Posted on Tuesday 26th July 2022
A Staffordshire family business which launched only four months ago is looking forward to expanding its operations thanks to support from a county council start-up programme.
Dave Steel, a prison officer of 27 years, took the decision to make the break and begin a new career earlier this year with Steel’s Safety Training Solutions Ltd.
The business provides company employee training in areas such as first aid and manual handling, giving them qualifications and peace of mind for a safe working environment. Dave is now looking to expand to offer training on conflict management.
Dave turned to the Get Started scheme for support in marketing and financial management to get his business off to a flying start.
The Get Started programme is funded by the UK Government’s UK Community Renewal Fund, and the scheme has already supported over 200 businesses to make the next steps. It is delivered by the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.
Dave said:
I worked in the civil service for 27 years and latterly in a learning and development role which I really enjoyed.
I finally thought it seemed like the right time to leave and take the opportunity to use this experience, develop myself and start my own business. It is still in its infancy, and I’ve only been operating since April, though feedback so far has been excellent.
I’m able to work flexibly which is different from my previous role and something I appreciate. The business is growing steadily and I’m now looking forward to expanding on the training I deliver. The Get Started scheme has been a real boost – increasing my knowledge and confidence to grow the business.”
Over 200 people have now benefited from the Get Started programme across the county. It’s available to any business which is less than two years old, providing professional financial planning advice and marketing support.
Phillip White, Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills said:
The Get Started scheme gives start-up businesses in Staffordshire confidence and skills they need to get off the ground and flourish. It’s helped people like Dave to utilise their existing skills from previous work experience and apply them to a new enterprise.
Many people have an ambition and determination to set up their own business and the Get Started programme gives them the support they need in areas where they may be less experienced.
Dave’s business is one of over 200 to benefit from the programme, and it’s great that he’s making a difference to others by improving workplace safety.”
As part of the Staffordshire Means Back To Business support scheme, over £100,000 has been invested, in the form of start-up schemes with loans, grants and professional support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Staffordshire County Council and all of Staffordshire’s district and borough councils have partnered together to pool funding, resulting in an additional £3.4m being allocated to businesses, which is over and above the original amount available from the central government.
Anyone interested in accessing Dave’s training course can visit the business website at: https://steelssafetytraining.com/