Learning organisations must take their cue from business and put the customer first if they are to succeed, a leading industry figure has warned.

The claim came from Sir Anthony Greener, chairman of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority and UfI/ learndirect at the first New Year lecture of the Learning and Skills Development Agency.

Sir Anthony criticised some educators for failing to focus on learners.

"I detect provider focus, confusion from many organisations fishing variously in the same ponds, strategy driven in largely unconnected silos, with an absence of specific and singular responsibility and accountability for delivery," he said.

Sir Anthony stressed the need for an overview that covers the whole education landscape, from cradle to grave, with stronger connections linking learning and skills, 14-19 education and higher education.

He added: "My proposition to you tonight, therefore, is that the lessons proven over time in creating and sustaining successful business are equally applicable in the education field.

"I believe that if we apply these principles to the education process it can lead us more cost effectively and more rapidly to the goal we all seek – a society in which every individual’s talents are properly developed and properly recognised."