Why Based in Newcastle?

Many people have asked us why Verrimus TSCM Training services are based in Newcastle upon Tyne? There is a negative stereotype held by some uninformed people that Newcastle (the North of England in general) is unsophisticated! Yes, Geordie Shore didn’t help address this misconception! So, let us address some of the outright nonsense we’ve heard spouted as reasons we SHOULDN’T run our TSCM training from Newcastle.

Designing The Verrimus Approach to TSCM Training

Back in 2010, when we were designing our training centre and approach, we wanted to provide quality TSCM training. We wanted to ensure we added value for our clients. Together we discussed all of the various training we have experienced as students. We pulled out the bits that we felt had worked and the aspects that hindered/tainted the learning experience. Those of us whom had taught other subjects over the years (psychology, advertising, first aid) reflected on what had worked. Those of us who had facilitated qualitative research groups, understood aspects of group cohesion. Learning methods and teaching styles were researched. We examined kinesthetic, acoustic, visual, written and multimodal learning styles. We looked at optimum class sizes and took into account solitary and social learning styles too. This information and knowledge was used this to develop our Verrimus brand of knowledge transfer.

We were told that “No one will travel to Newcastle for training”. This came from someone who at that time was interested in purchasing Verrimus. The company were adamant that if we opened a TSCM training facility it should be in London. They wanted to invest in a London TSCM Training facility and weren’t interested in our preference for a Newcastle base. They cited ‘transport links’ as their main reason and ‘international clients only wishing to visit the Capital’. (We thanked them for their feedback and continued with our plans.)

Home (Hyem in Northumbrian Dialect)

Our first reason for establishing our TSCM training centre in Newcastle was because we are all from (or reside in) the region. We undertake TSCM operations worldwide and were seeking a home base that did not require further travel. Travel fatigue is real! We felt that having a training centre close to home would help our operators gain valuable instructor experience at home. We understand that being away from their homes and families takes it’s toll. (Not all TSCM operators can just become TSCM instructors, knowledge transfer skills take time to develop.)

Experiential Learning

Secondly, we investigated the costs to be able to deliver our Verrimus unique Operational TSCM training services. We emphasise realism in our training. Experiential learning is very important to us. We did not want to build purpose built ‘settings’. (Can you believe that some TSCM training companies offer aircraft TSCM using seats arranged like an aircraft in a classroom!). Developing transferable TSCM TTPs requires a holistic approach to operation. All of the pre and post work required for a TSCM task cannot be experienced in any realistic way in a classroom.

We had the contacts, relationships and facilities in the North East to deliver the style of TSCM training we believed was the best. When we started to cost the delivering of our training in the South East….well we were shocked! Prices for every single aspect, from accommodation, to travel, to live facilities, to classrooms, to workshops, to food – all were extremely inflated. In addition, some of the facilities available to us in the North East, either weren’t available or had limited availability in the South East.

Travel and Accommodation

We are lucky to have on our doorstep Newcastle International Airport and Newcastle Central Station. Travel from the airport to our training facilities takes 15 minutes. Travel from the train station is a 5 minute walk. Newcastle Airport has regular daily flights to Schipol International Airport and also to Dubai. This makes getting to Newcastle a simple process for our international clients.

Through our relationships with hotels both in the city centre of Newcastle and in rural areas, we have been able to negotiate very competitive rates. This means we are able to offer a cost effective all inclusive option for our training attendees. In fact, because of our relationships we were able to still operate during the limitations of 2020 by ‘taking over’ a whole hotel for our clients. We were able to adhere to sensible mitigations to limit infection spread. This would not have been achievable at a competitive rate if it wasn’t for our relationships with hospitality.

Overall Experience of Training

If you haven’t visited the North East region previously, you won’t be aware of the stunning scenery. We are able to take some clients, during any downtime, to visit castles such as Alnwick and Bamburgh. We have also taken many international clients on day trips to Lindisfarne and Edinburgh. Or simply for an authentic fish and chips lunch overlooking the sea. Verrimus are able to do this all without additional charges. We feel this adds to the overall experience of having to be away from home attending training.

We listen to our clients, we tailor activities for their downtime which suit them. Our all inclusive TSCM training packages ensure that the clients have nothing to arrange other than their travel to Newcastle. We take care of accommodation and all food. We feel that being able to just focus on their learning alleviates a source of stress for many clients. There is no need for personal food budgeting or having to pay and claim back expenses later from their organisation.

Myth Busting

If you are currently seeking Operational TSCM training, you may find that other service providers will attempt to dissuade you from seeking Verrimus training. We’ve been told by clients just a few of the myths that are aimed to dissuade them….

1. Newcastle doesn’t have good ‘signals’ for doing TSCM training – Hilarious! Newcastle upon Tyne is a vibrant UK city. As such the signals within the city centre are as you would expect in any major city.
2. Verrimus can’t offer the specialist training they say they can – we offer bespoke training based on our clients training needs analysis. If a client needs aircraft TSCM for example, they train on a plane, not in a classroom pretend plane!
3. Newcastle is hard to get to – from where exactly? Daily flights from London Airports. 3 hour train journey from London. Daily flights to and from Schipol, CDG and Dubai.
4. Verrimus place students in B&Bs – nope, completely false. All of our students who choose inclusive training packages are placed in one of the prestigious city centre hotels.
5. Verrimus don’t manufacture equipment and so can’t deliver quality TSCM training! We feel the fact that we DON’T manufacture TSCM equipment is a bonus. We are not driven in any way by sales targets. We are free to discuss the pros and cons of all TSCM equipment options.

Tell Us What You’ve Heard

If you’ve heard other misinformation/rumours spouted about our training, let us know. We always enjoy a good laugh! We’re always happy to give you the accurate information. Our clients are our focus. Delivering quality TSCM training, that meets training needs analyses and enhances a TSCM team’s skill set.

If you’d like to know why we are called Verrimus, click here!