Eight business leaders join forces to provide a unique one stop shop to keep North Staffordshire companies safe

An experienced group of eight health, safety, and compliance experts have formed a partnership to make it easy for companies to gain a wide range of essential services in the simplest possible way.

The team of business networking friends aim to provide a one stop shop for businesses in North Staffordshire and beyond.

Services to keep workplaces and vehicles safe and to give the best possible advice are now available with one point of contact.

The compliance group holds a monthly meeting to ensure they offer joined up services as required by business clients.

The eight-strong group offers HR and employment law, from Order Employment Services, legal water safety, from SAS Water Ltd, building health and safety from BPA Safety, vehicle telematics, from G-Force Communications, driver safety training from Adrian Hide Consultancy, business insurance, from Aynsley Insurance, and Security Services (Stoke), providing building and fire protection, and Graphix, a design, print, and installation company, with many years of experience in the safety signage sector.

“Every company needs health and safety, compliance and HR services, so it makes sense to work together to make life easy for companies in North Staffordshire,” explained Richard Tunnicliffe.

“We meet every Friday at the Potters’ Club, Stoke, as part of the wider BNI Sir Stanley Matthews networking group, so it makes sense to combine our expertise. The idea is that a customer can come to one of us and we will ensure you can access all services in a seamless manner. We are planning to add a website, to ensure the easiest possible access to our service offer.”

The inscription on the Stoke-on-Trent city crest translates to United Strength is Stronger and that’s fitting for our compliance team meeting in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent.”

Group members are Lizzie Ward, Managing Director, of Leek-based SAS Water, a legionella and water safety compliance company,  Richard Tunnicliffe, Managing Director of Order Employment Services, a Stoke-on-Trent HR and employment law consultancy, Adrian Hide, driving safety expert, at Adrian Hide Consultancy, of Cheadle, Staffordshire, John Brookes, transport telematics lead at G-Force Communications, based in Warrington, and Sean Glover, Commercial Insurance Broker at, Aynsley Insurance, of Piccadilly, Hanley, Darren Bedson, Managing Director, of BPA Safety, Leek Road, Stoke, Dave Critchley, Sales Manager, of Security Services, based in Stoke town centre, and Steve Ward. Managing Director, at Graphix, of Norton, Stoke-on-Trent.

Lizzie Ward said: “Companies must seek expert advice on all health and safety matters, including building site and workplace safety, for which Darren Bedson is a leading consultant, and controlling legionella in the workplace, which is where my team have the expertise.

“Other essentials include insurance services, for both buildings and vehicles, while professional indemnity insurance is not a legal requirement, where work constitutes a risk, it may be required by some professional bodies and business clients. Similarly, HR advice is not required but it is wise for companies to seek professional advice where they employ workers.”

Adrian Hide, a driver risk specialist, added: “All companies have a duty of care to employees who drive on company business and, with 30-plus years of experience in the sector, I can advise companies and train their drivers.

“I then work closely with John Brookes, an expert on telematics for vehicle fleets. John will advise you on the onboard technology you need and how to best use the data generated to save money on fuel, monitor driver safety, and ensure you can track your vehicle when incidents occur.”

The Sir Stanley Matthews chapter is part of BNI International, a global business networking and referral marketing organisation. The 30-plus members have generated over £5 million in invoiced business over the last three-years.

Lizzie, group President, said: “Our aim is to provide a business referral pipeline for all our members, and this supports jobs and spending power in the North Staffordshire economy. The group was named in honour of footballing knight and Stoke-on-Trent legend Sir Stanley Matthews as initial meetings were held at Stoke City’s stadium.”

ENDS

For media enquiries contact Nigel Howle. Telephone 0776 2043436, email [email protected]

With pic: left to right, Dave Critchley, Sean Glover, Richard Tunnicliffe, Adrian Hide, Steve Ward, Lizzie Ward, John Brookes, and Darren Bedson.