Milebay training adapts to continue during Covid-19
Stevenage-based Milebay Consultancy Ltd has adapted its services to ensure that essential training has been able to take place in spite of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Milebay specialises in providing fleet transport training, supporting operators to gain and retain their FORS Bronze, Silver and Gold Standard, and auditing services including DVSA Earned Recognition.
Earlier this year, the news of a potential UK wide lockdown launched the leadership team at Milebay into planning and preparing to adapt and change, being as proactive and innovative as possible to ensure services could continue.
Directors Peter and Caroline Lambert have over 40 years’ experience in transport management and operations, and together with their dedicated team of trainers, consultants and office staff, pulled together to make significant changes.
Milebay Driver CPC courses, which all are JAUPT approved, have been reviewed and adapted; and permission was obtained to run courses, including Driver CPC, FORS courses, operator licencing and transport management training, remotely online, enabling learners to access training from home or work using a mobile smartphone, tablet or computer.
Transport operators working towards achieving or retaining their bronze FORS standard would normally benefit from a friendly visit from an experienced transport consultant, says Milebay. The company’s FORS Practitioners review business operations and discuss what can be changed and improved to align with FORS standards.
Consultants quickly adapted, offering online video calls to keep scheduled meetings to ensure there was no delay, and operators were happy to receive advice and guidance enabling them to continue preparations for their audits, Milebay reports.
Transport operators continue to need information and advice to stay legal and comply with transport regulations, and Milebay ensured it was available to support operators and their teams.
Managing director Peter Lambert explained: “Clients still need our support and rely on us for advice and help preparing for their FORS and Earned Recognition Audits. Through this challenging time, we are available to help and deal with enquiries seven days a week.
“We have now returned from homeworking back to the office. Regular video call team meetings meant we were in daily contact and we focussed on minimising the lockdown effects on our business and our clients.
“Covid-19 has put thousands of professional drivers temporarily out of work and we hope that providing accessible online training with experienced, knowledgeable trainers offers a worthwhile opportunity to get ahead and up to date with relevant learning and refresher training.”
Milebay is also offering FORS members with questions about meeting the FORS Standards a free one-to-one telephone consultation, and the firm reports it is receiving lots of enquiries about transport audits, health-checks and compliance requirements. FORS Standard version 5.1 is now out, and more information can be obtained by contacting Milebay.
