Growth and Innovation: Knowledge Transfer Partnerships at The Finishing Line

Our Local Skills Improvement Plan team were graciously hosted by The Finishing Line, along with the University of Essex and SEATS to discuss the growth opportunities experienced by The Finishing Line as a direct result of engaging with Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and Apprenticeships through those partners.

The evening offered many insights into the connections and collaboration that allowed Andy Mead, Managing Director of The Finishing Line to build a culture of change and devotion within his company. His story from start to finish proves “culture eats strategy” and inspired all.

Following a warm welcome from our CEO, Denise Rossiter, guests heard from Andy about his business journey before the partners involved, Holly Leonard (University of Essex) and Sam Dunphy (SEATS) explained their roles in developing the business progression – to whom Andy credits much of his 62% growth over the last two years.

The University of Essex were able to assist The Finishing Line through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). The business and university jointly proposed a project, which would be facilitated and developed by a KTP associate with support from university researchers. The project and associate are part funded by Innovate UK, creating real drive for growth and opportunity in research and development areas that may seem previously unattainable.

For Andy, the KTP project allowed his business to delve into a new market and expand into eCommerce. A market for which his business has now invested time and money to generate over 60% growth, with new facilities and staff.

Through the growth spurred by the KTP, Andy had been able to reach out and take on apprentices through SEATS, who were able to aggregate demand and build around the business and its needs to train Andy’s staff in the areas that really mattered to the business.

Change it to If you would like more information on any aspect of Andy’s journey or the partners he connected with, please contact our LSIP Executive Assistant Lewis Whybrow.

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15.04.2026