Polaris Learning targets growth with Business Gateway support
A North-East business will showcase its innovative approach to training at a leading international oil and gas exhibition after securing further support from Business Gateway.
Polaris Learning, which provides training, development and competency management systems for high-risk industries, will be exhibiting at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) from November 7 to 10.
The company will form part of the SDI Scotland Pavilion (stand number 1210), along with more than 60 other oil and gas service companies, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
Polaris Learning has been approved for the Business Gateway Growth Pipeline, an intensive 18-month programme which will provide across-the-board support covering business strategy, marketing strategy, research into international markets and IT and website support.
Having been asked to provide a detailed growth proposal which outlined an overview of the business, its core products, markets, competitors and international sales targets, the firm was also required to demonstrate specific criteria including its use of technology and export strategy.
Polaris Learning recently announced expansion into new geographical markets, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Norway, following the development of its online and blended learning portal, PLUS.
The technology – which has already been used by more than 700 unique learners, largely across the oil and gas industry – allows firms to reduce training costs whilst simultaneously continuing to promote competency across their respective workforces.
Keith Adam, Managing Director at Polaris Learning, will be on the company’s stand throughout the week of ADIPEC. He said: “With the support of Business Gateway we are in a strong position to further develop and implement a truly international growth strategy, as well as receiving invaluable advice and guidance on key elements of our business from a fresh perspective.
“The business is currently in a period of rapid change and potentially high growth through our work to internationalise and use of new technologies, such as PLUS, to expand our geographical reach.
“We are now turning attention towards ADIPEC, which will be our first major exhibition as a company. It promises to be an exciting week and we are looking forward to the opportunity to catch up with a mix of existing clients and potential new industry partners.”
Andrew Mackay, business adviser at Business Gateway, said: “We first identified Polaris Learning as a potential candidate for the Growth Pipeline service at Business Gateway given the company’s commitment to new technology and supporting people through training and development. We look forward to working together over the coming months to bolster their progress in the expansion of the business.”
Anyone interested in arranging a meeting with Polaris Learning whilst attending ADIPEC 2016 should contact Keith Adam at keith@polaris-learning.com or on +44 (0) 7739 591224.
Based in Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire, Polaris Learning provides competency management services as well as an extensive range of accredited training and qualification programmes from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).
Polaris Learning recorded turnover of £1.1million for its December 2015 year-end. The company, which currently employs 18 people, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
Through PLUS, all the company’s training courses can be delivered online at the click of a button to learners based in the Middle East, North America, Asia and Australia or in remote locations such as the North Sea.
The service is already being used by oil and gas operators and international service companies as well as multinational firms operating in the food and drink, renewables and manufacturing industries.
