Bidvest Noonan Ireland

Ireland's leading provider of facilities services and solutions

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Making Air Travel More Accessible – A Spotlight on PRM Services with Michèle Hill

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Airports are known for their busy nature, with thousands of people passing through their doors every day, connecting people from all over the world. While a focus on providing core services such as cleaning and security is important, there are many passengers that intend to travel through the long terminal corridors who require additional support.

We sat down with Michèle Hill, Bidvest Noonan’s Contract Manager at Shannon Airport, to gain a deeper understanding of the People with Restricted Mobility (PRM) Service, some of the fundamentals that need to be in place, and what the aims of our PRM teams are here at Bidvest Noonan.

What exactly is a PRM Service, and what is involved when delivering it?

A ‘People with Restricted Mobility’ (PRM) Service is designed to assist individuals who have mobility challenges such as walking, standing, or climbing stairs. The service also assists those who use mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, or crutches. Support also extends beyond physical impairments and also includes accommodating those with visual and auditory impairments.

Providing a PRM service involves assisting those who need additional support at every stage along the passenger journey through the airport. This includes helping departing passengers from check-in, through security, to boarding the plane. It also includes assisting arriving passengers from the aircraft through immigration and baggage reclaim, and out to the arrivals hall.

All of this is designed to help passengers navigate the airport with ease and ensure that they have a safe and comfortable journey.

What fundamentals must be in place to deliver a PRM Service?

Knowing the terminal inside out in order to navigate it effectively, being aware of where all equipment and mobility aids are at all times, and having the appropriate training to assist passengers of all restricted mobility levels are some of the key basic elements I believe are required to deliver an effective PRM Service.

However, delivering an effective People with Restricted Mobility (PRM) service is not just about checking off a list of necessities, it’s much more than that. A holistic approach should be taken.

Recognising that navigating through an airport with physical limitations can be a source of stress and discomfort for individuals, and taking steps to alleviate those challenges is important. That is why our teams go that extra step to make each passenger feel warmly welcomed, by making an effort to personally greet them and learn their name.

This personable touch can often help ease any anxiety passengers might have and make the experience more relaxed for them. This can be really important if they are travelling alone.

What do our PRM teams at Bidvest Noonan aim to do?

Our PRM teams have one core focus, and that is to ensure passengers who have restricted mobility or other impairments have a seamless experience on their journey and get to where they need to be, all while enjoying their time at the airport. Providing them with the reassurance they need that all their needs are being cared for, is what makes the difference. No matter what disability or mobility issue the passenger may have, we make it our mission to remain adaptive, flexible, and accommodating to passengers throughout the airport.

Rest in Peace Bruna Fonseca

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“We are devastated by the passing of our colleague, Bruna Fonseca. Bruna, who passed away in tragic circumstances during the weekend, worked as part of our team at Mercy University Hospital Cork. She was a valued member of our team and a friend to all who worked with her. 

Bruna will be sadly missed. On behalf of all at Bidvest Noonan, I want to express my deepest condolences to Bruna’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Cormac Sheils, CEO, Bidvest Noonan Ireland

Christmas message from our Group Executive team

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As the holiday season approaches, Decland Doyle, Group CEO took a moment to express his deepest gratitude for our teams and customers.

“As another year comes to a close, I’d like to take this opportunity to express my utmost appreciation for our incredible people and customers. Although it has been an extraordinary and challenging twelve months, we have met every obstacle head-on and come out stronger than ever. – thanks in no small part to all your support! From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

Thank you for everything you do for our business and on behalf of the entire Bidvest Noonan family, I want to wish you a peaceful Christmas and all the very best for the new year”.

Over €7,000 raised for our charity partner, Enable Ireland

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We are delighted to share that as a result of a recent fundraising event, we have donated just over €7,000 to our charity partner, Enable Ireland.

Bidvest Noonan’s ESG Director, John King, and colleagues in our Irish business organised a Golf Fundraising Event recently for Enable Ireland. The event saw people from around our business, suppliers, and customers, come together to raise funds in support of a great cause.

These funds will support the essential services Enable Ireland provides for children and young people with disabilities in Ireland. This is the first of a series of fundraising initiatives planned to support Enable Ireland by Bidvest Noonan

ESG Director, John King, has said:

“I want to thank our business, colleagues, suppliers, and customers for their generosity. We believe that Enable Ireland’s work is vital, and raising funds through these events goes a long way in supporting them to create a better future for children with disabilities, and ensuring they reach their full potential.”

National Fundraising Manager for Enable Ireland, Donal Kitt, said:

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Bidvest Noonan for their efforts on our behalf. Funds raised are going towards Enable Ireland’s Galway Services refurbishment to support 700 children and young people in Galway City and County.”

This year saw Bidvest Noonan announce Enable Ireland as its charity partner for its Irish business. This partnership will see Bidvest Noonan commit to using its resources to support Enable Ireland’s services for children and young people with disabilities.

60 Seconds with Angela O Brien

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Angela OBrien, Operations Manager for the Healthcare sector in Ireland, joined us for our 60-Second interview series, sharing some insights below.

How would you define what you do at Bidvest Noonan?
I am an Operations Manager and look after a number of sites in the healthcare division. My role is to work with the clients and managers to deliver the best standards, making sure Bidvest Noonan is always the partner of choice for facilities solutions on site.

What has been your best day at Bidvest Noonan?
This September marks 25 years for me at Bidvest Noonan. There have been a lot of good days over the years so it is hard to pin down exactly one. I do remember the first time I was asked to take on the assistant manager role for a site in Leixlip. This was a flagship site for the client, with very high standards, so to be entrusted and given the support to succeed here was a great achievement for me.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
1: Remember you can do what you do because of the team you have working with you.
2: There is always something new to learn, so the day you think you know it all is the day you should give up.

How do you motivate yourself?
When you look at the incredible work the staff on site do day in and day out, it makes you want to get up and go and feel part of a collective team. I also do a lot of work with flowers, so this also gives me a different release outside of work.

Who or what has inspired you the most?
My mum was a very strong person and even though I didn’t get the education I desired, I have always worked hard. This is how I got to where I am today. With the support of my family, different people within the company, and very good friends.

If you had a motto, what would it be?
You only have one life so always remember where you come from and the people who have helped you on the way. They help shape you into the person you are today, and you only have one life to live, so cherish those connections.