Growth Spark Training to co-exhibit with L&D Free Spirits at World of Learning 2025
L&D Free Spirits’ initiative with Venture Marketing Group continues to champion freelancers
L&D Free Spirits opened applications in July 2025 for freelancers to secure free exhibition space at October’s World of Learning event in Birmingham.
The scheme, run in partnership with Venture Marketing Group, was first introduced at the World of Learning Summit earlier in 2025. Conceived by Kim Ellis, CEO of L&D Free Spirits, it aims to give self-employed professionals in Learning and Development (L&D) a platform to raise their profile and connect with industry peers.
Applications closed in August 2025 and were carefully reviewed against clear criteria to ensure a fair selection.
Following the review process, L&D Free Spirits member Jayne Bates, Learning Facilitator and Designer at Growth Spark Training, was selected by the judging panel to co-exhibit with the Free Spirits team at the event.
Growth Spark Training provides learning design, facilitation and coaching across management and personal development, specialising in inclusivity and neurodivergence awareness.
Jayne, said:
"I’m thrilled to co-exhibit with Kim and the brilliant L&D Free Spirits team at the World of Learning show! Like Free Spirits, Growth Spark Training supports growth and development in all shapes and sizes for individuals and businesses alike. I’m looking forward to two days of talking to the L&D community, building my network and meeting professionals who need a trusted partner to support their next learning design or delivery project."
Andy Candler, Digital Learning Consultant at Aprendido and L&D Free Spirits ‘Wizard’, was a member of the judging panel.
Andy, said:
“Jayne came to the presentation with the complete story. She had planned how she was going to take advantage of the opportunity; before, during and after World of Learning. She had created a robust social media plan to tell the story of her involvement. She had a clear plan of what she was going to do at the show, and how it would complement L&D Free Spirits. And, most importantly for me, she had clearly defined what success looks like – and how she was going to measure it. I was extremely impressed with Jayne and really look forward to seeing her business flourish from this fantastic opportunity.”
The announcement comes as L&D Free Spirits commences its second year in business. The milestone coincides with recent investment in its members through the launch of a new community platform via Circle. This replaces the existing Slack group to offer a more scalable and structured space for collaboration and growth.
L&D Free Spirits’ members benefit from exclusive events, curated learning resources, coaching and a dedicated e-portfolio, plus business and professional services support through its corporate partners.
L&D Free Spirits and Growth Spark Training are at The World of Learning Exhibition 7-8 October on stand H90, between the VIP Lounge and Seminar Theatre 2.