AI Issue 4 2018 - John Harrison & Company

14 Acquisition International - Issue 4 2018 First Aid Associates is one of the finest providers of First Aid Training within the market, providing a variety of different courses to an assortment of clients. We spoke to Steve Wilson who talks through the success of his company and what his own ambitions are. irst Aid Associates draws on the experience and skills of fully qualified Trainers and Assessors in the field of First Aid. The team also provides first aid cover for small events, again drawing on the experience and skills of fully-qualified advanced first aiders, EMT’s and Paramedics. The company works with clients in different sectors, ranging from small music festivals to street fairs; short 10k runs to Ultra Marathons. This also adds value to courses by actively practicing those techniques being taught. Steve explains what his and the team’s approach is when working with a new client, and comments on what methods are devised in order to ensure right from the start that the outcome meets the needs of everyone involved. “When dealing with a new client, I always make sure I give them the most up-to-date information I can, pointing out all the options available to them, and ensuring these options will meet their requirements but also any legal requirements they need to meet as well. I will be in constant communication with the client until I am happy the client understands all the information given to them.” Customer satisfaction is key in this respect, and it is clearly something that First Aid Associates work hard on. Steve refers us to the point that a lot of his business is repeat business, as clients usually feel extremely satisfied with his work. “Most of my business is repeat business, as qualifications usually need to be renewed every three years, so I have built up a client base. Also, a lot of business comes through referrals from my existing clients to their contacts, which is nice to find out when an existing client has recommended me, which only goes to bolster my reputation.” Company: First Aid Associates Contact: Steve Wilson Tel No: 01900 827506 Web Address: www.firstaidassociates.co.uk Providing First Aid Training for all F 1804AI04 Regarding the first aid industry, Steve feels there needs to be higher and tighter standards around those who are teaching first aid, particularly in regard to their qualifications and experience. He possesses all of these attributes and tells us more about what qualities are essential to achieving success within the industry and the sector. “To succeed in the first aid industry, I feel it is very important to possess a sense of humour. First Aid is a serious subject however, and when I was first taught first aid many years ago, the trainer was so dry and monotonous that most people were falling asleep. If people can have laugh whilst learning, they usually remember a lot better and they won’t fall asleep! Also, being flexible and being able to work around the client and their commitments is imperative, as having fixed dates for courses is okay to a degree, but I find clients prefer to be able to organise courses around their needs.” Excitingly, there are many opportunities which present themselves to Steve throughout the industry, but there also some challenges. Steve reminds us that he has seen it all, and he is happy to embrace the competition, using it as a key motivator to succeed in the industry, providing excellence to clients. “As previously stated, I have seen many others come and go. Yes, competition does affect business and there is nothing wrong with competition, the challenge then is to demonstrate to your customers that you are the best at what you do and give that added value to them.” Aiming to cultivate an atmosphere of positivity, Steve is quick to praise his colleagues, as he mentions that they are fully qualified and he lets them get on with their business and does not interfere. Providing his team with the ability to be independent allows them to maximise their potential, and this is something that Steve is keen to do. “My colleagues are fully skilled and qualified in their own roles; they know what they should do and how to do it. I try not to interfere with their roles, they know if they need me I’ll be there for advice and guidance. I feel this method allows my colleagues to feel they are valued in their roles and are not having their shoulders looked over.” “When dealing with a new client, I always make sure I give them the most up-to-date information I can, pointing out all the options available to them, and ensuring these options will meet their requirements”