A private education group has a new senior management team after the co-founder stepped back from day-to-day operations.
Solihull-based Open Study College is now being led by sisters Samantha Rutter and Shawna Rutter as chief executive and director respectively.
Their father Mark, who launched the business with Samantha and has three decades of experience in the distance learning sector, has become a non-executive director. His wife Lisa will also be stepping back from her role as director.
These organisational changes coincide with the firm's 15th birthday which has seen the team reach its 110,000th student milestone, increase turnover from £5 million to nearly £6.5 million and increase operating profits tenfold over the last decade from £200,000.
Mr Rutter said: "It's been an incredible period of celebrations, both for us as a business honouring our 15th anniversary but for me personally too as I celebrate 30 years in the distance learning sector.
"Back in 2007, we had an idea to provide high-quality and affordable distance learning courses and, believing in this dream, we made the tough decision to sell our family home to fund our start-up.
"It all began from our garage, printing and despatching just a few courses a week. As a family-founded business, I'm proud to have worked alongside my wife, daughters and other family members.
"I have every confidence in the next generation of my family seeing us through another magnificent 15 years and beyond."
Ms Rutter added: "This year has been an instrumental one for the business.
"We've heavily invested in our technology, systems and people, making sure we're set up for the future, and have the best, seamless learning experience for our students as we enter the next stage.
"We've learned so much from our father and will continue to lean on his expertise, guidance and advice."
