Tees Business Tees Business issue 13 | Page 53

Serving the Teesside Business Community | 53 Induction specialists Intasite agreed a deal with Sirius Minerals after meeting via a NEPIC mentoring programme. Intasite’s Danielle Croce (left) is pictured with Nigel Chapman of Sirius and NEPIC’s Joanne Rout. SIRIUS ABOUT SAFETY NEPIC programme opens door for Tees induction firm I ntasite, a Tees-based online induction specialist, has helped streamline the induction process for Yorkshire-based plant fertiliser organisation Sirius Minerals. The newly struck business relationship comes off the back of a mentoring programme delivered by NEPIC and Innovate Tees Valley. Based in Middlesbrough’s Digital City, Intasite combines digital expertise with health and safety induction knowledge to produce bespoke site entry platforms that can be delivered remotely. This approach allows visitors, contractors and workers to complete their site induction and assessment from their computer, mobile or tablet in advance of gaining site access, which saves firms both time and money. Seeking expert consultancy, industry feedback and, ultimately, the networking opportunities to take this innovative platform to the chemical market, Intasite enrolled with Innovate Tees Valley for sector-focused growth support via industry body, NEPIC. Following a series of initial meetings, Intasite were then given the opportunity to test the market via NEPIC’s ‘match and mentor’ service. Here, businesses can pitch to key decision-makers, acting as mentors, who offer advice regarding product relevance and pitch presentation. For Intasite, this approach provided much more than could ever have been expected. Impressed by Intasite’s unique remote, multi-site induction platform technology, one of NEPIC’s mentors referred Intasite to Sirius Minerals. The multi-nutrient fertiliser company is currently constructing what will be the world’s largest polyhalite mine near Whitby in North Yorkshire, with processing facilities on Teesside. With construction due to commence, Sirius Minerals required a low cost, time effective health and safety induction solution for several types of visitors to their mine sites. Furthermore, due to the expanding nature of the project, the firm required a solution that could be easily modified to take on board new regulations and cover expanding areas during the planned three- year construction phase. The platform includes a competency- based assessment to ensure that visitors have engaged with and absorbed the essential information in the induction video. Automated messages are sent, informing those due for renewal when their validation will expire and reminding them to re-sit their induction. Nigel Chapman, health and safety manager for Sirius Minerals, said: “The speed at which Intasite was able to deliver our induction package was hugely impressive, and their flexibility was invaluable. “Working with local businesses and having a local supply chain is also very important to us, so to find a good provider in Teesside was a huge bonus.” Intasite director Danielle Croce added: “The Intasite platform stands on its own merit, having built up a client base across the UK. However, without Innovate Tees Valley support, the introductions needed to secure an opportunity with Sirius Minerals and other companies in the process sector would not have been possible. “NEPIC provided opportunities to present to industry professionals and gain a better understanding of the needs and requirements of the sector. This has by far been the biggest benefit of the programme, giving us the opportunity to create a long-lasting relationship with one of our biggest clients.” NEPIC’s Innovate Tees Valley programme manager Joanne Rout commented: “This is a fabulous outcome for both Intasite and Sirius Minerals. It is also testament to the Innovate Tees Valley approach, the outstanding support we receive from industry mentors and the determination and ambition of the region’s small business community.” Intasite, who have also worked with major Tees organisations PD Ports, Wilton Centre and David Fox Transport, have helped to induct more than 30,000 people onto sites over the past two years. The firm creates an online induction platform to eliminate the need for visitors to carry out on-site inductions, and can provide on-site filming, editing, voice-over, drone footage and animation service. They have helped clients overcome challenges around the fast flow of inductions during shutdowns, while the multilingual-ready system enables clients to easily induct overseas drivers too. ● For more information about Intasite visit intasite.com or contact Danielle Croce on 01642 903090.