An Aberdeen-based first aid and mental health training business has successfully entered new markets and increased its monthly sales by 65% after receiving business advice and guidance from Business Gateway. 

Inspired by their passion for providing quality training services, husband and wife team, Kevin and Kelly Forrest, launched Forrest Training in July 2018. The business has since transformed into a high standard training provider, offering a wide range of engaging courses across every industry in Scotland, with a particular focus on first aid, mental health and social care. 

Both Kevin and Kelly had extensive experience in training businesses and individuals, with Kevin spending time working with a social care charity, as well as in the hospitality sector. Having initially worked as a nurse, Kelly also boasted experience in training and working on programmes that encouraged the integration of people with disabilities into the workforce. 

Having successfully run Forrest Training for a few years, the couple approached Business Gateway in 2022 for advice and support on how to grow their business operations further.  

Kevin and Kelly benefitted from a range of Business Gateway’s growth business services, including one-to-one guidance from a dedicated business adviser, as well as a strategic review of their business. 

The pair also benefitted from advice and assistance from experts through specialist workshops, marketing support and tender expert help support. Business Gateway’s input and marketing direction has resulted in Forrest

Training entering new markets and opportunities, while boosting their revenue at the same time. 

Since approaching Business Gateway, Forrest Training has enjoyed rapid growth, acquiring a range of clients including Macphie of Glenbervie and partnering with AquaTerra Training. Most recently, Forrest Training won a competitive tender to deliver first aid training to The Highland Council, through Public Contracts Scotland, enabling the business to expand its client base outside Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray. 

Kevin Forrest, Founder, Forrest Training, said: “We have not only seen an increase in turnover since working with Business Gateway, but also extensive growth in our business through new team members, clients, assets – including company vehicles – and new premises. We started working with our adviser in January 2022, and in 16 months we have increased our monthly sales by 65% in the last financial year.”

Guilherme Thesis De Roso, Adviser at Business Gateway, commented: ”It was clear from working with Kevin and Kelly that they are passionate about providing training that’s never dull, never boring and never forgotten. I’m really pleased to see how well the business is doing and look forward to watching Forrest Training continue to grow in the future.”