Running your own HGV trainer business
Running your own HGV training business can give you the flexibility to choose how much work you do and, to some degree, when you work. While it can give you a great deal of freedom, it will also require you to develop a range of business skills and to be able to work independently.
For example, you’ll need to think about these factors.
- Market research: Who are your customers? Who are your competitors? What opportunities are there in your area? What’s the best way to promote your business to your potential customers?
- Marketing: You’ll need an original and appropriate business name; you’ll also need a website to help customers find out more about your business. Will you use social media to talk to your pupils and colleagues?
- Training vehicles: Will you need your own vehicles, or will you work with operators’ vehicles?
- Find a suitable site: You’ll need a safe training area off the road and some classroom space.
- Customer service: Doing this well can make you stand out from your competitors. How will you provide excellent customer service?
- Record keeping: You’ll need to keep track of your financial transactions, including pay and tax, as well as your pupils’ progress.
- Keeping up to date: As laws, policies and technology change, you’ll need to keep up with them. Joining an association for HGV and PCV trainers can help you do this (see below).
- Continuing your professional development: You’ll be responsible for keeping your skills up to date and developing them further through training courses, research or other means. See our advice on professional development for more information.
You can find out more about running a business with HGV or PCV vehicles in our Professional section and from The Association of Trainers. You may also find local organisations in your area too.