Highlights and hopes from the Skilltech Solutions team as the 2026 new year approaches

The Skilltech Solutions team look back on an exciting year for the sector, and share their hopes and expectations for 2026.  

It has been an incredible year for Skilltech Solutions. Against the backdrop of extensive sector reforms (some anticipated, others more surprising) we welcomed new customers, launched new platforms, grew our team, and spent time where it matters: working directly with awarding and assessment organisations. Much of our focus this year has been on listening carefully to how assessment operates day-to-day and making sure our platforms support that reality. 

 Accolade has been a big part of that. Launching the platform and introducing it to customers has marked an important step forward for us, and the response so far has been amazing. SkilltechOne was also an important addition, changing the way that our growing customer base interacts with our products, and responding to how customers want to access their Skilltech Solutions.  

 Alongside this, we’ve continued to invest in our people, with new roles, internal promotions and opportunities for personal development across the team. 

 We’ve also valued the chance to spend time with customers in person – at conferences, events and awards evenings – supporting the sector, celebrating success, and strengthening relationships. 

As we look ahead to 2026, the priorities are clear: help more customers manage their assessments and awarding with epaPRO and Accolade, continue developing our ecosystems, grow the team with new skills and perspectives, and stay closely connected to the organisations we support. 

Here are a few reflections from the Skilltech team on what stood out in 2025, and what they’re looking forward to in 2026.

Ian Jarvis, Managing Director  

“My highlight of 2025 has been seeing the standard of work across the team. It’s been another strong year for Skilltech, which has allowed us to bring in new people and promote from within. Watching individuals develop and take on more responsibility has been genuinely rewarding.  

“For 2026, while reform timelines remain uncertain, I’m looking forward to seeing the impact Accolade will have on the awarding sector. The team behind it have done outstanding work, and the platform has the potential to materially change how awarding organisations manage assessment at scale.” 

 Libby Timms, Head of Commercial  

“A key highlight of 2025 has been how much Skilltech has grown. From the continued development of SkilltechOne, to the events we’ve attended, to stepping into my role as Head of Commercial, it’s been a year of real progression. 

“In 2026, I’m excited about onboarding more customers, particularly onto Accolade. We’ve achieved so much in 2025, and 2026 feels like a year where that growth will really accelerate.”  

Isha Ball, Customer Success Executive  

“2025 has had some real highlights for me. One was being invited by one of our customers to attend the Multicultural Awards as their guest. It was an incredible event and a reminder of the strength of the relationships we build with customers. 

“It’s also been a big year for welcoming new organisations to Skilltech and for launching Accolade. Being able to properly introduce the platform and talk through how it supports real assessment workflows has been a key moment. On a personal note, Skilltech sponsoring my little boy’s football team, Stafford Rangers Juniors, for the 25/26 season has been something I’m very proud of.  

“Looking ahead to 2026, I’m focused on growing the Accolade customer base, attending both new and familiar sector events, and expanding our internal team with people who bring fresh ideas and experience.” 

Laura Dean, Customer Success Executive  

“One of my highlights this year has been spending time with customers at conferences. It’s especially rewarding to support customers who were nominated for awards and to see the winners recognised at events like the FAB Awards. 

“In 2026, I’m looking forward to the next phase of development for Accolade and showing existing customers how the platform continues to develop in response to their needs.” 

Libby Timms, Head of Commercial   

“A key highlight of 2025 has been how much Skilltech has grown. From the continued development of SkilltechOne, to the events we’ve attended, to stepping into my role as Head of Commercial, it’s been a year of real progression. 

“In 2026, I’m excited about onboarding more customers, particularly onto Accolade. We’ve achieved so much in 2025, and 2026 feels like a year where that growth will really accelerate.” 

If you’re looking for a platform to support your hopes and expectations for 2026, whether it’s strengthening your apprenticeship assessments or diversifying into general awarding, book a demo with our team to see epaPRO, Accolade and SkilltechOne in action.