When Jim Fitzsimmons was medically discharged from the military, he faced the challenge of planning a second career. Drawing upon his experience in the Royal Engineers, he founded his own business.

Safehouse Health and Safety Consultants began trading in 2016. Since starting the company, Jim has become a Chartered Health and Safety Practitioner. And, over the years, what began as a company offering health and safety training has evolved.

Today, the company offers a full range of health and safety services. These include consulting, auditing, site visits, and specialised training courses.

Much of Jim’s work takes place within a niche area of the construction sector. His role is to ensure companies stay up to date with legislation, good practices, and training. Many of his clients are small to medium businesses who need a retained health and safety advisor. It’s a service which is especially valuable for micro businesses.

As Jim explains,

Every business needs to have health and safety advice. The question is whether they can do it themselves. Micro businesses tend to be so busy that having me in the background can be a huge help. I’ll go into a business that has nothing and provide everything they need to remain compliant. It frees up time and resources, so they can concentrate on day to day operations.”

Support and flexibility from The Business Village helps with business growth

Safehouse Health and Safety Consultants has had a home at The Business Village for the last five and a half years. The company first started out in a different location, but the move has been a game-changer. Jim says he’s experienced some great benefits and support. Plus, his course delegates love the unlimited free parking and onsite Bistro.

“The comments on training feedback forms often ask me to pass on thanks to Jill in The Bistro. People coming on a course can get anything from salads to breakfasts, and many say the food is ‘amazing’. It’s a huge benefit, especially since the redesign has created space to plug in laptops. It’s a nice place for us to go for a break, and massively undervalued.”

Jim is also appreciative of the management team at The Business Village. He’s found their support invaluable, especially during challenging times such as Covid lockdowns. This allowed Jim to focus on his business without added pressure.

“We were all struggling during Covid, and the management team were very supportive. You don’t get that from many places. Everybody here is brilliant. It really is a well-respected outfit.”

Jim benefitted from The Business Village’s first Net Zero Accelerator programme in 2022. He was already environmentally trained from a health and safety perspective. But the programme gave him a much wider understanding. It’s something he now passes on to others when delivering training.

As Jim’s business has expanded, he’s moved into larger spaces. This flexibility to move offices has supported his growth. His current space can comfortably host up to 14 delegates on training courses. It has a kitchenette for people to make refreshments during courses. And he’s even been able to fit in a display area showing workwear for sale.

The proximity to the M1 also makes it a convenient location. It’s accessible for delegates attending training courses onsite. And it makes life easier for Jim who often finds himself travelling across the UK during the week. Having 24/7 access means he can call in over the weekend to prepare for the week ahead.

Demand for Safehouse’s services is growing in larger cities

Jim has ambitious growth plans for Safehouse Health and Safety Consultants. Demand for his niche services is on the rise in larger cities. So, in 2024, he plans to explore new contracts in places such as London, Manchester, and Newcastle, along with several locations in Scotland.

He’s also ready at any time to tap into his network of associates:

“Safehouse Health and Safety Consultants can provide whatever service clients need. There’s only me in the business, but I have access to around 100 associates via LinkedIn. So, if demand increases, I can bring extra people in for meetings or training course delivery.”

In just a few short years, Jim has completely transformed his life and career. His commitment to providing quality advice and support has made him a respected health and safety professional in the sector. And, with demand for his expertise growing, Jim is in a great position to make a lasting impact for years to come.

Get in touch with Safehouse Health & Safety Consultants:

Website:  http://www.shhasc.com/

Tel:  07447 906 600 | 01226 107 076

Email:  info@shhasc.com