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The future at
Mentor
When asked about the future of
Mentor, Richard said: “There are
lots of complementary areas that
we are currently exploring and we
are constantly being approached by
existing customers to provide them
with the same level of training but in
different areas and on different pieces
of equipment. And, we are finding
growth in third party training – i.e. we
do the training but under someone
else’s banner.
“There are lots of opportunities to
branch out from plant operator and
instructor training and expand into
general health and safety and wider
Lessons learnt
Richard’s career has been a fascinating
roller coaster ride, always on the move
and looking for the latest opportunity –
perhaps this keen eye is what makes
him the successful professional he is
today? So we asked him what lessons
and advice he would offer to others.
Richard said: “In the mining village
where I came from, I was of a small
stature in a tough environment. This
taught me when to fight and when not
to – furthermore to fight only when you
absolutely have to and only if you have a
really good chance of winning! There is
a famous saying attributed to Theodore
Roosevelt that I often remind myself of,
“- speak softly and carry a big stick; you
will go far…..”
“Be careful with your choice of industry
because even if you are the highest flyer
in that industry of your generation, the
wrong choice means that your success
is limited – you have to try to predict the
future and go with the industry with the
greatest opportunity.
“It is important to communicate well
with others, to be clear about your and
your company’s goals and never give
in. Always be on time - being late is the
ultimate rudeness.
“As words of encouragement – be good
at what you do and never be envious
of others. If you are good and enjoy
training too and in the near future we
are hoping to launch a range of new
services using the same philosophy
that has worked so successfully in
recent times.
“We have looked to extend the use of
innovative technology solutions such as
plant simulators but these have proven
not to have been as commercially
successful as we would have liked.
For larger plant items of a value of
say a couple of hundred thousand
then simulators may be worth it, but
for smaller items of plant, it is far more
efficient to buy a machine than pay out
a substantial fee on a simulator.
what you do, you will be successful.
Look beyond the UK because we do
live in an international market and be
prepared to travel or move if that is
important to you. Finally, never whinge
because no-one likes whingers.
“Perhaps the greatest asset is to have a
good supportive partner to be there with
you during the difficult times. My wife
Andrea was a childhood sweetheart
and we were both originally from the
same area in Yorkshire. She married
SPECIAL REPORT
“We’re also looking at e-learning to
facilitate an assessment of existing
operators to determine if retraining
is required or up-skilling on new and
relevant regulations that may impact
upon plant and machinery operation.
“As a progressive and upwardly
mobile company we continuously
scan the marketplace for new
innovative solutions that ultimately
have the potential to improve
the training and competence of
operators. We constantly seek
extensive customer feedback and we
do continually improve what we offer
to the marketplace. “
and moved to Venezuela but came
back to England in 1988 with two
children and two suitcases. We met
up and rekindled our romance. I have
two stepchildren (Joe, 27 and Sofie,
26), a daughter, Jessica, 24, from my
first marriage and a further child with
Andrea, Edward who is now 17. Not
only is Andrea very supportive, but she
is incredibly strong and doesn’t listen
to excuses, so we are very similar. She
is the rock in my life and I couldn’t be
without her.”
Mentor FLT Training Limited
If PEP readers would like
to contact Richard or find
out more about Mentor and
Burley Close, Turnoaks Business Park, Chesterfield S40 2UB
the services it provides, Tel: 01246 555222 Fax: 01246 234184
then please contact:
Examples of tilt tables E: richard.shore@mentortraining.co.uk www.mentortraining.co.uk
August 2010
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