About Us
The Ultimate Learning Resources Story
Founded over 20 years ago by Mark after his service in the RAF, our training company was built on a foundation of discipline, expertise, and a passion for developing people. Over the years, we have grown into a trusted provider of high-quality training, helping individuals and businesses reach their full potential.
As we continue to evolve, our family-run business has welcomed new members, each bringing unique skills and fresh perspectives. This diversity allows us to adapt, innovate, and offer tailored training solutions that meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.
Our values
Excellence
We are committed to delivering the highest standards in everything we do.Integrity
Honesty and trust are at the core of our business. We do what’s right, always.Innovation
We embrace new ideas and approaches to keep our training relevant and impactful.Collaboration
Working as a team, both within our company and with our clients, ensures success.Growth
We believe in continuous learning, both for ourselves and those we train.Unlock your leadership potential with Creating... Space™ or customised ILM qualification programmes
Looking for a bespoke ILM qualification, why not build your own. Simply get in touch and we'd be happy to discuss availibity and put a bespoke package together for you.
Meet the ULR team
Our journey has been shaped by experience, strengthened by family, and driven by a shared passion for helping others succeed. Whether you’re looking for professional development or specialised training, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Mark Garwood
Business DevelopmentRead more about Mark
Mark is a dedicated business entrepreneur with a passion for leadership and management development. With 35 years of experience, including 20 years in the RAF leaving as a Wing Commander, Mark has helped clients, businesses, and industries he has worked with achieve increased brand visibility, business growth, and streamlined processes.
A founder of 3 successful start-ups, his approach combines key skills of creativity, strategy, and technical know-how, to deliver impactful solutions that make a difference.
Mark’s personal and professional life is built on the values of connection, growth, and balance, and he looks forward to continuing his journey with those who share similar passions.
In his spare time, he enjoys travels but cherishes spending time with his family and playing an important role in his 6-year-old granddaughter’s life, Together with his wife, he loves the outdoor life and enjoys nothing more than walking his 2 springer spaniels that keep him focused, active and grounded.
Di Garwood-Hughes
Creative SolutionsRead more about Di
With a strong background in the NHS and pharmaceutical industry, Di Garwood-Hughes is passionate about improving outcomes by working with and alongside healthcare professionals.
Skilled in engagement, networking, and partnership-building, Di has played a key role in launching new medicines and enhancing patient care. A dedicated coach and mentor, Di empowers team members to reach their full potential, fostering collaboration and innovation to drive meaningful change in healthcare.
Her caring nature extends beyond her professional life to her personal aspirations and hobbies. She runs a smallholding in the Peak District National Park, where she breeds rare-breed sheep, goats, and geese, along with keeping chickens and ducks—embracing a life that reflects her deep connection to nurturing and growth.
Blayne Baker Garwood
Creative Writer/Marketing ConsultantRead more about Blayne
Blayne is a passionate writer and marketer who enjoys making content easy to understand and engaging. Blayne began her career as a Digital Marketing Content Editor at C-4 Analytics in Boston, Massachusetts, writing marketing content for car dealerships across the United States and Canada. She specialised in writing client’s “Why Buy from our dealership” pages because of her love for storytelling and support for family businesses.
Blayne moved to England in 2019 and landed her dream job in the charity sector, supporting the rare disease community. She has been responsible for the charity’s marketing, social media accounts, newsletter and now its online e-learning platform. She has written for The Guardian, The British Journal of Cardiac Nursing, and Pharmafile, as well as being featured in The South China Morning Post and Reader’s Digest UK.
In Blayne’s spare time, you’ll find her Facetiming home to her family in Massachusetts, going on walks with her long-haired dachshund and planning her next European adventure with her husband. Blayne adores comedians, Christmas markets and advertisements (the SuperBowl ads are her favourite!) and never takes life too seriously.
Hannah Butler
Principal Facilitator/Programme Developer
Read more about Hannah
Hannah is an accredited senior practitioner and seasoned professional committed to enhancing organisational performance and nurturing growth. With an MSC in Coaching and Mentoring and the EMCC UK Director of Coaching, within the Centre for Excellence, she brings a comprehensive grasp of coaching principles and techniques, leadership and management expertise, employing her knowledge to empower organisations and teams to realise their capabilities fully.
The Lead on our hallmark initiative, “Creating Space”™ , stands as a testament to her innovative approach. This flagship programme has facilitated transformative shifts in culture and behaviour across diverse sectors. Its enduring popularity attests to its efficacy in helping organisations navigate change successfully.
Hannah’s passion is people and the reflective space.
Phill Garwood-Hughes
IT/Tech SpecialistRead more about Phill
Phill Garwood-Hughes is an experienced IT Specialist with over 20 years of expertise in data management and IT-based systems. At ULR, he plays a crucial role in supporting the internal team daily while also assisting clients with online resource purchases and the implementation of learning portals.
Before joining ULR, Phill led Coca-Cola’s vending operations across the Midlands. A career shift saw him take on the renovation of a 16th-century farmhouse in the Peak National Park, which led to the founding of his own property development company. As the family business grew, he joined ULR part-time, combining his passion for IT with his ongoing property ventures.
On a personal note, Phill has a keen interest in Formula One racing and enjoys his love for music—especially vinyl records—in a barn he converted into a listening space. He often shares his favourite tunes with the many animals in the surrounding paddocks.
Jim McKenzie
Managing Director, ULS Glasgow
Read more about Jim
Jim is an experienced Senior Leader having held various positions in Sales Leadership and General Management.
4 years ago Ultimate Learning Solutions offered Jim the opportunity to take on a franchise and he took the decision to set up his own training consultancy building on the experience he gained over 35 years working in a commercial environment.
Ultimate Learning Solutions is a global provider of leadership & management learning resources and supporting and delivering accredited learning up to Level 7.
Jim focusses on providing bespoke training solutions for businesses utilising the Ultimate Learning Solutions learning platform which enables a blended approach to delivery with online modules supported by face to face tutorials. His extensive experience and delivery capability have resulted in him becoming the training support consultancy for Print Scotland, an Association of over 70 Printing businesses across Scotland.
Helping businesses develop their staff is something Jim is passionate about,. Offering high-quality programme development bespoke to the individual and organisation, along with training that makes an impact, is the catalyst. to help them grow.
In his spare time Jim enjoys escaping with his wife at the weekend to their caravan where they can walk their dogs on the beach and recharge the batteries. As well as a bit of leisurely cycling he has just recently joined a walking football club which is more energetic than it sounds!
Contact Jim
Email: jim.mckenzie@ultimatelearningsolutions.co.uk
Phone: 07979 652518