Trevor has over 30 years experience in horticulture and is highly skilled in the delivery of garden design, consultancy and project management.  He is also Principal of Plantsman’s Garden Tours – specialist tours of gardens throughout Ireland, UK and abroad.  Trevor is also a regular contributor to Saturday morning’s radio programme, “Gardeners Corner”. However, he had little awareness of ICT and realised that in order to further develop his already successful business, knowledge of ICT was critical.

Trevor contacted the College’s Business Support Unit at Newtownards campus and after some investigation he opted to embark on the Connect2IT training programme.  The programme was tailored to Trevor’s specific needs and focussed on three key elements:

• Sage – Trevor had no knowledge of this particular package and not only attained a good standard of awareness of its uses and workings but also realised cost savings in his accountancy fees.
•  MS Powerpoint – Trevor gained confidence and proficiency in the production and delivery of presentations to secure new business.  He also believes that Powerpoint has improved his professionalism when presenting to potential clients, colleagues and contemporaries.
• MS Outlook – This tool has been invaluable in helping Trevor to manage his time more effectively by linking his diary to his phone and by managing his email, contacts and diary schedule.  He believes that these efficiencies have contributed to his ability to take on more business.

Trevor said, “The training was focused, relevant and explained in an efficient non-technical way.  I quickly realised the benefits that ICT could deliver and learnt new capabilities that I didn’t even know I was missing.  This training programme moved me to a higher level of proficiency which I then converted into beneficial, time-saving, money-making activites.”