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 insights

Recognising Early Skills Progress in NEET Young People
Research

Recognising Early Skills Progress in NEET Young People

CET and The King’s Trust brought together sector leaders to explore how early skills progress in NEET young people can be better recognised and supported. The report shares key insights and recommendations on confidence-building, employability, and inclusive pathways into education and work.
Recognising Early Skills Progress in NEET Young People
Mahad Ali
May 19, 2026
Intergenerational Skills for a Connected Future
Case Study

Intergenerational Skills for a Connected Future

CET’s Small Grant is supporting Intergenerational Music Making to help young people aged 16+ in Hackney and Harpurhey build confidence, employability skills, and career awareness. Through workshops, mutual mentoring, community projects, and work placements, the programme connects generations while creating pathways into social care, housing, community, cultural, and business sectors.
Intergenerational Skills for a Connected Future
May 18, 2026
Cadets in Enterprise Programme
Case Study

Cadets in Enterprise Programme

X-Forces Enterprise delivered the Cadets in Enterprise Programme, helping 14–18-year-old cadets build commercial awareness, leadership skills, confidence and future career pathways through enterprise training, mentoring and business challenges.
Cadets in Enterprise Programme
May 5, 2026
We support some of country's leading educational charities and causes