Swindon Business Lives - Barrie Smale, Director and Co-Owner of Inspired2Learn

Meet our latest TGt Meets Barrie Smale, Director and Co-Owner of Inspired2Learn...

Tell us a little bit about yourself…

Having grown up in North Devon and lived and worked previously in Somerset and Cambridgeshire, I’ve been in the Devizes area now for 30 years. My wife of 30 years, Clare Smale, is also my inspirational business partner at Inspired2learn. I’m Dad to two lovely daughters who I’m proud to say are NHS nurses.

Describe Inspired2Learn in 3 words…

Celebrating Twenty Years!

What is the most popular course from Inspired2learn?

Without doubt, our most popular and fastest growing service is the ILM Coaching, Mentoring and Coach Supervision professional qualification courses. CMI management & leadership qualifications run a close second!

How can Inspired2Learn courses help individuals succeed in the future?

Achieving a regulated professional qualification with us can be beneficial in many ways and we often blog about this on our website. It demonstrates professionalism through a clear commitment to hard work and continuing professional development, both being crucial in our fast-changing world. It provides learning that can be applied to deliver results at work.

It also equips people with both a knowledge base and self-confidence that will be hugely beneficial in recruitment & selection processes. A professional qualification helps provide personal credibility. It helps mitigate the risk of being promoted to the level of your own incompetence.   

How is Inspired2Learn different to any other training provider?

We only do what we can do really well. No hard sell. Twenty years of successful trading has given us the confidence to readily signpost people to alternative providers when we know we are not the best people to meet their needs. We have specialised in delivering a carefully selected range of professional qualifications where we have both the expertise and practical experience to add value. This makes us a credible and reputable choice of partner for prospective learners.

What inspired you to fulfil a job in this particular sector?

My first career was as a secondary school PE teacher (boo hiss I hear from those of you who didn’t enjoy the subject, often because of some unkind teachers!). I also did a lot of sports coaching outside of school. During my next career outside of teaching I attended university part-time to complete a post-graduate Diploma in Management Studies and then an MA degree. It was a real revelation to me at the time to learn new things which I could apply in my day-to-day practice.

There were so many things that I didn’t know I didn’t know! The learning improved my work performance and opened up career opportunities. I experienced the benefits. I also spent much time in workshops, seminars, lectures etc. observing the lecturer/tutor and thinking “I could do that!”.

It then became an almost inevitable step for me to move into training & development for my 3rd career. I knew I wanted to be in a commercial training provider setting rather than in an educational institution.

What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t busy at work?

I love walking, mountain biking, my allotment and supporting Devizes Rugby Club. Currently our adorable and bonkers Working Cocker Spaniel puppy is keeping us busy with the all-important training! I also do some dog walking/sitting for other busy people.

Describe Devizes in 3 words…

Heart of Wiltshire

What do you love most about Devizes?

I love the busy yet peaceful market town feel and the wide range of services, amenities and superb community events. It is located in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside so we can take full advantage on a regular basis of the extensive network of footpaths, by-ways and bridleways.

Find out more information about Inspired2Learn HERE!