Caithness man Robert Miller has moved up in the world, starting his own business, RWM Training, providing on-site training and testing on fork lift trucks, telescopic handlers and cherry pickers.
Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE) has assisted Robert to set up RWM Training with a business start-up grant of 3,600 paid in 12 monthly instalments. Business start-up grants provide new businesses with support and financial assistance by providing a regular income over the first 12 months of trading - traditionally the hardest time for a fledgling company.
Robert was previously employed by Norfrost Ltd as a project/production manager where part of his duties were as the sole instructor and examiner on various plant and equipment he was certified to operate on site. He is a Roads, Transport and Industry Training Board registered instructor which is recognised by the Health and Safety Commission.
Talking about his new venture Robert said: "I have had a lot of interest from Caithness businesses which is really promising. I also hope to offer my services to people in Sutherland, Ross-Shire and Inverness-shire.
"I am really grateful to CASE for their advice and assistance to help me set up on my own; the guaranteed monthly income for the first year certainly makes things easier."
So far 20 local businesses have indicated that they are interested in using Robert's training services. He has already assisted two farmers, through the Caithness Machinery Circle, who required training on telescopic handlers and there is considerable potential for more work in the agricultural sector. Scrabster Harbour Trust has also approached Robert to provide training on a new telescopic handler to 10 of their employees in the New Year.
Ian Thomson, a development manager for CASE, said: "As an expert in this field, Robert is well placed to share his expertise with businesses and individuals in the CASE area and the wider Highlands and Islands. I am sure his contacts throughout the industry will prove to be very valuable to the future success of the business."