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University of Bradford First Aid Training

Founders


Helen Hogg

Profile

Helen Hogg practising first aid.
I've worked here for over 19 years and now run part of the department I previously worked in. I don't employ any staff although I have someone currently helping me on a temporary basis.

What does your company do?

I provide first aid and life guard training both for the university, the voluntary sector and external organisations. Most of my work currently comes from the CVS.

What has ThinkBusiness@Bradford done to help you develop?

The guidance and direction I received from Teresa was invaluable. Before I took over the running of the department, I had no experience of running a business, yet after every meeting with Teresa, I came away with a clear focus and knowing the next steps I needed to take. Teresa could see the end result when I couldn't and she was a great motivator for me. I would say that while I was on the programme, Teresa was my backbone.

What's been your biggest success?

Helen Hogg practising first aid. Since joining the programme, University First Aid Training has just about hit its targets and I am becoming known in both the commercial and voluntary sectors. The feedback we receive from customers is very positive so we know we are on the right track. We now need more people to know about us.

What's been the hardest thing you've had to cope with?

Being alone, although to some extent, the Think Business programme helped to fill the void I experienced going from a team worker to a lone one.

What advice would you give other new businesses?

Set realistic goals

Create your own team, including friends and family

Don't be afraid to ask for help

Believe in yourself

What plans do you have for the future of First Aid Training?

I want to continue to develop the business, win more external work and get a bigger client base, mainly within the Bradford area.
Helen Hogg practising first aid.
What would you like to see from ThinkBusiness@Bradford in the future?

What can I say - Think Business ticked all my boxes and couldn't have done anymore. I do feel they need to raise their profile within the university as not enough people know about them.

NB. Think Business supported the Universities First Aid Training to become a commercial service. In some cases Think Business can support internal departments to become commercially viable.