Gareth Harris (e-Development)

What’s the business?

e-Development are a company that designs, builds and hosts online training and development e-learning modules. Their aim is to create online learning that is both engaging and memorable. “We feel that although the e-learning content is very important, getting the context right is essential. With online learning, the user will always get more from the content if they can relate the module to their own work situation” Our bespoke e-learning modules can do this.

Who runs it?

The company was established by Gareth Harris, an expert in e-learning and blended learning. He has been involved in e-learning for over 12 years and can well remember the early days when e-learning companies were telling you to “sack your trainers, e-learning has arrived” Unsurprisingly that is not the case, e-learning will never replace face to face training completely but it does compliment it very nicely.

We can work directly with a company to help them convert some of their current knowledge into e-learning or where required we work closely with other training providers. We have very good links with health and safety trainers, a staff and management development company and a consultant that works with many of the compliance issues around today (data protection etc).

What made you decide to start your business?

I worked for a financial services company for many years creating all their e-learning and blended learning. When we parted company I decided to take my skills and knowledge and make it available to SMEs so they can have access to this very useful training resource.

What makes your business special?

Though not unique to us, our flexibility to be able to work within many different sectors definitely works. In the past year we have built e-learning for companies as varied as an anti bullying charity, a county council and a copy writer.

What’s the most important lesson you have learned so far?

Not everyone ‘gets’ e-learning straight away. It sometimes takes a bit of time and quite a few conversations before a company sees the benefits and suitability of e-learning.

What are your main aims and ambitions for your business?

“We are looking to be as successful as possible and want to build more partnerships with other training providers who want to offer their customers an online learning option. We are also keen to explore the world of mobile learning in 2012.”

To find out more

To find out more about e-learning and blended learning please visit our e-Development website or call us on 01269 596534

I have been involved with e-learning and blended learning for about 12 years now. In fact I was around when the e-learning community was telling businesses that they should "sack their trainers because e-learning had arrived". Well I don't believe that e-learning will ever replace all the face to face training but it can be very effective in some areas and is excellent for supplimenting traditional "classroom" training.

I have recently moved house from Gloucestershire to West Wales and now live in a lovely place that is about 15 minutes from a wonderful beach or stunning mountain walks...brilliant!

I also have a big interest in personal development and have studied NLP for many years and have a bookcase crammed with books with my favourite PD author being Steve Chandler. He is an American but not quite as "in your face" as some I could mention. I would recommend you checking his books out.

One thing I have noticed is that the knowledge NLP gives me about how people think and interact with the world really helps when I create the e-learning.