DriveSpeed Group provide tailored vehicle solutions to clients across a range of industries from a base in North Yorkshire. The business has grown significantly since its incorporation in 2011, and has doubled in size in the last three years, with over 20 staff at their office on Fishergate in York.
In 2020 the dental industry was shut down for a couple of months, but Swallow Dental Supplies adapted its PPE product range and are now growing rapidly through their sales of bone regeneration material and other surgical dental supplies.
Having been a sceptic of using external business advisers and personal developers, even though throughout my career I have been exposed to such individuals with many levels, and degrees of both interest and success, I have had to re-think my views. With Pro-Development our business has seen and experienced a totally different approach and a very positive level of results, both financially and in the progress of the business. Pro-Development have worked with our teams in their unique way with a programme of activity to support our employee engagement including events and training across a variety of job specs. They have the ability to work with both people who have sometimes to be cajoled to take part as well as those who are willing, with an enormous amount of success. Pro-Development’s programmes and continuing developments at all levels of the business, including directors, has given a new perspective to people’s approach to business life within our group of companies, even if I say the business had a solid work ethic and ethos before life with Pro-Development. Dare I say, even I have been exposed to Michelle’s and Sue’s ideas and methods which I feel have helped to build a solid workforce. Without doubt, any business wanting to grow and develop should have no reservation in working with Pro-Development, and I would strongly encourage you to at least have a look at how they can help you.
My first day on Pro Development’s Management Development Programme was one filled with hesitation. The thought of learning through a different strategy was one that I had not been drawn towards. I was really worried that the programme wasn’t for me. Fast forward 6 months … how wrong was I! I persevered and continued along the journey and I am so pleased I did. I’ve had the pleasure of working with some wonderful people, in some cases in very difficult circumstances, and as a team we overcame our challenges! I have accomplished so much but most importantly learnt a lot about myself. Michelle and Sue are simply brilliant. Thank you.
Sue and Michelle have been brilliant and have opened me up to a world which I didn’t think I would be on. They have done this by unlocking my potential both for the business and in my personal life. Their monthly activity days have shown me how I can react and behave in situations I wouldn’t normally find myself in.
When Michelle and Sue first told us that we would be working with horses on our next Management Development workshop, I was a little sceptical wondering what horses could teach me about leadership. Meeting the horses and working with them throughout the whole day was just amazing and I have to say, a surprisingly emotional experience and far from an easy day. It took so much concentration that I was thoroughly exhausted by the end of the day. I learnt so much throughout the whole day. I think for everyone that day lessons were learnt, fears were overcome and everyone worked as a team – the willingness for everyone to succeed was overwhelming. Thank you Michelle and Sue for giving me the opportunity to experience this fantastic learning opportunity – a day I will never forget.
We knew that now was the time to embrace a new relationship with our employees but we did not know how. Michelle and her team at Pro-Development have shown us where we are strong but more importantly where we can improve the engagement of all employees for the benefit of the business, the leadership team and our staff. The assessment and report process alone is hugely instructive (can be challenging) but very worthwhile. The impact of the recommendations is potentially transformational. We are looking forward to taking forward the recommendations with help and guidance from Pro-Development on the journey
attended the first day of Pro-Development’s Management Development programme with some apprehension not knowing what to expect, but what a revelation, I was instantly put at ease by Michelle and Sue. Everyone in the group comes from different walks of life but it didn’t matter, we immediately made a connection which will make the whole process far easier and enjoyable and I am looking forward to the next challenge. I know I will gain a great deal from these sessions and have already started to learn a great deal about myself. The second event which involved a walk in Hawnby, a beautiful part of the world, was much more than a walk. We discussed some subjects that in other circumstances you would not as a rule share with people you have only just met, but the conversations flowed, it was easy and we were all made to feel comfortable – what a great day thank you..
Michelle and Sue at Pro-Development worked in partnership with Escalla on a recent high profile government training programme. From the outset, their approach and diligence in making this project work was incredible. In 20 years of training, I’ve never worked with two more committed training professionals who provided me and our client with a truly “game changing” learning experience. They are THE experts in ensuring their learners feel enthused, motivated and prepared for change. Their engagement with stakeholders was first class and they fully understand how to manage expectations of both learners’ and organisations. The feedback from both learners and client was exceptional and I hope we continue to work together to provide first class learning for many years.
I have just joined Pro-Development’s exciting new Management Development Programme this month and having only just experienced the first day and one coaching session, I wanted to share what a great experience I have already had! I was amazed at how quickly the learning process started! What I thought was going to be a gentle easing in of “A getting to know you day” and establishing what we were going to be learning over the course quickly turned into some really interesting activities and the opportunity to apply them! Sue and Michelle create an instant rapport with everyone – getting us all comfortable with each other which means you quickly get to the task of discovery and discussing topics which in normal circumstances you wouldn’t DREAM of sharing!! At the end of the day I walked away feeling complete – we accomplished so much in just one day, yet I have six more to come and really can’t wait for more learning to happen! In addition, the individual coaching sessions offered, provide a safe haven to challenge thoughts, instil ideas and promote personal progress. I really feel like I am in capable and safe hands!
Pro-Development are always fantastic. The Customer Service/Relationship Management workshop they designed and delivered for us has really helped to re-enforce our company values and has made us think about changes we can make. The workshop was informative, well prepared and interactive and gave a great insight into customer service. As ever, it was a brilliant, motivational day with the Pro-Development girls 🙂 Thank you
Michelle and Sue from Pro-Development have been a fantastic asset to our company. Without their help on Employment Engagement and their thorough surveys, interviews, discussions and reporting we may have lost key staff members. With their advice and continuous improvement planning, courses, one-to-ones etc we feel we will have the most engaged proactive staff in the industry. Thank you very much for all your support and continued support.
