Innovate Tees Valley helps Driver.Online bring hi-tech product to market

Innovative software platform Driver.Online is increasing its customer reach thanks to marketing expertise provided by Innovate Tees Valley.

As a result, Driver.Online, based in Stockton’s Fusion Hive, is benefitting from the services of a graduate over a six-month ‘Knowledge Exchange Internship’ to create and execute an effective marketing campaign.

Safety industry entrepreneur Marc Atkinson recently launched new technology solution Driver as a way of protecting SME owners and their employees from the dangers and hidden costs of driving during the working day.

However, he quickly realised the start-up company needed extra support to promote the cloud-based product and approached the Teesside University-led project, which is financially supported by the European Regional Development Fund and helps SMEs develop unique products as well as improving services and processes.

Knowledge Exchange Internships (KEIS) enable the cost of a six-month role to be split between company and University, allowing SMEs to recruit to normally unaffordable key positions.

Graduate recruits are supported in their work by a Teesside University academic, who offers advice and guidance whenever necessary. This also allows the University to benefit from first-hand industry knowledge.

Driver is a cloud-based risk assessment and training tool that analyses the driving requirements of a business and the vehicle use of staff to help employers manage their legal obligations, under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) in respect of the on-road safety of their employees.

Camille Hilditch, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has joined the company having graduated with a BSc in marketing from Lancaster University.

Marc said: “We were keen to develop a new approach to marketing to reflect what is a unique product and Camille is helping us achieve just that.

“Potential customers are quick to realise the benefits of Driver, but we believe that emphasising the positive effects is more effective than highlighting the negatives, in terms of increased costs, serious injury or even fatalities.

“We have been pleased to welcome Camille to the team and she is already making a difference and is motivated to create an imaginative and effective marketing campaign highlighting Driver’s capabilities.

“Innovate Tees Valley has helped Driver.Online find the correct approach to market this product and develop the right language which appeals to as many potential customers as possible.”

Sue Gilbert, Innovation Exchange Project Manager, said: “This project benefits not only the company but the graduate and the University through the exchange of expertise and experience at all levels.

“We are delighted to assist Driver.Online grow its business by promoting this exciting and innovative product to create another Teesside success story.”

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• Business