Meet The Mind Behind Step Ahead

A Word From Our Founder

CEO Jackie Bedford thanking participants for attending a successful Step Ahead work event.
CEO Jackie Bedford thanking participants for attending a successful Step Ahead work event.
CEO Jackie Bedford thanking participants for attending a successful Step Ahead work event.

Jackie Bedford - Founder & CEO

"My passion is helping people to be the very best they can be by realising their real potential. I believe that everyone has something to offer; sometimes attitudes and limiting beliefs can get in the way of identifying what that is and how to harness it in a positive way. My goal is to develop amazing initiatives to help people from all walks of life to find their true purpose.

I am always interested in connecting with like-minded people, and discussing challenging and exciting new ventures.

I am really proud of my company, Step Ahead. We have a team of amazing people that work tirelessly to improve the lives of others who are often less fortunate than us."

"My passion is helping people to be the very best they can be by realising their real potential. I believe that everyone has something to offer; sometimes attitudes and limiting beliefs can get in the way of identifying what that is and how to harness it in a positive way. My goal is to develop amazing initiatives to help people from all walks of life to find their true purpose.

I am always interested in connecting with like-minded people, and discussing challenging and exciting new ventures.

I am really proud of my company, Step Ahead. We have a team of amazing people that work tirelessly to improve the lives of others who are often less fortunate than us."

"My passion is helping people to be the very best they can be by realising their real potential. I believe that everyone has something to offer; sometimes attitudes and limiting beliefs can get in the way of identifying what that is and how to harness it in a positive way. My goal is to develop amazing initiatives to help people from all walks of life to find their true purpose.

I am always interested in connecting with like-minded people, and discussing challenging and exciting new ventures.

I am really proud of my company, Step Ahead. We have a team of amazing people that work tirelessly to improve the lives of others who are often less fortunate than us."

Our Journey

How We Became Renowned For Excellence

Step Ahead's first office.
Step Ahead's first office.
Step Ahead's first office.

Step Ahead began its journey in 1997 from a small office in Islington with just three staff members, including the visionary Founder, Jackie Bedford. With a decade of experience in the Recruitment sector, Jackie aimed to create a trusted name in Recruitment, delivering bespoke services tailored to customer's needs. Step Ahead's ethos of listening and learning from its customers—both internal and external—remains unchanged, ensuring genuine value for businesses and individuals.

Step Ahead began its journey in 1997 from a small office in Islington with just three staff members, including the visionary Founder, Jackie Bedford. With a decade of experience in the Recruitment sector, Jackie aimed to create a trusted name in Recruitment, delivering bespoke services tailored to customer's needs. Step Ahead's ethos of listening and learning from its customers—both internal and external—remains unchanged, ensuring genuine value for businesses and individuals.

By the end of its first year, Step Ahead had already made a significant impact. DTI Minister, Barbara Roche, presented them with the prestigious “Best Business Practice” award. Since then, the accolades have kept coming, with eight awards including the National Training Award (2001), Best Training Provider (2021), Innovative Use of Technology (2009), and Customer Focus (2015).

By the end of its first year, Step Ahead had already made a significant impact. DTI Minister, Barbara Roche, presented them with the prestigious “Best Business Practice” award. Since then, the accolades have kept coming, with eight awards including the National Training Award (2001), Best Training Provider (2021), Innovative Use of Technology (2009), and Customer Focus (2015).

The Step Ahead team receiving an award.
The Step Ahead team receiving an award.
The Step Ahead team receiving an award.
A Step Ahead manager giving a talk to staff.
A Step Ahead manager giving a talk to staff.
A Step Ahead manager giving a talk to staff.

Step Ahead has forged successful, long-term partnerships, especially within the public and third sectors, such as the NHS, educational institutions, local authorities, and government departments. Their deep understanding of these sectors allows them to offer intelligent, consultative partnerships and top service quality for the provision of skilled temporary, permanent and contract workers.

Step Ahead has forged successful, long-term partnerships, especially within the public and third sectors, such as the NHS, educational institutions, local authorities, and government departments. Their deep understanding of these sectors allows them to offer intelligent, consultative partnerships and top service quality for the provision of skilled temporary, permanent and contract workers.

In 2001, driven by a desire to give back to the community, Step Ahead launched its first Employability contract in partnership with City and Islington College, supporting the unemployed and disadvantaged into jobs. Since then, through collaborations with the GLA, DWP, BIDs, local authorities, and business partners, Step Ahead has helped thousands of jobseekers find employment whilst assisting employers in meeting their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals.

In 2001, driven by a desire to give back to the community, Step Ahead launched its first Employability contract in partnership with City and Islington College, supporting the unemployed and disadvantaged into jobs. Since then, through collaborations with the GLA, DWP, BIDs, local authorities, and business partners, Step Ahead has helped thousands of jobseekers find employment whilst assisting employers in meeting their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals.

A group of staff collaborating on an education and employment project.
A group of staff collaborating on an education and employment project.
A group of staff collaborating on an education and employment project.
The Ofsted "Good" provider logo.
The Ofsted "Good" provider logo.
The Ofsted "Good" provider logo.

The Training division of Step Ahead, established in 2011, has consistently delivered primary and subcontracted projects on time and to target. As an Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ Primary Adult Education Budget (AEB) contract holder, Step Ahead is dedicated to providing innovative, high-quality training solutions, going above and beyond to help customers reach their full potential.

The Training division of Step Ahead, established in 2011, has consistently delivered primary and subcontracted projects on time and to target. As an Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ Primary Adult Education Budget (AEB) contract holder, Step Ahead is dedicated to providing innovative, high-quality training solutions, going above and beyond to help customers reach their full potential.

In April 2022, Step Ahead celebrated 25 years of transforming lives and making a difference for thousands of customers.

In April 2022, Step Ahead celebrated 25 years of transforming lives and making a difference for thousands of customers.

A champagne bottle from Step Ahead's 25th anniversary party.
A champagne bottle from Step Ahead's 25th anniversary party.
A champagne bottle from Step Ahead's 25th anniversary party.
Step Ahead logo.

Your Journey Starts here

Partner with us to bring positive change.

Step Ahead logo.

Your Journey Starts here

Partner with us to bring positive change.