A Stockton business is gearing up for further expansion after getting in the driving seat with Business Link to target new markets.

Despite the economic downturn, Exceed Driver Training, which operates throughout Tees Valley, has continued to grow as owners Neil and Caron Harrison have looked for opportunities to develop the business and increase the range of services on offer.

The award winning driving school, which boasts a pass rate of more than double the national average, offers a broad range of services in addition to standard driving tuition and assessments. Exceed also provides car and trailer tests, occupational training including fleet and taxi instruction, as well as driving instructor training. The company’s team of four instructors have also established a niche in teaching pupils with special needs and learning disabilities.

The company plans to expand into new markets particularly in the area of corporate risk assessment and training, where recent legislation has made driver risk assessment and training an important part of health and safety management.

Exceed has been helped in its growth by Business Link, particularly in the area of staff training and development. After contacting the organisation in early 2008 to find out what support was available to help drive the business forward, the company has had assistance in accessing funds via the North East England Investment Centre (NEEIC) for Neil to become fully trained to offer fleet training, which the company is now planning to extend to other instructors. Neil commented: “We have already successfully established our fleet training business with the help of Business Link and I have no doubt we will be equally as successful in establishing ourselves within the corporate training sector, again with the help of Business Link, ensuring we can offer the broadest range of services possible.”

Business Link has also been able to help Exceed to access funds to support training in lesson planning, mock tests, sign language for driving instruction and technical and communication skills. More recently Business Link was able to fund, via NEEIC, training in Leadership and Management to enable Neil to become a member of ORDIT – the official register for driving instructor training, and this, along with fleet training are areas the business plans to capitalise on.

Neil commented: “Successfully completing the ORDIT qualification, with the help again of Business Link, has allowed me to ensure that both myself and my team of instructors are working to the highest possible standards which is certainly reflected in both our very high pass rates and the satisfaction levels amongst our customers. The qualification also allows me to work with other instructors to improve and broaden their skills too.”

Business Link skills adviser, Mark Cullen, said: “In a difficult time for the industry due to the downturn, which has seen many of their competitors go out of business, Exceed has managed to grow steadily and vastly increase their portfolio of services. Business Link has been instrumental in helping Exceed to take the business to the next level by focussing on key growth areas. I look forward to working with Neil and Caron as the business continues to develop and grow.”

Business Link has a team of expert advisers who offer advice, help and information to individuals and companies across the region, giving them access to the ‘business brains’ who will help to get their business idea off the ground, or grow their existing company. For further information about Business Link visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast or call 0845 600 9 006.