Leadership training in the UK is available at various price points without sacrificing outcomes. Options range from online modules (£500–£2,000) for new managers to advanced programmes (£5,000–£15,000+) for senior leaders. These programmes can improve staff retention by 12% and deliver strong ROI, with £7 gained for every £1 spent. Delivery formats include in-person, virtual, and blended options, catering to different budgets and team needs.
This article compares five affordable UK providers, covering pricing, delivery methods, and suitability for different leadership levels. Use this guide to shortlist the best provider for your organisation’s needs. For further details, explore our leadership training directory.
UK Leadership Training Providers Comparison: Pricing, Delivery & Focus Areas
1. MTD Training
Pricing and Budget Options
MTD Training provides flexible pricing for leadership development programmes. Their 2‑day High‑Impact Leadership Training is offered at two price points: £595 + VAT for a CPD certificate, or £695 + VAT for both ILM and CPD accreditations. Both packages include a course workbook, catering, weekly email management tips, and ongoing post‑course support.
For organisations, funding options are available. Those utilising the Apprenticeship Levy can access fully funded programmes, while SMEs may be eligible for up to 95% co‑funding. Bespoke in‑house training is another option, often proving more cost-effective for larger teams. These pricing structures allow flexibility to suit various budgets and needs.
Delivery Formats
MTD offers a range of delivery formats to accommodate different preferences. Open courses are held in major UK cities, including London (Heathrow and Central), Manchester, Coventry, and Bristol. Additional options include bespoke in‑house training, virtual webinars, and blended programmes that combine workshops with digital modules over 3–18 months. Participant feedback highlights satisfaction, with an average rating of 9.5 out of 10 for these methods.
Suitability for Different Seniority Levels
MTD adapts its programmes based on participants' experience levels. For first-time managers, the Essential Management Skills course is a good starting point. Meanwhile, the High‑Impact Leadership Training is designed for middle and senior managers, department heads, and those preparing for leadership transitions. Customised, long-term development plans are also available for all levels, from aspiring managers to senior executives.
Areas of Focus
MTD emphasises practical results and behavioural change, reflected in the words of CEO Sean McPheat:
If the training does not change behaviour, then we are paying for entertainment.
Key focus areas include emotional intelligence, delegation, resilience, and practical application. Their impact is demonstrated through case studies: Great Western Railway reported a £1.2 million improvement following an MTD programme, while First Group saw a 19% boost in confidence among new managers.
2. Skillshub
Pricing and Budget Options
Skillshub offers a cost-conscious alternative to more traditional providers, often criticised for failing to deliver measurable outcomes. While exact subscription prices are not listed publicly, the platform avoids the hefty setup and consultancy fees commonly associated with enterprise-level learning management systems. With quick onboarding processes, Skillshub keeps costs manageable. Its hybrid content model combines a pre-built library of over 500 modules with the option to upload your own materials, reducing the need for multiple subscriptions.
Delivery Formats
Skillshub's delivery methods align with its budget-friendly approach, offering modern and accessible digital training. The platform features a "Netflix-style" interface, enabling users to engage with short videos, reflection prompts, and micro-challenges designed for immediate application. Skillshub can function as a standalone solution or integrate with major learning management systems. Organisations also have the flexibility to upload their own videos and documents, complementing the ready-made content.
Suitability for Different Seniority Levels
Skillshub caters to both managers and employees, focusing on performance-driven training that enhances workplace and leadership skills rather than merely fulfilling compliance requirements. CEO Sean McPheat summarises the platform's user-friendly approach:
If it takes a user more than three clicks to start learning, it's too complicated.
Areas of Focus
Skillshub is designed to ensure training translates into practical workplace improvements. The platform prioritises behavioural change and effective "learning transfer", helping users turn theoretical knowledge into actionable skills. Features such as reflection prompts, manager check-ins, and action tracking reinforce learning. According to research cited by Skillshub, 90% of training is forgotten within a week without proper reinforcement. McPheat highlights the platform's core mission:
The goal isn't to create a library of courses that look good on a dashboard. The goal is to help people do their jobs better.
3. Oxford Executive Leadership Programme
Pricing and Budget Options
The Oxford Executive Leadership Programme offers several pricing tiers. The online five-day certificate programme costs £3,100, while in-person classroom sessions in London are priced at approximately £4,650. For those attending sessions in New York, the cost rises to around £6,200. Discounts are available, but these must be requested via email or phone and cannot be combined with other offers[14,15]. For those looking to save, the online option provides a more affordable alternative to in-person sessions.
Delivery Formats
Participants can choose between online and in-person formats. The online programme uses an advanced digital platform designed to mimic the on-campus experience, featuring interactive content and collaborative cohort activities. In-person sessions are hosted in key global cities, including London, Dubai, Paris, Barcelona, Tokyo, and New York. For online participants, the fee includes access to all necessary digital materials. Longer programmes, such as the 10-day Advanced Management Programme costing £9,300, are spread over 9–12 months, allowing senior leaders to balance their professional commitments with learning[15,17].
Suitability for Different Seniority Levels
This programme is tailored for senior leaders, particularly executives and high-potential individuals preparing to step into senior management roles. It is ideal for those already managing significant responsibilities, such as CEOs and directors. For team leaders and supervisors, Oxford also offers related courses designed to meet their specific development needs.
Areas of Focus
The curriculum emphasises personal leadership growth, strategic thinking, and navigating complex organisational challenges. Key modules include topics like leading oneself, fostering high-performing teams, strategic alignment, and driving organisational transformation. The programme has demonstrated tangible benefits: Virgin Media achieved a 17% improvement in its eNPS score and an 8% boost in overall engagement, while Roxtec recorded 33% business growth between 2011 and 2014. Keith McLoughlin, President and CEO of Electrolux, shared his experience:
Oxford Leadership™ helped our Group Management Team significantly sharpen our strategic focus, create alignment, strengthen teamwork and improve overall performance of the Electrolux Group.
4. Leadership Trust
Pricing and Budget Options
Leadership Trust does not list detailed pricing on its website, so organisations need to arrange a free consultation or contact the provider directly for quotes and access to the 2026 programme schedule. Fees range from £800 for a four-week online Leadership Fundamentals course to £8,000 for the six-month Leadership in Management hybrid programme. The 12-month Cultivate Leadership programme starts at £7,800, while shorter three-day courses, such as Leading Change and Building Resilience, are priced from £1,500. One notable example of the programme's impact is WashCo, which credited the Leadership in Management course for helping grow its turnover from £12 million to £18 million. These pricing options are paired with flexible delivery formats designed to meet varied organisational needs.
Delivery Formats
Leadership Trust offers a hybrid delivery model, combining immersive residential modules with online workshops and one-to-one coaching. Core programmes like Cultivate Leadership and Leadership in Management feature multi-day residential sessions held at Chelsea Parkfields, Herefordshire, alongside virtual modules spread over 6 to 12 months. For organisations unable to travel, virtual workshops and bespoke on-site training are also available. The residential aspect is a key component of the methodology, encouraging participants to step away from daily responsibilities and engage in intensive, experiential challenges. These sessions emphasise peer feedback and are conducted with a maximum 1:8 faculty-to-delegate ratio.
Suitability for Different Seniority Levels
Leadership Trust designs its programmes to align with specific leadership stages rather than generic job roles. The Cultivate Leadership programme is aimed at new and first-level managers, focusing on emotional intelligence and resilience over a 12-month period. The Leadership in Management programme caters to mid-level and senior managers, helping them refine self-mastery and strategic impact through a six-month journey, which includes a 5½-day intensive residential component. For C-suite executives, bespoke programmes are crafted to address unique organisational challenges. With over five decades of experience and more than 80,000 leaders trained across 30 countries, Leadership Trust brings a wealth of expertise to leaders at all levels.
Areas of Focus
The provider emphasises experiential learning and behaviour change, underpinned by behavioural science. Leadership Trust employs what it describes as "high-intensity" leadership techniques, focusing on building "personal power" - enhancing self-awareness and the ability to lead under pressure. Instead of relying on theory alone, the programmes incorporate simulated high-pressure scenarios and real-time peer feedback. In one case study, Eric Gregoire, former CEO of Goodpack, stated the programme "turbocharged" their sales organisation, resulting in a $26 million improvement in price performance. Participant progress is tracked using a proprietary Personal Power Index feedback tool, based on NPS methodology, administered at the start and end of each programme. With a 4.6/5 rating from 242 reviews and an 80% client return rate, Leadership Trust demonstrates a strong commitment to measurable leadership development outcomes.
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5. CoachHub
CoachHub is a contemporary digital platform designed to simplify leadership coaching through an entirely online approach.
Pricing and Budget Options
The platform operates on a subscription or per-user licence model, with pricing tailored to your organisation's needs. Options are available to support leaders at different levels, from first-time managers to senior executives. For precise costs, you'll need to contact CoachHub directly, as quotes depend on factors like programme length and the number of participants.
Delivery Formats
CoachHub's services are delivered exclusively online, making it a scalable solution for organisations with teams spread across multiple locations in the UK.
Suitability for Different Seniority Levels
The platform caters to a wide spectrum of leadership roles, ensuring that coaching is relevant and effective for both emerging leaders and experienced executives.
Areas of Focus
CoachHub emphasises personalised coaching to support leadership growth, whether for those stepping into management for the first time or seasoned leaders looking to refine their skills.
Comparison Table
This table highlights key differences among five leadership training and executive coaching providers, focusing on pricing, delivery methods, seniority levels, and primary areas of expertise. It’s designed to help you identify the best fit for your organisation’s needs and budget.
| Provider | Price Range | Delivery Formats | Seniority Served | Primary Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTD Training | £200–£2,000 per session for workshop-based programmes | In-person, virtual, blended | Everyday managers and teams | Practical tools, measurable behaviour change, performance improvement |
| Skillshub | £100–£1,000 per digital course | Online, self-paced | Small to mid-sized businesses, all levels | Cost-effective learning, bite-sized skills |
| Oxford Executive Leadership Programme | Premium executive education pricing | Virtual workshops and online | CEOs, directors, senior executives | Strategic development, academic frameworks |
| Leadership Trust | 12-month hybrid for new managers, 6-month hybrid for mid-to-senior levels | Virtual, on-site, residential (Herefordshire centre) | New managers to senior leaders | Experiential learning, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, resilience |
| CoachHub | Subscription or per-user licence (contact for quote) | Online one-to-one coaching | First-time managers to senior executives | Personalised coaching, individual accountability, scalable development |
This comparison shows how each provider caters to specific leadership challenges and budget considerations. For instance, MTD Training focuses on practical, measurable outcomes, while CoachHub offers tailored one-to-one coaching for individual growth.
Executive coaching costs vary widely, with monthly fees ranging from £2,000 to £10,000, and group sessions typically costing £500 to £3,000. Your choice should depend on whether you prioritise affordability, academic depth, experiential approaches, or personalised coaching.
Conclusion
The UK offers a range of leadership training options, catering to various needs - from hands-on programmes for first-time managers to advanced coaching for senior leaders. These solutions can deliver measurable outcomes when aligned with clear training objectives.
Start by defining your goals. As Sean McPheat, CEO of MTD Training, wisely states:
If the training does not change behaviour, then we are paying for entertainment.
Consider the full cost of your investment, factoring in travel, accommodation, and post-training support to evaluate the overall value. Laura Bouttell from Quarterdeck highlights:
The cost question shouldn't be 'What's the cheapest option?' but 'What investment produces the development I need?'.
While low-cost programmes might seem appealing, they can waste resources if they fail to deliver results. On the other hand, higher-priced options with strong support often provide better long-term returns.
Ensure you check the provider's credentials and areas of expertise. Look for recognised accreditations such as ILM or CPD to confirm the training meets professional standards. Match the provider’s focus to your organisation's specific needs, whether that's improving emotional intelligence, adopting data-driven strategies, or addressing challenges unique to SMEs. Additionally, UK organisations may benefit from exploring apprenticeship funding to make leadership development more affordable.
For more guidance, refer to the comparison table above and visit Leadership Training Hub to shortlist providers that align with your requirements.
FAQs
How can I select the best leadership training provider for my organisation?
Choosing a leadership training provider involves aligning their offerings with your organisation’s specific goals. Begin by clarifying your objectives - whether it’s upskilling senior leaders, boosting team performance, or focusing on areas like emotional intelligence. Check that the provider’s programmes are designed to address these priorities and cater to the seniority level of your participants. It’s also worth considering whether they offer in-person, online, or hybrid delivery formats to suit your organisation’s preferences.
Practical considerations like budget, programme length, and delivery style are equally important. In the UK, leadership training costs can vary widely, from a few hundred pounds for shorter workshops to over £20,000 for comprehensive executive-level programmes. Finding a provider that balances quality and value is key. Additionally, look into their expertise, reputation, and ability to customise training to meet your organisation’s specific needs.
Finally, take into account feedback from other organisations, particularly those in similar industries or facing comparable challenges. Using tools like directories and comparison platforms can simplify your search, helping you identify providers that align with your leadership development goals and organisational requirements.
What are the main benefits of leadership training for employees at different levels?
Investing in leadership training across different levels of an organisation offers clear benefits. For mid-level managers and emerging leaders, it strengthens self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and adaptability - key skills that enable them to lead confidently and tackle challenges effectively. For senior leaders, customised programmes often emphasise strategic thinking, decision-making, and motivating teams to achieve broader organisational goals.
Such training fosters a culture of ongoing development, enhances team collaboration, and supports succession planning by equipping individuals for future leadership roles. By aligning individual growth with the organisation’s priorities, it can lead to higher engagement, improved retention, and better overall performance, with tangible outcomes like increased productivity and a stronger leadership pipeline.
What funding options are available to make leadership training more affordable for organisations?
Organisations in the UK can lower the expense of leadership training by considering a range of funding opportunities. Government-funded programmes and grants are available, which may cover some or all of the training costs. For example, certain leadership and management qualifications can qualify for financial support, depending on specific eligibility criteria. Some training providers also offer fully funded places, often targeted at sectors like not-for-profits or specific demographics.
Apprenticeships and skills funding schemes provide another cost-effective route. These options can help subsidise employee development if the organisation meets the necessary conditions. Additionally, organisations like the NHS offer funding for leadership development through tailored courses and continuing professional development (CPD) programmes. Taking advantage of these resources allows organisations to enhance leadership capabilities while staying within budget.
