Education service provider SIPS is this Monday’s #madeinsandwell star. SIPS Education Ltd is a not-for-profit organisation providing professional services for secondary schools, primary schools, nurseries and special schools across the region. SIPS Education exists to support schools by combining public-service values with the autonomy and agility of the private sector. Their unique approach is not just one of providing services to schools; it ensures that relationships are built and maintained. Owned by its customers, so a partnership approach is imperative to providing constantly evolving, innovative and value for money services that schools want and need. SIPS philosophy is that they are an extension to the school, not just another service provider, they never make profits from children.

The services it provides include HR, financial services, software support, IT technical support and project work, catering delivery and consultancy, health and safety consultancy, GDPR consultancy and support, school improvement solutions, managed work experience and Music and Arts services (who are currently heavily involved in the Big Month of Music which is celebrating musical achievements of children across the region).

CEO Brian Cape said: “SIPS is not a typical business with predictable corporate objectives. Our overarching aim is to become the first-choice education service provider in the West Midlands. We will do this by offering high quality, effective services that are tailored to meet the needs and expectations of our members and clients.”

Brian joined SIPS as its new chief executive officer in January 2020, bringing with him fresh thinking, talent and strategic vision. With a background in commercial development, strategic business change and growth, operational management, marketing, communications, funding and finance, Brian aims to take the company to the next level with a refreshed brand and a comprehensive suite of new and reinvigorated services for education providers.

SIPS Education was created back in 2013 as an organisation under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act, made up of several previously traded services of Sandwell Council. Since then it has grown steadily and now works with nearly 400 schools across the Midlands. It currently works with over 85 per cent of all Sandwell schools.

It is proud to say that its workforce is primarily Sandwell-based, made up of a blend of former teachers & school staff and experienced professionals from both public and private sector backgrounds, who have all dedicated themselves to supporting schools and the wellbeing of children.

SIPS has an annual turnover of over £10m and focuses on keeping wealth within the region, recent data shows that:

• 43% of its spend is with Sandwell suppliers.
• 29% is with suppliers from the West Midlands
• Over £3m spent on salaries per year for staff that reside in Sandwell.

Recent accolades for SIPS Education include being finalists in the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Awards 2019 in the categories Large Business of the year and Education Business Partnership of the year.

#madeinsandwell Monday is a celebration of the talent and diversity within our borough. If you’re interested in being considered for a #madeinsandwell Monday profile and having information about your organisation shared on Think Sandwell and through Twitter, read this.