BOURNEMOUTH will be the home of an academy for people who want to learn about web development while launching their own businesses.

Nu Yew, which specialises in fast-track technology careers, has been devised by Jonathan Davies, the entrepreneur behind the nationally known Poole business the Training Room.

The Training Room, which initially focused on courses for those looking for a career in the fitness industry, was turning over £11million within six years and attracted a £20m investment from private equity.

Speaking at a recent Screw It, Just Do It event for entrepreneurs in Bournemouth, Mr Davies said: “The Training Room was launched to meet an immediate business need, supporting gyms struggling to recruit industry-ready professionals with fast-track training to plug the fitness industry skills gap.

“Today, the same need exists within the technology sector. The difference being that, in what has been described as the fourth industrial revolution, people are increasingly looking to start their own businesses – as well as work with existing digital and technology companies.

“The Nu Yew Academy will be able to help students do both.”

Mr Davies is partnering with Alex Chisnall, who runs Virgin StartUp’s regional entrepreneur programme, and Harry Baker and Mark Walker from Barclays Eagle Labs, with the aim of scaling the new business to multiple academies nationwide.

Its fast-track web developer/tech entrepreneur programme was designed for people looking to begin careers in web development and launch businesses.

Further courses will include fast-track software development and fast-track cyber security specialism and will be delivered via a blend of home study and a six-week, intensive classroom course.

The first academy will be based in Bournemouth and will offer students the chance to gain a qualification in their field and launch their own business.

Courses will be hosted at Barclays Eagle Labs in Westbourne and will include the opportunity for applicants to establish their own businesses with support from Virgin Start-up, Barclays Eagle Labs and other entrepreneurs.

Mr Davies started the Training Room in 2006 with two full-time staff. It trained 200 people in its first year.

When he left, the business was training more than 10,000 people a year in 32 city-based UK academies and had more than 150 full-time staff.

Screw It, Just Do It was held at THIS Workspace, the shared workspace in the Daily Echo building.