FEA, one of the UK’s leading further education and skills specialists, has moved its headquarters to Bristol to create a new strategic base for its UK-wide network of more than 850 sector experts.
The relocation from Taunton to the Almondsbury Business Park coincides with the appointment of industry figure David Sykes as managing director and the full incorporation of its performance improvement division BW Consultants, which joined the group in 2010. 
As a result FEA – formerly known as FE Associates – has intertwined performance improvement throughout its services as a direct result of the changing needs of the sector.
Since its launch 11 years ago, the firm’s specialists have provided support to more than 300 further education and skills organisations.
David Sykes, pictured, said: “With the announcement of area reviews, a prolonged period of funding cuts, and the introduction of a new inspection framework the further education and skills sector is undergoing change of the scale not seen since incorporation in 1993.
“By changing the way we operate and bringing together all our services under one united entity, we believe we will be in an even stronger position to help further education and skills providers not only deal effectively with change but also improve outcomes for their organisations and, most importantly, their learners.”
He said the firm’s new HQ near the M4/M5 Almondsbury interchange, gave it easier access to its pool of experts based around the UK.
“It ensures our sector specialists are best placed to support further education teams meet the demands being made on them and their organisations now and in the future,” he added.
FEA’s services span interim management, leadership consultancy, support with curriculum, finance, MIS, IT and funding for post-16 education.
