Business Scholarship Stories
Many of our team members have successfully completed, or are currently pursuing courses while undertaking their day-to-day roles and responsibilities at Marches Business Group.
Our Business Scholarship provides a fantastic opportunity to enhance individual skills, contributing to both personal growth and development, and improved business performance.
Read on to hear the experiences of team members who have successfully qualified or are in the process of studying in a range of business areas and disciplines alongside their full-time roles.
Rhys W
Rhys completed an ILM Level 5 Diploma in the Principles of Leadership & Management alongside his role as Business Development Executive. The course focused on developing practical management skills, with modules including developing critical thinking, implementing innovative solutions, improving management performance, managing improvement, understanding financial concepts and understanding the management role.
Rhys says - “A key strength of the course was that it was very applicable, with most of the work based around real scenarios within the business. This meant I could directly relate it to my role rather than it being purely theoretical.
In terms of development, it helped me think more critically and take a more structured and strategic approach to my work. The financial and management modules were particularly useful in understanding how decisions impact the wider business, while the improvement and innovation elements helped me approach challenges more proactively.
In my role today, it has improved how I plan and prioritise, communicate with both customers and colleagues, and manage my workload more effectively. It has also given me a better understanding of how my role contributes to overall business performance and growth.
Overall, completing the course alongside a full-time role was really beneficial, as I could immediately apply what I was learning back into the business.”
Chloe P
Chloe is currently undertaking an AAT Level 3 course, following the successful completion of ATT Level 2 last, year alongside her full time role as Accounts Executive.
Chloe says - “Completing a qualification alongside my role has given me the opportunity to directly apply what I’ve learnt in a real workplace setting. Balancing study and work can be challenging, but it’s a practical and valuable way to learn. Overall, it has been an excellent way to develop both my skills and confidence while advancing in my career. Studying AAT and working towards a recognised qualification is also providing a strong foundation for my future progression and growth within the finance profession.”
Lara H
With a special interest in HR, shortly after joining Marches Business Group and while undertaking a full-time, hybrid role working across our Sales & Customer Services teams and overseeing HR & Recruitment, Lara undertook a CIPD Level 3 qualification in People Practice.
Lara says - “Completing the course has been challenging but has given me a valuable insight into people practices, employment law and effective HR processes, all of which I am able to apply to my role. This, combined with higher-level development work and involvement in strategic decision-making surrounding staff and business performance, has enabled me to progress to where I am today. It’s been a great opportunity to develop professionally.”
Since completing her qualification, Lara has progressed into a ‘HR & Business Projects Executive’ role; a more dedicated, HR and law focused position where she continues to broaden her expertise and support the business in delivering effective strategies and compliant practices to enhance organisational performance.
Kaitlyn R
Kaitlyn joined us in 2025 after finishing in full-time education with A Levels in Health & Social Care, Finance, Biology and Welsh Baccalaureate.
Looking for a new challenge, Kaitlyn now holds a full-time role as Accounts Assistant while undertaking an AAT Level 2 qualification to support her future growth and development.
Mia H
Mia completed an NPTC Level 2 qualification in Business Administration alongside her role as Accounts Coordinator.
Will B
Will also completed an NPTC Level 2 qualification in Business Administration alongside his role as Sales & Customer Service Coordinator for our Marches Ironmongery brand.
Marches Business Group - Business Course
Alongside the availability of a myriad of courses ran by external organisations for team members to explore and undertake, we also run an internal Business Course, consisting of 12 modules covering different aspects of business. Each module includes an in person delivery session, and is accompanied by coursework for participants to complete across the duration on the course.
Course modules include - Market Research & Branding, Product or Service Development & Sourcing, Purchasing & Procurement, Warehouse & Logistics, Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Accounts Processing, Recruitment & Team Development, IT Structure, Software & Website Design, Working Environment, and Vision, Strategy & Financial Forecasting.
Business Course Class of ‘25/26.
Left to Right - Mia, Dan, Hanna, Elliot, Adam, Mike, Andy, Lara, Sophia, Rachael, Jess and Adam.