Making a difference with Harrods

When the delivery team behind the world's most famous luxury department store approached our tech partner, anet360, for a training solution, we knew we had to step up!

While we can do demos remotely, we've always preferred the personal touch; for us, face-to-face is so much better than being on Teams or Zoom. So with that in mind, in 2024 we met with Camilla Cross, Operations Manager and Geoff Hooton, Transport Compliance and Trainer, to discuss their requirement;

"As our drivers mainly work in the London area, we were keen to offer them some high-grade urban driver training, which included some cycling.

We first thought of getting them out on cycles so as to experience the hazards from that perspective, in the hope that it would enhance their skills with regard to VRUs (vulnerable road users) in urban areas. However, it proved to be difficult with, among other things, the expense due to insurance costs, lack of training providers etc.

It was then that we started looking for a virtual reality solution, and there you were."

Geoff Hooton, Transport Compliance and Driver Trainer, Harrods Distribution

Once we delivered a demo to the team in Berkshire, the next step was to agree the scope, plan the content and deliver a train-the-trainer session.

"James came down to us on several occasions to assist me in the delivery of the course, and carried out a train-the-trainer. His input was greatly appreciated, and he is always at the end of the phone to help."

Geoff Hooton, Transport Compliance and Driver Trainer, Harrods Distribution

Then it was over to anet360 for the technical preparations;

"From the off, you were happy to help and gave us good insight into what you could offer. You guided us through the set-up process and were expert in the technical aspect of the training course.

The content was what we wished to offer to our drivers, and the assistance and advice you offered in the procurement of headsets and the type and specification of mobile devices was invaluable.

We were guided step by step through the delivery of the courses we held.

Geoff Hooton, Transport Compliance and Driver Trainer, Harrods Distribution

The way our immersive content is delivered is quite unique, and the solution is flexible. It allows us to personalise content with corporate branding plus additional content specific to the customer.

We update our training material every six months, to ensure it remains fresh and up to date;

"As the trainer, I find the course easy to follow as long as you have a good background knowledge and put the time in to rehearse; that is key!

Personally, I think the second edition is better laid out than the first. The registration system was very time consuming, particularly at the beginning of the day. The new edition seems to have eliminated that drawback!

We are continuing with the new and enhanced content this year. We have discovered that the new content is suitable to deliver out to van drivers as a non-CPC course, which we hope to do later in the year."

Geoff Hooton, Transport Compliance and Driver Trainer, Harrods Distribution

Of course, it's important to keep evolving. Things change all the time, so drivers must get accurate stats and info in our training to make it credible and enjoyable;

"The feedback from drivers was very positive. It offered them a novel way of sitting through what can sometimes be a tortuous experience for 7 hours of training. The 360 videos prompted fruitful discussions. The content was relevant, varied, and interesting."

Geoff Hooton, Transport Compliance and Driver Trainer, Harrods Distribution

So, if you'd like to find out how we can help you deliver immersive, engaging content, don't hesitate to contact us at enquiries@transformotion.ie