Strong Businesswoman Fights Back: Company Expands Against All Odds

LONDON, January 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Newlands Training, Dorset, is just a stone's throw away from Corfe Castle - and both are renowned for being run by two of the county's strongest females.

During the Civil War, Lady Mary Bankes defended Corfe Castle against a 300 strong army of bloodthirsty Parliamentarians, aided only by her six daughters and a servant. According to local historians, the small group of defenders heaved hot stones and embers over the walls of the fort to keep Oliver Cromwell's soldiers at bay.

But now there's a new heroine in town: a short drive away from Corfe Castle, business owner Lesley Simpson has turned ill fortune around to her advantage to make her business a success - and now she's expanding the company.

Newlands Training was established 27 years ago, under the now defunct Agricultural Training Board (ATB). When the government scrapped the ATB in 1994, Lesley made the decision to continue the business. Commenting on the potentially disastrous effect this should have had, Lesley Simpson said: "I could have given up and walked away, but I knew there would still be a demand for the agricultural industry to stay competitive in the same way as before: by keeping skills current, efficient and safe. I spent a week telephoning my clients to let them know it was business as usual - and have never looked back since."

She's also had to fight extra hard in a male-dominated industry. Lesley said: "I'm used to people looking around for the owner of the business when they meet me - when they realise there isn't a man in charge they look surprised and ask: "Is this your business?!""

Lesley now has a client base that includes the RSPB, Dorset County Council and the National Trust. Her qualified instructors offer industry recognised courses in forestry and arboriculture, grounds maintenance and agricultural vehicles to name but a few.  

The business is now announcing its recent expansion, with extra places available on the previously over-subscribed rural training courses.

Read Lesley's list of inspirational women in business

For more information about courses in Health & Safety, Pesticide Application, Grounds Maintenance, Workshop Skills, Forestry and Arboriculture and many more, contact Lesley Simpson:

T. +44(0)1305-848454 M. +44(0)7976-531649 E: info@newlandstraining.com or visit www.newlandstraining.com .

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