Business Satisfied customers will always come back to A1
This week we hear from Jo Smith of A1 Training Services in Erskine. Jo’s company provides training courses for businesses across all sectors and has given presentations to government officials in Vietnam. She also organises Renfrewshire Business Network which is a free monthly event which asks local businesses to open their doors to their peers. The next event is at the Glynhill Hotel on Thursday from 9.30am till 11.30am. Anyone interested can register at eventbriteco.uk/e/renfrewshire-businessnetwork-september-meeting-tickets71253185195
What does your business do? Provide training courses for businesses across all sectors.
This includes – first aid, manual handling, food hygiene, social care, and health & safety
What are you most proud of when it comes to your company?
Returning customers! People have been with A1 Training Services for many years, and recommend the training course to other people too.
What do you find most enjoyable in day-to-day business life?
The personal touch. Meeting with customers, establishing what they want from their training, and ensuring their staff learn and enjoy the course.
Meeting lots of different people, from a variety of backgrounds, makes the courses interesting too.
What are your ambitions for the future?
I’ve always wanted to export my business, and deliver courses in another country.
I’ve attended International Trade Missions to the Middle East (UAE) and Southeast Asia, and have ambitions to deliver training courses there too.
How has the business changed over the years?
The website has been upgraded, the A1 Training Services brand/logo is now recognised, which is nice, and courses have been added. Courses are adapted to suit a particular sector, and times are more flexible too.
What are your top three priorities? Increasing the customer base, creating more online courses for blended learning, and using local suppliers, where possible.
Can you offer three tips to new-start businesses?
Keep a close eye on finances as time passes very quickly, and it’s easy for things to become difficult to manage.
Networking is so important when starting out.
Know your market/target audience well, as we live in a world which is expected to adapt and change quickly.
Why is Renfrewshire a great place to run a business?
It’s very accessible as it has great links to Glasgow and Edinburgh, and even has its own airport! The unique history of the area also creates an interesting working environment.
The current developments will bring great opportunities to the Renfrewshire, so it’s ideal for business to business opportunities.
Has anything weird or wonderful happened in your working life? Giving a presentation to government officials in Vietnam, who were wearing interpretation headphones. As part of a trade delegation, we’d been asked to do a short presentation on our businesses, and this was definitely one of the highlights.
What is the main thing you have learned since being involved in the business?
Being an entrepreneur involves risks. Don’t be afraid to take them, but be cautious too.
There is a lot of support out there, so find what works best for your business, and never underestimate the importance of networking.
RENFREWSHIRE GOES TO WORK