance, and increased Paragon Skills' market share. To support continued growth, in 2022 Sovereign backed the management team with fresh capital to focus the offering on the growing care and education markets.

Then, in September 2023, Paragon acquired Tempdent and created a new group identity, Knovia, which is the leading education and healthcare training group.

The Story So Far

The creation of Knovia marks and important and exciting step in the journey of both Paragon and Tempdent.

Being part of the Group will enable both companies to combine resources and expertise, allowing them to continue to deliver exceptional results to their learners, employer partners and core sectors. Knovia businesses are driven by strong, ambitious and experienced leadership with a culture of growth and success, committed to ensuring quality, compliance, and operational excellence. They are a group of sector-focused, best-in-class companies that are at the forefront of their sectors, supporting the adoption of impactful and relevant technology to drive sustainable change and innovation.

The plan is for Knovia to acquire more companies in the years ahead as part of its mission to become the leading provider of healthcare and education training in the country.


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THE CEO'S PERSPECTIVE

The partnership with Sovereign enables us to continue to deliver strong, sustainable year-on-year growth, outstanding learner engagement and progression in our core sectors. We look forward to further supporting more learners and employers to unlock their potential through engaging and impactful apprenticeship training that helps to improve social outcomes.

Mark Botha / CEO

Knovia Awards

AAC Apprenticeship Provider of the Year 2023

Tomorrow's Care Awards 2023

Rate My Apprenticeship Best Training Provider of the Year 2023-24