The UK e-learning market is growing at 18% a year, according to new research.
The study, commissioned by e-learning company Epic shows steady growth, improving productivity, but poor profitability in the industry.
Researchers looked at 157 companies providing e-learning product and services in the UK, and examined in detail the financial performance of 34 major e-learning suppliers over a three-year period, and shows:
Epic said that the study showed an emerging, fragmented industry, with consolidation fuelling rapid growth at the top of the market, sometimes at the expense of profitability.
Matt Gokhool, CEO of Epic said: “We are delighted at last to have tangible confirmation of the steady growth of e-learning in the UK, and a clearer picture of the market which will be illuminating for buyers and sellers alike. For us, the study shows how, against a background of turbulent market conditions, Epic has managed to achieve scale while maintaining stability and profitability. This will inform our strategy going forwards and also, we hope, make a contribution to the growing maturity of our industry.’
The author of the study, John Helmer, an independent consultant at the time when the study was published, has since moved into a more long-term relationship with the company in guiding marketing strategy.