About CET

Learn more about the company and the team behind it.

We believe that excellent Commercial Ability is what will enable our young people to survive and thrive in the workplace, and we support some of the country's most innovative charities and organisations in developing and refining their initiatives to help supplement the amazing work being done in our schools.

We are, first and foremost, a grant-giving organisation. To date, we have given over £3.3 million of grants to further our vision of a future where people in the UK actively understand and learn the skills, attitudes, and behaviours they need to gain and thrive in a fulfilling career.

About CET

The history of the Commercial Education Trust

1887

The London Chamber of Commerce appoints a Commercial Education Committee to address the skills crisis: clerks are insufficiently well-educated for key jobs in the City of London.

The Commercial Education Department of the London Chamber of Commerce & Industry ('LCCI') was established.

The Chamber becomes an established examining body with an international reputation and examinations centres in over eighty countries.

1967

The London Chamber of Commerce Commercial Education Scheme was reconstituted as a charity.

In addition to growing its own examinations the LCCI Examinations Board becomes the third largest body awarding National Vocational Qualifications in financial management, IT, company secretarial practice, marketing and English.

1989

The Scheme was incorporated as the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Commercial Education Trust ('CET').

2002

The LCCI Examinations Board is sold to Education Development International plc (EDI) and CET becomes a grant-making charity.

Since 2002, we have given more than £3.3 million in grants.

2002

The LCCI Examinations Board is sold to Education Development International plc (EDI) and CET becomes a grant-making charity.

Since 2002, we have given more than £3.3 million in grants.

2014

Launch of CET's Commercial Education Lecture series with speaker Sir Harvey McGrath.

Alison Wolf, Baroness Wolf of Dulwich and Sherry Coutu CBE give keynote Commercial Education lectures in subsequent years.

2017

Milestone of £3 million in grant awards is achieved.

2023

CET develops its Impact Framework and concentrates the delivery of its mission around the development and furtherance of Commercial Ability.

CET | Commercial Ability Trust

We believe that excellent Commercial Ability is what will enable our young people to survive and thrive in the workplace, and we support some of the country's most innovative charities and organisations in developing and refining their initiatives to help supplement the amazing work being done in our schools.

Discover Commercial Ability
  • CET Dots

    Who we are

    CET is a grant-making charitable trust that exists to help embed excellent Commercial Ability in every young person as a target outcome of our education system.

    About CET
  • CET Dots

    What we do

    We fund a range of organisations supporting the development, dissemination and embedding of Commercial Ability.

    Our Stakeholders
  • CET Dots

    Our funding

    We award between 3-5 grants a year of varying sizes in support of our goals.

    Our Grants
Insights

Latest news

A New Chapter: CET’s Small Grants Programme Launching January 2025
News

A New Chapter: CET’s Small Grants Programme Launching January 2025

CET is delighted to announce the upcoming launch of the Small Grants Programme, a fresh and innovative approach to funding that reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering Commercial Ability across the UK.
A New Chapter: CET’s Small Grants Programme Launching January 2025
Mahad Ali
December 18, 2024
Championing Diversity and Career Opportunities at UEL
Blog

Championing Diversity and Career Opportunities at UEL

I collaborate with industry partners to provide invaluable opportunities, offering students the exposure, guidance, and support they need to build self-confidence, resilience, and realise their potential.
Championing Diversity and Career Opportunities at UEL
December 16, 2024
Celebrating the Winners of the 2024 David Coughtrie Leadership Awards
News

Celebrating the Winners of the 2024 David Coughtrie Leadership Awards

This prestigious recognition highlights outstanding leadership in promoting Commercial Ability and making a meaningful impact within organisations and communities.
Celebrating the Winners of the 2024 David Coughtrie Leadership Awards
Grace Cole
December 16, 2024
We support some of country's leading educational charities and causes