Who and what we are
Ambitious with a young experienced management team, first4care has grown its private ambulance service dynamically since beginning operations in 2004.
An influential and well respected member of the British Ambulance Association with over 10 years experience of managing private ambulance business; Chris Lightbody started first4care in 2004 and the company has rapidly become a leading provider of Special Educational Needs Transport and Patient Transfer Services, as well as offering Event cover and Training.
Having taken over Greenway Coaches, the Company name was changed and its operations moved from Mapperly, Nottingham to Bilsthorpe, Notts. The fleet of 19 vehicles has grown significally to over 75 - all with disabled access tail lift or ramp. The team of 30 drivers and escorts is now over 125.
As business grew the Company needed a solid foundation and structure to ensure its continued success. Jonathan Lightbody joined as Operations Director in 2006 and significant investment into I.T Systems and Software were made. Sean Brown was promoted to Transport Manager in 2007 and the management team's diverse skills, experience and education provide the Company with a great strength to back up our team of drivers and escorts.
Winning new S.E.N Transport contracts added further to the business such that more purposeful operations office and land was needed; so 2007 saw first4care make the bright, airy old station in Edwinstowe, NG21 9HS its office and the old station yard became home to the fleet of vehicles.
During a challenging 2007 the Company diversified to further develop its Patient Transfer Services. Successfully gaining Ambulance Service Association Accreditation first4care operates contracts for a number of Hospitals and is a preferred partner of numerous NHS Ambulance Service Trusts. In the ensuing 12 months, Company revenues rose by more than 60%.
first4care continued this pattern of rapid growth, doubling in size throughout 2008-2010 as its reputation spread throughout the country. Patient Transfer Services represent over 50% of the business and PTS contract successes around the country add to the stable platform provided by our S.E.N transport operations. The Company recruited Paul Tomlin as General Manager in December 2009 to provide greater support for the team and reduce the day to day involvement of the directors.
The team is in place to enable first4care to continue concentrating on its S.E.N and PTS operations while also developing new areas for sustained growth and stability.
Investing in the future - In its few years of trading, first4care has been prudent to invest in its team and resources. The development of the team's skills is a strength first4care is rightly proud of. 2008 saw the first 17 drivers and escorts add an NVQ Level II in Road Passenger Transport to their portfolio of skills which includes specialist autism knowledge, passenger and wheelchair security, first aid and MAPA techniques. The Company remains on target for its whole team to gain the NVQ qualification by the end of 2010.
Joining us - As the company wins more S.E.N contracts with County and City councils; further enhances its Patient Transfer Services and diversifies; we're always interested to hear from people who want to be part of our team.
