Thrive Learning, the Nottingham-headquartered learning technology company, has been named a finalist in The Customer Loyalty Award at The Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards 2026. The business describes itself as one of Europe’s fastest-growing learning technology companies, using a single AI-powered platform to help employers develop workforces that are more skilled, more engaged and better connected.
Founded in 2018, Thrive began as a challenger to established learning management systems and now positions itself as a global employee enablement platform. It will compete for The Customer Loyalty Award, which recognises businesses that turn outstanding service into lasting customer relationships.
One platform, beyond the course catalogue
The company combines learning, communication, knowledge sharing, skills development, mentoring and coaching in one place, supporting millions of users across retail, financial services, hospitality, aviation, manufacturing, healthcare and the public sector. Where traditional learning platforms concentrate on course management and compliance, Thrive says it helps organisations solve wider business challenges, from onboarding and employee engagement to leadership development, knowledge retention and workforce transformation. AI-powered search, content creation, skills mapping, mentoring and coaching tools aim to put the right knowledge and expertise in front of people exactly when they need it.
Long-term partnerships with household names
Customer success sits at the centre of Thrive’s growth. The platform powers learning and development for some of the world’s most recognisable brands, including Volvo Cars, Emirates, Vodafone, Avon, National Highways, Burger King and Jet2, the company reports, with partnerships built on long-term relationships, measurable outcomes and a sustained focus on customer value. According to the company’s website, Thrive is trusted by more than 500 organisations and five million users in more than 60 countries, with offices in the UK, UAE and United States. Records at Companies House show Thrive Learning Limited remains an active private limited company registered in Nottinghamshire.
Investment, acquisitions and recognition
Over the past 18 months, Thrive says it has quadrupled its investment in product development and expanded its AI capabilities. The business has also acquired Huler and Guider, adding employee experience, coaching and mentoring capabilities and strengthening its position as a category leader. Both deals were announced on the company’s own newsroom, and technology title BusinessCloud reported that the Huler acquisition completed just weeks after a multi-million pound deal for Guider.
That momentum has been matched by multiple industry awards, the company reports, including wins at the Learning Technologies Awards, the Brandon Hall Excellence Awards and the Learning Excellence Awards, alongside recognition as one of Europe’s fastest-growing technology businesses.
As employers navigate rapid technological change, Thrive aims to redefine what workplace learning can be, helping customers build the skills, knowledge and connections needed to perform today and adapt for the future. Its shortlisting at The Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards puts that customer-first record before the judges, with winners revealed at Grosvenor House on 10 November 2026.
