Optima: Upskilling and uplifting customers everyday
Technology is changing lives daily, and no one knows this better than Optima’s Jamie Billington. Where many fear technology might take their job, Jamie does the opposite and runs towards the future, helping people use technology to their advantage and gain a leg-up in the job market.
Career-changing training
From cyber security to cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence, Optima is empowering people to pivot their careers through intensive, long-term IT academies that go far beyond your average training course. Based at the Greenway Business Centre in Harlow, Optima IT specialises in helping adults, often with no prior experience, retrain into well-paid tech careers, with potential salaries ranging from £45,000 to £130,000+.
Unlike many short-term bootcamps or one-off certifications, Optima’s programmes last six months to a year, offering unlimited exams and resits, one-on-one coaching, and tailored support. Their student success stories reflect not just exam results, but life-changing transformations.
“We don’t just teach tech,” Jamie explains. “We teach people how to rebuild their working lives. That includes confidence, soft skills, and career coaching.”
Their hybrid delivery and remote-friendly infrastructure makes them accessible UK-wide.
A growth spurt for the new company
Optima’s story began six years ago in a small four-person office with a team of three. Since then, they’ve scaled to a 30-strong team across three offices at Greenway Business Centre. That growth was fuelled by their unique offering, ethical business model, and mission-led values.
What makes them different?
- Personalised support from day one
- Industry-expert trainers—including award-winning ethical hackers
- A commitment to sustainable, long-term career change
“People come to us not just for training, but for transformation,” says Jamie. “Our culture is about empathy, support, and real results, not just ticking boxes.”
During the pandemic, they adapted quickly—repurposing meeting rooms for social distancing, shifting to virtual classes, and recruiting new team members with a passion for helping others.
Fast growth requires flexible solutions
As Optima’s success accelerated, so did their space requirements. That’s where Capital Space came in.
Jamie shares how Greenway Business Centre was the ideal launchpad for their growth: “We needed flexibility, especially during uncertain times. Capital Space offered simple monthly licences and easy-in, easy-out terms that helped us focus on our mission, not property contracts.”
From professional business accommodation to reliable virtual office services and friendly on-site staff, Jamie says the support from Capital Space has been instrumental in their scale-up journey.
“The staff are great. They’re always there when you need them. That kind of support is invaluable when you’re growing fast.”
Making their mark on the industry
Optima has no plans to slow down. With the UK’s tech industry reaching a combined value of $1.1 trillion in 2024, demand for reskilled tech professionals is only increasing.
Optima’s vision? To become the UK’s leading IT training provider. They’re constantly updating courses to reflect the latest industry trends—including AI integration, cyber security, and cloud architecture so that students graduate future-ready.
Their strategies for growth include:
- Continuous course development
- Partnering with tech employers for job placements
- Expanding remote and hybrid learning formats
- Scaling their team with tech-passionate individuals who want to change lives
Tips
For other SMEs navigating growth, Jamie offers this advice:
- Don’t overcomplicate your overheads. Flexible space lets you grow at your own pace
- Hire for values, not just CVs. Passion and empathy go further than you think.
- Stay close to your mission. When times get tough, knowing your “why” will keep you moving.
