About Us
Built from the Ground Up.
Our Story
Every great business starts with a vision. Ours started with one man, one office and a determination to raise standards in construction training.

In 2018, Keith McGroarty founded Competum Ltd from a single office in Grimsby Business Centre, delivering NVQs to construction professionals. With a passion for developing people and an unwavering commitment to quality, the foundations of our business were built on trust, knowledge and exceptional customer service.

Eight years later, that vision has grown into one of the UK's respected construction training providers, supporting individuals, employers and organisations with funded qualifications, commercial training and nationally recognised certifications.

Today, Competum is an approved centre for some of the UK's leading awarding organisations, including ProQual, AIM Qualifications, CITB, CABWI and Highfield. This enables us to deliver a comprehensive portfolio of industry-recognised qualifications that help learners develop their skills, progress their careers and support safer, more competent workplaces.

The Competum team with Lola at the Grimsby office
Our recent positive Ofsted inspection is testament to the dedication of our team and the high standards that underpin everything we do. It reflects our commitment to delivering training that is engaging, compliant, relevant and focused on real-world outcomes.

Although we've grown considerably since those early days, our philosophy remains the same: put learners first, exceed expectations and build lasting relationships with every customer we work with.

Whether you're an individual looking to take the next step in your career or an employer investing in your workforce, we're here to help you build skills, unlock potential and create opportunities.

One Vision. One Team. Endless Possibilities.

From one office in Grimsby to delivering accredited training across the UK, we're proud of where we've come from—and even more excited about where we're going.

The people behind Competum

Meet our team

From your first enquiry to your final certificate, our team is here to make your training straightforward, supportive and rewarding.

Keith McGroarty

Managing Director · Internal Quality Assessor · NVQ Specialist

Keith founded Competum in 2018, building the business on honesty, trust and strong relationships. Alongside leading the company, he continues to assess Passive Fire Protection and Occupational Work Supervision qualifications, staying closely connected to the industry and the learners we support.

Outside work, Keith is a devoted family man and lifelong Celtic supporter. His chocolate cockapoo, Lola, is a familiar face around the Competum office.

“For me, business has always been about people. I’ve always believed that if you treat people well, work hard and do what you say you’re going to do, everything else follows. That’s the approach I’ve taken with Competum from day one, and it’s something I’ll never lose sight of.”
Cris Drant of Competum

Cris Drant

Operations Director · Compliance Manager · Designated Safeguarding Officer

Part of Competum since its foundation in 2018, Cris oversees daily operations, compliance, health and safety, and human resources. With over 20 years of experience in operational management, he helps create efficient processes and a safe, inclusive environment for learners and staff.

Cris believes in building lasting relationships through reliability and delivering on promises. Away from work, he enjoys golf, travelling, gardening and DIY.

“Having been with the company from day one, I am proud of what we have achieved and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as we continue to grow and support our clients and learners.”
Deana Drant of Competum

Deana Drant

Centre Administrator · Customer Support Coordinator

Deana joined the team in 2020 and coordinates our short course provision, including SSSTS, SMSTS, refresher training and NRSWA Street Works courses. She supports learners and employers from their first enquiry through to completion.

Approachable and attentive to detail, Deana takes pride in keeping customers informed and finding the best outcome for every enquiry. Outside work, she enjoys swimming, socialising, family time and caring for her animals.

Samantha Middleton of Competum

Samantha Middleton

Centre Administrator · Funding Specialist

Samantha supports the delivery of Skills Bootcamps and NVQs, managing registrations, certificates, cards, funding paperwork and invoicing. She also helps maintain assessor accreditations and keeps our processes accurate and up to date.

Her journey began through the Government’s Kickstart programme and grew into a permanent role. Outside work, she enjoys crocheting, ice skating, scrapbooking and travelling.

“One of the best things about working at Competum is the flexibility and the fantastic team. Everyone is friendly, supportive, and always willing to help.”
Cherry Zadeh of Competum

Cherry Zadeh

Marketing and Social Media Administrator

Cherry has been part of Competum since 2018. She creates and schedules social content, develops campaigns, analyses performance and responds to website enquiries and online course queries.

She continues to develop her marketing expertise and enjoys helping the business grow its online presence. Outside work, Cherry enjoys family time, brunch with friends, painting and drawing.

“I love what I do, and I take great pride in helping the business grow their online presence while continuing to develop my knowledge and skills.”
Our Mission
To empower businesses with innovative solutions that drive growth, efficiency, and success. We're committed to delivering exceptional value and building lasting partnerships with our clients.
Our Vision
To be the leading force in our industry, recognized globally for innovation, integrity, and impact. We envision a future where our solutions transform the way businesses operate and thrive.
Our Core Values
These principles guide everything we do and shape our culture

Excellence
We strive for the highest standards in everything we deliver, never settling for anything less than exceptional.
Collaboration
We believe in the power of teamwork and building strong relationships with our clients and partners.
Innovation
We continuously push boundaries and embrace new ideas to stay ahead of the curve and deliver cutting-edge solutions.
Integrity
We operate with transparency, honesty, and ethical practices in all our business relationships and decisions.
Growth
We're committed to continuous improvement and helping our clients achieve sustainable, long-term success.
Customer Focus
Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. Their success is our success, and we're dedicated to exceeding their expectations.