EDUCATION
Glad to be here – Chris Andreou is leading strategy for Etc . for Business .
Etc . for Business lead Chris is feeling right at home
Feeling connected
Helping to equip the next generation of leaders is a passion for Chris Andreou , the new group director of business development and innovation at the Education Training Collective .
PICTURES : CHRIS BOOTH
As a Greek Cypriot from London living in the North-East , Chris Andreou has a glowing view of the region .
In many ways , he compares it favourably to the Greek Cypriot community – a comparison you won ’ t hear very often .
He explained : “ In Cyprus , everyone is connected , which creates that feeling that everyone knows one another . In the North- East , it feels the same , particularly in the business community , and I find that very appealing .”
A big family-man who aims to drive positivity , both in business and at home , he loves that sense of camaraderie and “ we ’ re-in-thistogether ” attitude , which is probably part of the reason he was drawn to the Education Training Collective ( Etc .).
Chris is the new group director of business development and innovation at the Etc ., a group of colleges and training providers with a strong reputation for collaboration and partnership .
Founder of the training consultancy Innersummit - the latest addition to the group - he will oversee the strategic direction of the group ’ s business-to-business services .
Chris said : “ At its highest level , Etc . for Business is about supporting the economy , the people within the region , and understanding their needs . The aim is to bring prosperity to the area and support people to grow their business , whether starting something new or operating a global enterprise .”
To do that means aligning priorities to meet employers ’ requirements , along with those set out by the local and combined authorities , and the Local Skills Improvement Plan .
Chris said : “ The beauty of being part of a group is that at the Etc . we have access to a plethora of technical and knowledgeable professionals within the region who also understand the geography and demographics of our area .”
It means services can be tailor-made to meet individual employer or industry specific demands and , working with leading partners , the college group is already forging strong inroads into highly specialist areas .
Etc . for Business includes a wide range of bespoke services , including apprenticeships , bespoke training programmes , specialist skills bootcamps and employer-led courses , specifically designed to align to industry demand for workers – and all can be delivered flexibly and with guidance around funding .
The addition of Innersummit , which specialises in professional services such as leadership , management , coaching , legal , finance and marketing , has further enhanced
30 | Tees Business