About Us

Meet the Qualitrain team

Richard Bates

Group CEO

Qualitrain’s founder and head of the Qualitrain Group, Richard has an impressive and extensive background in both general engineering and specific areas such as medical product development and the polymer industry. As a Chartered Mechanical Engineer and proud member of The Institute of Mechanical Engineers he developed his skills for Six Sigma statistics by carrying out medical product validation protocols for implant devices and surgical instruments.

His development of highly successful partnerships with various colleges and delivery partners for the delivery of Business Improvement Training, Engineering and Apprenticeships into industry has delivered rapid growth for Qualitrain and an enviable reputation. The company has over 1200 students across a wide range of industries and has enjoyed further growth over the last 12 years, tripling its staff of trainer/assessors to meet demand.

Richard and his team of directors have successfully identified how to adapt the business through ever changing circumstances and will continue to make Qualitrain and its partner companies the first choice for their customers.

Alan Bates

Quality Director

Alan is an experienced Production Manager with particular expertise gained at senior level in the polymer industry. He has valuable experience in the implementation of Lean Six Sigma practices and has created hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of savings for manufacturing businesses. Alan also has specific management experience in medical and pharmaceutical grade plastics manufacturing plants.

Alan’s success draws on a strongly analytical approach and a deep understanding of control, efficiency, and quality improvement systems. He has managed the acquisition and integration of other businesses, and, following close analysis of supply chains, created valuable problem solving initiatives which have vastly improved the efficient throughput of goods.

Leon Bowler

Managing Director

Leon’s extensive background in the fast-paced print and packaging industries has provided him with an intimate knowledge of the demands of 24-hour industrial environments, and an advanced capacity for implementing Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement programmes in the most highly-stressed manufacturing scenarios.

A committed and continuing student of Business Improvement techniques over many years, Leon is highly qualified both academically and by experience, and has an in-depth knowledge of many Lean Manufacturing philosophies and techniques. He has implemented 5S, Total Productive Maintenance and Multi-skilling schemes, and has overseen valuable improvements in Overall Equipment Effectiveness, waste, and manpower utilisation.

Lee Rookes

Operations Director

Lee specialises in the delivery and management of large cohorts of Business Improvement training and qualifications. His extensive background and advanced qualifications in the continuous production environments of the plastics industry have given Lee a deep knowledge and practical experience of ‘Lean’ application. Over the last 8 years, he has been able to apply these skills to the rail industry, supporting maintenance depots with mentoring, advice and over 1300 Business Improvement and other qualifications.

Having successfully introduced improvement-led qualifications within this sector, Lee now has his sights on bringing the same package of benefits to additional rail and other engineering businesses. A firm believer in continuous improvement, Lee is currently undertaking further key qualifications to further his already extensive knowledge and experience, including a Six Sigma Black Belt and Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership.