First impressions count and our range of one day Seminars is designed to ensure that front line staff give the right impression from that first important contact. Effective communication skills in writing, telephone techniques and face-to-face all have an impact on business performance and ultimately on profits and long term viability. A small investment in this area can pay dividends.

Executive Secretary/PA

Delivery Method - Tutor Led

Exec Sec/PA This course has been designed for those individuals who have recently been promoted to the role of PA or who wish to progress to a more senior level in the future. It will assist delegates to gain a detailed understanding of the demands, motives and problems of the company executive. This way will allow them to expand and improve directly on their contribution to the management team and learn the art of pro-activity in the job.

Delegates are expected to have a sound understanding of the office environment and the duties involved in the secretarial role.

What you will learn

  1. The key areas for development in this job role, thus increasing the contribution made to the company: laying the foundations; assessing your contribution.

  2. Managing your boss successfully: making relationships work; developing your network; communication and the importance of feedback.

  3. Increasing your contribution to the management team through basic group dynamics and team work.

  4. Developing personal management skills: setting objectives; prioritising tasks; understanding time management; delegating successfully; problem solving.

  5. Organising effective systems: travel; informal and formal meetings; minute taking.

  6. Effective communication: learning how to be assertive and stay in control; the telephone.

  7. Dealing with difficult people.

  8. Developing a personal action plan.


    9. Course Length: 1day
    Price: £150 plus VAT


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    Meetings and Minute Taking

    Delivery Method - Tutor Led

    Meetings & Minute Taking This seminar is aimed at anyone who are involved in the organisation of meetings and the taking and writing of minutes. No prior knowledge is required but familiarity with the conduct of meetings in your own company would be an advantage. Delegates will develop an understanding of the meeting, agenda and minute taking cycle. They will learn about the role of the minute taker and how to work successfully with the chairperson, and will gain increased confidence in their minute taking abilities by understanding the power of effective document preparation.

    What you will learn

    1. Learn the key elements of a successful meeting

    2. Understand the importance of Agendas: Formulating an agenda: informal agendas; formal agendas; sample chairperson’s agenda

    3. Learn the purpose of meetings; the role and responsibilities of the minute taker; preparation and procedures; different types of meeting

    4. Develop techniques for drafting and writing effective minutes

    5. Learn how to follow up actions

    6. Learn about Electronic meetings

    7. Developing a personal action plan


      8. Course Length: 1day
      Price: £150 plus VAT

    Meetings and Minute Taking Workshop

    Delivery Method - Tutor Led

    This half day workshop is intended to provide delegates with the opportunity to practise their minute taking skills.  Ideally delivered as a consolidation exercise following the Meetings and Minute Taking Seminar delegates are required to attend a half hour long meeting during which various topics will be discussed and decisions made.  Delegates will take notes during the meeting and write up a set of minutes on completion.

    Throughout the workshop delegates will be required to work to strict time limits in order to provide a realistic impression of the pressure they are likely to face in the workplace.

    Course Length: 1/2 day
    Price: £90 inc. VAT

    Professional Receptionist

    Delivery Method - Tutor Led

    The Professional Receptionist This seminar is aimed at Staff who are representing the company in a front line receptionist position, or who are asked to deputise in this important role from time to time. No prior knowledge is required for the seminar however familiarity with the receptionist role in your own workplace would be an advantage. Delegates will develop an understanding of the importance of the receptionist's role and learn how to project the best image for their company.

    What you will learn:

    1. Learn how to make a first impression people remember.

    2. Learn to review best telephone practice and how to direct calls correctly.

    3. Learn how to develop strategies for dealing with difficult people and situations.

    4. Learn how to receive visitors professionally.

    5. Develop effective listening skills and focus on customer care.

    6. Learn how to stay motivated and be part of the company team.


      7. Course Length: 1day
      Price: £150 plus VAT

    Telephone Techniques

    Delivery Method - Tutor Led

    Telephone Techniques This seminar is aimed at all staff who would like to improve their telephone communication skills, but in particular those who use the telephone as an important part of their job. Delegates will learn techniques that will assist them to acquire a confident and friendly telephone manner. They will also develop the skills necessary to deal with awkward situations and the taking and passing on of messages in a professional manner.

    What you will learn

    1. Learn techniques for improving communication skills

    2. Understand the importance of voice and attitude

    3. Learn what to say and what NOT to say

    4. Developing effective listening skills and questioning techniques

    5. Know how to sound confident and helpful

    6. Understand the customer needs

    7. Learn how to handle awkward situations and calls

    8. Learn to Take messages, hand over and re-route calls


      9. Course Length: 1day
      Price: £150 plus VAT