How Blended Digital Leveraged the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer to Drive Sustainable Growth in Portsmouth
The landscape of professional development in Hampshire is undergoing a significant transformation. As businesses across the Solent region seek sustainable ways to scale, vocational training has moved from the periphery to the heart of corporate strategy. At Blended Digital, we are proud to announce that our journey with the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer initiative has been featured by Portsmouth City Council. This recognition via the Transfer to Transform programme highlights our growth as a performance-led digital marketing agency and the vital importance of nurturing local talent to strengthen the regional economy.
For many small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Portsmouth, the barrier to expansion is often the dual pressure of recruitment costs and the time required for high-level training. The Apprenticeship Levy Transfer scheme addresses this head-on. The programme ensures that wealth generated within our region stays here, directly funding the next generation of digital marketers and strategic thinkers.
Are you a Portsmouth-based business looking for a digital marketing partner that invests in the best local talent? Contact Blended Digital today to learn more about our services.
The Strategic Value of the Levy Transfer
As our client base at Blended Digital expanded, our operational demands increased. We faced a choice: hire for immediate capacity or invest in long-term capability.
Through the support of Portsmouth City Council and the Solent Business & Skills Solutions team, we chose the latter. The levy transfer enabled us to recruit an apprentice, Jake, to support our rise in sales and project delivery.
Andy, highlights the intent behind the move: "To help us add another member of staff to support the increase in sales and workload, who we can help develop a career, and hopefully longer term become a full-time employee on completion of his training".
From Technical Tasks to Strategic Execution The true measure of success is the transition from 'doing' to 'thinking'. Jake has moved beyond technical proficiency in tools like Meta Business Suite to mastering stakeholder management and integrated marketing strategy. He recently coordinated a synchronised rollout across email marketing, Facebook, and Instagram, demonstrating the ownership we look for in full-time team members.
While the business benefits are clear, the impact on the individual is profound. Jake’s experience at Blended Digital highlights why this model works:
"Working with Blended Digital is brilliant. I’ve gained massive confidence and real-world experience, allowing me to apply my marketing studies directly to impactful, live projects."
Why Portsmouth is a Digital Hub
The Solent region is rapidly gaining a reputation as a digital hotspot. Initiatives like the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer are the engine room of this reputation, de-risking growth for local agencies. For Portsmouth businesses, the benefits are clear:
Access to Fully Funded Training: The levy covers training costs, allowing SMEs to focus capital on internal resources.
Reduced Recruitment Risk: The programme allows a "trial" period to ensure a long-term cultural fit.
Community Engagement: Supporting social mobility by providing opportunities for residents to work locally rather than commuting to London.
We encourage other Portsmouth-based businesses to explore the Transfer to Transform initiative. You can view our full feature on the Portsmouth City Council website here: www.careers.portsmouth.gov.uk/apprenticeships
Are you a Portsmouth-based business looking for a digital marketing partner that invests in the best local talent? Contact Blended Digital today to learn more about our services.
Date Published: 13/02/2026