Get Inspired – boost your supply chain brilliance
Who we are
The Supply Chain Academy is a specialist provider of supply chain education, combining academic learning with professional practice and workplace application.
Founded in 2012 by Iain Liddell and based at Upminster Court, we deliver business-connected education designed to develop the knowledge, skills and capabilities required across the supply chain sector.
As part of GB Global, and through our academic partnerships, we bring together industry expertise and academic standards to create relevant, work-based learning experiences.
Our purpose
Our purpose is to provide business-led, academically robust and work-based supply chain education.
We connect academic theory with the realities of the workplace, helping learners develop knowledge they can apply directly to their roles and organisations.
Our approach to learning
Our model brings together three essential elements:
Academic knowledge
Developing a strong foundation in supply chain theory, concepts and current thinking.
Professional practice
Building the skills and behaviours required to operate effectively in the industry.
Workplace application
Putting learning into practice through real workplace challenges, projects and opportunities.
This approach helps learners connect what they study with the organisations and roles in which they work.
Our history
The Supply Chain Academy was founded in 2012 to support professional development within the supply chain sector.
Since then, our provision has evolved from professional development programmes to apprenticeships and degree-level education, including our partnership with the University of West London (UWL).
Our academic partnerships
University of West London
We work in partnership with the University of West London to deliver the BSc (Hons) Leading Digital Transformation for Sustainable Supply Chains, combining university academic standards with our specialist industry and workplace expertise.
This partnership supports programmes designed to develop the next generation of supply chain professionals.
Leeds Trinity University
We work with Leeds Trinity University, with whom we have developed and deliver the BSc (Hons) Professional Practice in Supply Chain Leadership Degree Apprenticeship. This enables us to innovatively fill the gap between business needs and academic qualifications.
Our industry context
The Supply Chain Academy is part of GB Global, providing a direct connection to a wider supply chain group and its industry environment.
This relationship strengthens our understanding of the challenges facing supply chain organisations and supports our focus on practical, commercially relevant education.
Our people
Our programmes are supported by a team bringing together academic expertise, industry knowledge and learner support.
This includes:
- Academic leadership – providing strategic and academic direction.
- Programme leaders – overseeing programme delivery and learner experience.
- Practitioner faculty – bringing professional experience and industry insight into learning.
- Personal Tutors and student support – providing guidance throughout the learner journey.
Together, our teams support learners from enrolment through to completion.
Academic quality governance
Academic quality is central to our approach.
Our programmes operate within defined academic and quality frameworks, with appropriate oversight from our academic partners and internal governance processes.
We monitor programme delivery, learner progress and assessment to help maintain consistent academic standards and a high-quality learning experience.
Our learning environment
Our learning environment combines face-to-face teaching, digital resources and workplace learning.
Based at Upminster Court, our learning centre provides a dedicated environment for teaching and learner support, complemented by digital learning resources that enable learners to access materials and continue their development beyond the classroom.
For apprentices, workplace learning is an integral part of the experience, connecting academic study directly to their professional role.
Our educational principles
Our approach is guided by five principles:
Student-centred
We put learners and their development at the heart of our provision.
Business-connected
We connect education with the needs and realities of the workplace.
Inclusive
We create an environment where learners from different backgrounds and experiences can develop and succeed.
Evidence-led
We encourage informed thinking, critical analysis and the use of evidence in decision-making.
Sustainable
We recognise the importance of developing supply chain professionals who understand sustainability and its growing role in business.
Key information
Find the information you need about studying with the Supply Chain Academy.