Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd
How a long-established family business used levy transfer support to grow its next generation workforce.
Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Service
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“The team have been very supportive throughout the process and guided us through each step. Every question was answered in detail, and we would highly recommend the service to other businesses.”
The Challenge
Expanding Opportunity with Limited Funding
Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd is a long-established, family-owned machinery dealership founded in 1898, with 19 branches across the South East, East Anglia and East Midlands. Operating across agriculture, construction and professional groundcare, the business supports a wide range of customers through machinery supply and servicing.
People development has always been central to the business, with apprenticeships playing a key role in building long-term careers. However, despite strong demand from applicants, the business faced a practical challenge — limited apprenticeship levy funds restricted how many new starters they could bring in each year.
To continue growing talent across multiple areas — from engineering to HR, IT and retail — they needed a way to expand opportunities without increasing financial pressure.
Unlocking Additional Support Through Levy Transfer
Through the Essex Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Service, Ernest Doe identified an opportunity to access additional funding to support their apprenticeship programme.
With guidance from the service, the business was able to navigate the process with confidence. What might have been complex became straightforward, with clear support at every stage — enabling them to focus on what mattered most: attracting and developing talent.
Building a Stronger, Future-Ready Workforce
The results have strengthened an already well-established commitment to skills and progression:
- Increased Apprentice Intake: Ability to recruit more apprentices than previously possible, without being limited by internal levy funds.
- Wider Career Pathways: Continued expansion of apprenticeships across multiple business areas, beyond traditional engineering roles.
- Long-Term Talent Development: Reinforcing a culture where apprenticeships lead to lasting careers — with many senior leaders starting their journey this way.
- Sustainable Workforce Growth: Embedding levy transfer as part of an ongoing strategy to future-proof the business.
By unlocking additional support and removing funding barriers, Ernest Doe is continuing to invest in its people, ensuring the business remains strong, skilled and ready for the future.
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