Episode Overview

This episode explores what it really takes to build a scalable education business. Jen shares lessons from three decades in one organisation, including leadership, succession planning, and preparing for exit.

The conversation focuses on the shift from founder-led to system-led businesses. It challenges common assumptions about growth, value, and control.

At its core, this episode is about building something that works beyond the founder. That means strong leadership layers, clear accountability, and a business model that can stand on its own.

00:01:00 – Jen’s journey into education business

00:04:00 – Purpose and working in schools

00:06:00 – Leaving and returning with clarity

00:07:00 – Ownership and mindset shift

00:11:00 – Preparing a business for sale

00:13:00 – Systems, metrics and scalability

00:15:00 – What buyers are really investing in

00:17:00 – Succession planning explained

00:22:00 – Hiring and developing leaders

00:25:00 – Culture and people strategy

00:28:00 – Staying relevant in education

00:29:00 – Relationships and long-term growth

All About Jen:

Jen Elliott is CEO of EPM Ltd, a leading provider of HR and payroll services supporting over 2,000 schools and trusts across the UK. With more than 30 years of experience, EPM partners with school and academy leaders to navigate complex staffing and employee relations challenges, delivering technology-enabled solutions across HR, payroll, pensions, safeguarding, compliance, and consultancy.

Having worked in the business since 1996 Jen was appointed as EPM CEO in 2017. She has worked with many schools and some of the UK’s largest MATs over the last 30 years, supporting academy leaders with complex staffing and employee relations issues. In 2025, Jen founded the Network of Education Excellence (nEdEx), designed to bring together education leaders to share insight, drive innovation and strengthen sector collaboration.

She also Chaired the Board of CF Group, an organisation dedicated to supporting young people through Alternative Provision, children’s homes, and independent social work services, leading the organisation through to its sale in 2025. Outside Education Jen is on the Advisory Board of www.eightfourtwo.co.uk, a financial investment business. Jen is passionate about supporting young people with their careers and providing development opportunities for students to support with the transition from school to business.

Website: www.epm.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-elliott-b1187023