Liverpool training firm sets sights on £50k sales in first year

TWO former HBOS employees have used their redundancy cash to help set up their own training agency, with the aim of reaching a £50,000 turnover in their first year.

Nickie Smith and Elaine Lavelle launched Smith Lavelle in November, investing £10,000 of their own cash.

The pair said they will draw from their experience at HBOS to provide outsourced training and consultancy services to businesses across the UK. 

Nickie Smith said: “Training can drive a culture change in any workplace – when staff feel invested in and valued, even during redundancy consultancy, it makes a significant difference to the attitude and drive people have, whether it be in their current job or during the move into a new job.”

The entrepreneurs plan to grow their staff from two to at least five employees over the next five years and say a target turnover of £50,000 is realistic in their first year of business, despite the tough climate.

Mrs Smith added: “We have a belief that training will deliver the skills needed to help businesses to compete on the front line.”

The pair got help from the Learning and Skills Council’s Response to Redundancy programme, when setting up the business.

The programme is part of a package of measures announced by the government to help to equip workers facing redundancy with new skills. The funding in Merseyside is part of a £100m programme to support workers affected by redundancy across the country.