How did your company start?
Bicester First Aid Training began in January 2016. I had just left my previous job and saw a gap in the market in Oxfordshire doing something I felt passionately about. I decided to start up on my own and the last couple of years have just confirmed that I did the right thing. I love what I do and have built up a wide range of customers now.
What are you working on at the moment?
I am currently working very closely with schools in Oxfordshire and Sussex, and have been getting referrals from companies I have previously worked with. This is a huge help as the business is still small and I have found the best way to find new business is through word of mouth. I have been carrying out training for different companies in the Bicester Innovation Centre which has also really helped with getting my name out there.
What do you like about Bicester Innovation Centre?
Since the rebrand, the centre is much more modern and you can really see a change. The staff at BIC are very friendly and welcoming, and have even been helping me with advice on advertising on social media. The best thing for me is conference room. The centre is in such a good location that people have no trouble travelling here, and the room is perfect for when I have first aid training courses to carry out. It is also helpful that the staff are so willing to help when I am carrying out my training sessions.
What projects/ambitions do you have for the future of your company?
My main goal is to be able to move from the shared office to an individual 1-2 person office. I have already benefitted from being in the shared office, and it was always my goal to be able to move to my own office when the time is right. I also have my first ever member of staff starting with me in the next month, this is a huge step and something that I am really excited about. They will be taking over the admin side of things, giving me more time to spend on my training.
