Member Article

Free driver training workshops set to provide efficiency boost for North East SMEs

Small-and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the North East are being offered free fuel efficiency driver workshop packages thanks to a business support partnership between Tadea-UK and Teesside University.

The partnership has been set up to help increase understanding of the ways in which effective education programmes are able to boost fuel efficient motoring and reduce carbon emissions.

A free half-day workshop package is on offer to 27 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in the North East which have a fleet (and/or grey fleet) of drivers.

The packages will be provided on a first come, first served basis, subject to ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) eligibility.

Training will take place at Tadea’s state-of-the-art Effective Transport Solutions simulator-based driver training centre, based in Washington.

Effective Transport Solutions is the first centre of its kind in the UK. Its impressive simulator suite includes three BMW Minis with 270o wrap around screens, alongside six smaller pod simulators which can mimic weather conditions such as ice, snow, rain, high winds and thick fog. Simulator training is delivered alongside classroom-based teaching.

Manager at Effective Transport Solutions, Gordon Pattie, said: “This is a great opportunity for SMEs across the region.

“Our training packages are designed to help organisations better educate their drivers to help reduce fuel costs, cut emissions and keep employees safe behind the wheel.

“The packages on offer can keep employees safer, and it can also save businesses money for years into the future.

“Effective fuel efficiency training has been shown to cut fleet fuel costs by up to 10 per cent. And these packages – worth £280 – are being offered for free.

“Not only that, but the data which will be generated as a result of this programme will help to further our understanding of fuel efficient motoring and the part effective training can play in driver education.

“That will help to protect not just the region’s businesses, but also the environment too. It’s win-win”.