The Inspirational Learning Group (TILG), a pioneering Staffordshire-based education company, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the prestigious Small Business of the Year category at the 2025 Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Business Awards, sponsored by Sempar.

Founded in 2013 by Ben and Michael Dyer, TILG has established itself as a market leader in delivering innovative career development and employability programmes for young people. With a core team of just 14, the company has reached over 700,000 students across the UK and internationally — a staggering achievement that reflects both its scalability and its social impact.

Despite maintaining a core staff of 14 employees, with only two new appointments made in early 2025, the company has significantly expanded its reach, both through in-person delivery and the launch of its new digital platform, Lightbulb Online.

While expanding internationally with partnerships in China and the UAE, the company has continued to invest in its home region. Recent projects in Staffordshire and the surrounding areas have included large-scale initiatives in primary and secondary schools, with support from employers such as JCB and local authorities.

The company’s self-contained model allows it to manage every stage of programme creation and delivery in-house, which it credits for maintaining quality and consistency. Feedback from students in 2025 indicated high levels of satisfaction, with the majority reporting increased confidence in their workplace skills and a clearer understanding of what employers expect.