With the launch of Ian Speight Advanced Rider Training in 2018 I thought I would share the first 3 months with you all.
January saw me set up a web page, e mail, Facebook page and obtaining public liability and professional indemnity insurance, as well as buying business cards, flyers and even a banner !
To be honest I had no idea how it would all be received or how much interest I would get but I 'shared' my FB page around several FB groups locally and was amazed by how much interest and how many views it had, over 2500 in the first 6 hours ! This generated many enquiries and more importantly my first paying customer (Thank you Mr Hall - you know who you are.
February was a great month. More enquiries rolled in along with some booking but it also saw two major associations with local motorcycle dealers.
Firstly Miles Kingsport of Hull, a well established Honda dealer agreed to allow me to be associated with them and to work with their customers for any advanced rider training needs they may have.
This was followed up two weeks later by a similar association with Barrie Robson BMW Motorcycles of York.
I am very proud and very lucky to be accepted by both these well respected main dealer retailers and in return I will be helping out at dealer days and ride outs and am offering their customers a 20% discount off my training prices.
The end of February saw a link up with Anchor Motorbike Training of Wakefield. This came about after the owner, Keith contacted me and following a meeting to discuss options, I will now be able to deliver advanced riding to any of their customers who require it.
The only down side to the month was the continual inclement weather, which caused me to have to cancel 2 days training but fortunately both customers were able to arrange alternative dates.
March started well and over the weekend of the 10th and 11th I supported the Season Launch event at Barrie Robson BMW in York. I met and chatted to many of their customers and was pleased to see how many people have an interest in post test training.
Between the 21st and 25th I travelled to Wales for 4 days for the annual Motorrad Tours, Tour Leader training. One of the days was set aside for a 1st aid refresher based around the Biker Down course called First Bike On Scene (FBOS). This covered the mechanics and forces involved in motorcycle injuries, scene management, safe casualty handling, helmet removal, basic life support and care of casualties with spinal injuries. This is a fully accredited course which carries a 3 year qualification.
Training wise over the first 3 months, some days were cancelled due to the weather but of those who did train, there was a mix of male and female riders, abilities and bikes. From newly qualified riders to those wanting to move upto RoSPA and IAM Masters level.
And finally a massive 'thank you' for all the words and messages of support in my first 3 months, for all the enquiries and most importantly to those who have booked training with me.
Here's to the next 3 months.