MTD Training is one of the UK’s leading management and leadership training providers, having trained close to one million learners across more than 9,000 organizations in 25 countries. They specialize in practical, results-driven management and leadership training.
Their approach is simple: no jargon, no theory for theory’s sake. Every course, pathway and tool is grounded in real-world application, helping leaders build confidence, capability, and impact the moment they return to work.
But like many training providers, MTD ran into a familiar problem when their growth outpaced the systems that supported it. For years, MTD’s operations ran on spreadsheets, templates, and manual processes. Every course meant 20 minutes of admin. Every joiner received instructions that were individually written and emailed by an administrator. Every payment was handled manually. And every virtual session required someone to manage Zoom links, reminders, and materials by hand.
“It worked,” says Founder & CEO Sean McPheat, “but it wasn’t sustainable. Our team spent more time on admin than on customers. Nothing talked to each other. Everything took too long.”
That problem led them to search for a dedicated training management system that could replace their disjointed systems, manual processes and deliver a seamless learner experience.
“We needed a platform that could remove friction, automate the basics, and help us deliver the kind of experience our clients expect from us,” Sean explains. “We needed something built for training providers, not just a generic system we were trying to force to fit.”
From complex workflows to one single system
From the very first demo, Sean could see that Arlo hit the brief.
The manual tasks that were consuming the team’s time were significantly reduced. Confirmations and receipts sent themselves. Joining instructions were instant and accurate. Virtual courses generated their own Zoom links, reminders, and calendar invites. Certificates went out automatically when courses were completed.
“Arlo just got it,” he says. “We looked at a few alternatives, but most were either too basic or too rigid for what we needed. Arlo stood out because it was built specifically for training providers and had the flexibility to fit how we work. The automation alone was unbelievable.”
Payments were previously a slow, invoice-heavy process. Where only 15% of customers previously paid online, that number jumped to 70% with Arlo. With Arlo’s seamless online registration, checkout, and payment integrations, MTD’s registrations increased by 25%.
“Within a year, we’d saved the equivalent of two full-time admin roles,” Sean says. “Our bookings process dropped from 20 minutes to two. The difference has been night and day.”
Trainers, who previously spent hours chasing attendee lists, emailing for materials, or requesting updates, could now log into Arlo to find everything they need from schedules, participants, documents, and any pre-course notes.
Since implementing Arlo, MTD has completely transformed its workflow, customer experience and operational efficiency. Achieving massive time savings, a surge in online registrations, and a far more professional, seamless learner journey.
Professional and seamless learner journey
With a 96% client satisfaction rate, a team of highly experienced trainers, and a global reputation for quality, MTD wanted a learner experience that matched the excellence of their training.
With Arlo’s automation they’ve achieved that. Every learner now receives timely, consistent communication. They can easily register for a course online, manage their courses in the self portal, effortless access Zoom sessions, elearning materials and certificates. And everything from registration to the automated emails and certificates is on-brand and customizable.
“It’s seamless,” Sean explains. “The clarity, the speed and the professionalism has elevated the whole MTD brand. And because everything is automated, nothing gets missed. It’s been a genuine shift from firefighting to focusing on quality and our team and customers are happier.”
The impact has been measurable. Customer support queries have dropped. Errors have decreased. And the hours once lost to manual processes have been reinvested in improving programmes, supporting clients and scaling MTD’s offering globally.
“We’re not just more efficient, we’re more impactful,” Sean says. “Arlo has allowed us to scale without losing control.”
Scaling with blended learning
Virtual course delivery, once a complex operational puzzle, now runs like clockwork. Every virtual course scheduled in Arlo automatically generates its Zoom link, sends it to delegates with reminders, and updates trainers’ calendars.
“It removes the risk of human error and missed invites. Learners get joining details, timings, and pre-course materials all in one place. It feels professional, smooth and consistent every single time.” Says Sean.
Arlo’s ability to manage in-person, virtual, elearning and blended delivery has also freed up the team to invest more time where it matters most: scaling their business and delivering more exceptional learning.
With the admin taken care of, the team can focus on improving courses and the learner experience.
“We’ve been able to create more blended learning options, build out new course content, and spend more time supporting clients with tailored development programs.” says Sean.
When asked what he’d say to other training providers who are considering switching to Arlo, Sean says:
“If you want to scale without losing control, make the switch to Arlo. The time savings alone make it worth it, but the real benefit is the professionalism it brings to your learner experience. It’s one of the few systems that truly delivers what it promises. We’re no longer stuck in inboxes or spreadsheets. Arlo has given us back the space to focus on what really matters – delivering training that makes an impact.”
