November 2009 saw the latest major training event organised by TGS for 2009.  Two Eco-Driving, Fleet Management and Cost-Cutting Training Seminars were held between 24 – 27 November. The picturesque setting for the seminars was “Hacienda Almoguera”, Los Barrios, in nearby Spain.  As the name suggests, the aim was to provide participants with instruction about Eco-driving techniques, hands-on off-road driver training as well as engaging them in practical workshops which would provided participants with valuable skills, knowledge and positive ideas about cutting costs and reducing the environmental footprint.

The four-day event was divided into 2 seminars, lasting 1.5 days each, and attracted a total of 32 participants (16 per seminar). All the participants were members of international aid organisations and whose off-road driving experience ranged from beginner through to expert. Attendees were looked after by a “crack” TGS team led by Kevin Jones (Chief Executive Officer). TGS Sales Manager Frederic Burgod was also present throughout, as were senior TGS sales staff members Jan Buhler, Martin Wright and James Bruzon. Piers Watson helped out with the driving instruction modules. They were all supported by the TGS technical team comprised of Gary Summers, Cor Hendriks and Mark Link. And let’s not forget the TGS Marketing Team, who worked hard behind the scenes to ensure the event ran as smoothly as possible.

During their time at the seminar, participants received training in the principles of Eco driving and were repeatedly informed about how adoption of these principles can significantly improve fuel consumption and, therefore, lower emissions.  In addition, there were workshops on cost-cutting issues, such as vehicle monitoring and maintenance, road safety for field drivers and driver selection.  Delegates were also able to learn about all important vehicle recovery techniques and had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with key TGS stock-models, in particular the brand new Land Cruiser Prado. At the end of the Seminars all the participants agreed that the eco-driving principles were very important and would lead to not only significant cost savings but also lower emissions and a "greener" fleet management.  In an effort to emphasise this more eco-friendly approach to driving, the participants were presented with promotional items in the form of a TGS mouse-mat made from recycled materials, a pen made from recycled materials and a t-shirt as a souvenir for the seminar.

Needless to say, the event proved to be yet another TGS success story, with the participants returning extremely positive feedback, such as:

“It was an extremely useful training and … we have learnt lots of things that we will use at field level to develop our tasks..”

“Wish to thank … the whole team for the great support. This training was very useful and I have already scheduled a training for drivers on the same.”

“I have to say you have a wonderful and unified and motivated and dynamic team.”