Wednesday, 30 December 2009
Never to be beaten Kitchen and Bedroom deals!
Yes, it’s “Sale Time”, again!
One of our associated industries, fitted furniture, yet again manages to offer “never to be repeated” discounts of 60% reductions (and more), on goods that are still manufactured to order.
How do they do that? Discounts of 20%, I can understand. A discount like that, can still leave some margin but 60% - how does that work?
It works because for most of the year leading up to the “sale season”, the headline price is unrealistic but the customer sees (and likes), the opportunity to strike a bargain. Good old fashioned barter. It creates satisfaction for the “cute” consumer, via the “Mexican Hat Dance” leading up to the moment of satisfaction for the salesperson – the close!
So how is this funded? Are such retailers really taking substantial amounts of money from their own bank accounts, to benefit every customer who walks through their door, eagerly awaited by the “ever so humble”, hand writhing, Uriah Heap character, equally eager to offer discount beyond your wildest dreams? Are they true modern day benefactors of the general public?
Of course not and deep down, we all know it! They don’t make a loss. They just make a higher than average profit all year and charge “extras” at every given opportunity;
“Sorry madam, we didn’t know that your electrical system was inadequate, so we need to charge an extra £450”.......” Removing the tiles has meant more plastering than we first thought, so the extra cost is £1500”........”We thought you were going to move the sockets, so we will have to charge £150 per socket extra”.......”We thought that you would have moved the radiator, before we arrived. We now need a plumber and who knows what that will cost!”......
Unfortunate but common-place industry solutions to gaining margin. It’s the cowboy mentality that we would seek to eliminate.
Our advice? Stick to the realistic discounters with first class installers! Try Katherine Cavendish Fitted Interiors Limited (www.katherinecavendish.co.uk), installed by Rubicon Developments Limited.
Peter Saunders
Director
One of our associated industries, fitted furniture, yet again manages to offer “never to be repeated” discounts of 60% reductions (and more), on goods that are still manufactured to order.
How do they do that? Discounts of 20%, I can understand. A discount like that, can still leave some margin but 60% - how does that work?
It works because for most of the year leading up to the “sale season”, the headline price is unrealistic but the customer sees (and likes), the opportunity to strike a bargain. Good old fashioned barter. It creates satisfaction for the “cute” consumer, via the “Mexican Hat Dance” leading up to the moment of satisfaction for the salesperson – the close!
So how is this funded? Are such retailers really taking substantial amounts of money from their own bank accounts, to benefit every customer who walks through their door, eagerly awaited by the “ever so humble”, hand writhing, Uriah Heap character, equally eager to offer discount beyond your wildest dreams? Are they true modern day benefactors of the general public?
Of course not and deep down, we all know it! They don’t make a loss. They just make a higher than average profit all year and charge “extras” at every given opportunity;
“Sorry madam, we didn’t know that your electrical system was inadequate, so we need to charge an extra £450”.......” Removing the tiles has meant more plastering than we first thought, so the extra cost is £1500”........”We thought you were going to move the sockets, so we will have to charge £150 per socket extra”.......”We thought that you would have moved the radiator, before we arrived. We now need a plumber and who knows what that will cost!”......
Unfortunate but common-place industry solutions to gaining margin. It’s the cowboy mentality that we would seek to eliminate.
Our advice? Stick to the realistic discounters with first class installers! Try Katherine Cavendish Fitted Interiors Limited (www.katherinecavendish.co.uk), installed by Rubicon Developments Limited.
Peter Saunders
Director
Monday, 21 December 2009
Blog title...
Three wise men and the Messiah
The pressures of business in the current climate are causing stress amongst many businesses.
Three wise men and a Messiah would be welcomed openly by many of us, as a potential solution to raising finances, new business development, cash-flow improvement and business planning and forecasting.
Who are the wise men in your business and who is your “Messiah”?
Are the wise men, the “Managing Director”, the “Sales Director” and the “Financial Director”? Let’s hope so!
Is the Messiah the bank manager? Probably not.
In this analogy, the Messiah is planning, strategy, resourcefulness, training and communication.
The Messiah for business, is looking after staff now and in the future. The three wise men of business, should embrace this Messiah in 2010.
Don’t allow business pressures to negate true values and the reason for Christmas.
On that note, Merry Christmas to all and let’s put our faith in a happy and healthy New Year.
Peter Saunders
Director
The pressures of business in the current climate are causing stress amongst many businesses.
Three wise men and a Messiah would be welcomed openly by many of us, as a potential solution to raising finances, new business development, cash-flow improvement and business planning and forecasting.
Who are the wise men in your business and who is your “Messiah”?
Are the wise men, the “Managing Director”, the “Sales Director” and the “Financial Director”? Let’s hope so!
Is the Messiah the bank manager? Probably not.
In this analogy, the Messiah is planning, strategy, resourcefulness, training and communication.
The Messiah for business, is looking after staff now and in the future. The three wise men of business, should embrace this Messiah in 2010.
Don’t allow business pressures to negate true values and the reason for Christmas.
On that note, Merry Christmas to all and let’s put our faith in a happy and healthy New Year.
Peter Saunders
Director
Walking the Floor
Walking the floor
What is management?
Every manager has occupied a more junior position and almost certainly, looked upward to higher ranks and said “I could do it better”.
So what happens, when the opportunity to “do it better”, is given? Is it initial enthusiasm, overtaken by eventual apathy?
Pose the question;
“If all the directors left the business, could the shop floor personnel create output and profit?”
The answer is undoubtedly “Yes”.
Now pose the alternative question;
“If all the shop floor personnel left the business, could the directors alone create output and profit?”
The answer is more than likely, “No”.
So what do managers and directors do? What should they do? What “added value” do they contribute?
They should direct and manage resource, including people, to ensure that the output and profitability of the business is directed and managed to the greatest effect, adding value through improved efficiency and planned growth.
They should empower the shop-floor and create “transparency for growth and improvement”.
All too often, “KPI’s” are cited as the “Holy Grail” and the cornerstone of business improvement. All too often, managers and directors, rewarded by bonus based on performance improvement cite numbers and then massage them for the benefit of themselves.
As a management consultant, my first approach is to “Walk the floor” and talk to the people that matter and too often discover that they don’t know about business policy, company direction, growth strategy, imminent new products and even more surprisingly “KPI’s”. Improvement here is the best first step in any improvement process.
Even when surrounded by glorious coloured charts with clear upward or downward trends, they often don’t know why. In many cases, the charts are out of date on the shop floor but up to date on the manager’s laptop.
The best KPI’s of any, are “how often do the directors and managers walk the floor?” and “how often do they communicate personally with staff?”
Such two way flow is a key element in improvement strategy.
Don’t wait until “bonus time” or “pay review time” to communicate and take a careful look at your “KPI’s”. Do they really reflect reality and more importantly, does you greatest asset (staff) know of them and agree with them?
Peter Saunders
Director
Rubicon Developments Limited
What is management?
Every manager has occupied a more junior position and almost certainly, looked upward to higher ranks and said “I could do it better”.
So what happens, when the opportunity to “do it better”, is given? Is it initial enthusiasm, overtaken by eventual apathy?
Pose the question;
“If all the directors left the business, could the shop floor personnel create output and profit?”
The answer is undoubtedly “Yes”.
Now pose the alternative question;
“If all the shop floor personnel left the business, could the directors alone create output and profit?”
The answer is more than likely, “No”.
So what do managers and directors do? What should they do? What “added value” do they contribute?
They should direct and manage resource, including people, to ensure that the output and profitability of the business is directed and managed to the greatest effect, adding value through improved efficiency and planned growth.
They should empower the shop-floor and create “transparency for growth and improvement”.
All too often, “KPI’s” are cited as the “Holy Grail” and the cornerstone of business improvement. All too often, managers and directors, rewarded by bonus based on performance improvement cite numbers and then massage them for the benefit of themselves.
As a management consultant, my first approach is to “Walk the floor” and talk to the people that matter and too often discover that they don’t know about business policy, company direction, growth strategy, imminent new products and even more surprisingly “KPI’s”. Improvement here is the best first step in any improvement process.
Even when surrounded by glorious coloured charts with clear upward or downward trends, they often don’t know why. In many cases, the charts are out of date on the shop floor but up to date on the manager’s laptop.
The best KPI’s of any, are “how often do the directors and managers walk the floor?” and “how often do they communicate personally with staff?”
Such two way flow is a key element in improvement strategy.
Don’t wait until “bonus time” or “pay review time” to communicate and take a careful look at your “KPI’s”. Do they really reflect reality and more importantly, does you greatest asset (staff) know of them and agree with them?
Peter Saunders
Director
Rubicon Developments Limited
Sunday, 20 December 2009
Meeting Tips: 6 tips for making a good first impression in vital meetings
For any sales person, business principal, account manager or other business professional approaching client meetings is a time to make a good first impression. Aspects such as appearance and personality (and age, despite non-allowable prejudice), sway the initial proceedings for the meeting. So how can you eliminate as many of these negative initial reactions as possible?
Tip 1: Have an Agenda prepared.
Too many meetings either “shoot” off on tangents as you lose control, or last too long when your time could be spent on winning business. Many decision makers that you meet, will have little of the precious commodity of time. It is important to maintain a quality, structured meeting agenda so you get your ideas across and hold an efficient meeting. If you talk too much you will bore them. If you talk too little, you don’t get the message across. Strike a balance and above all, read the signs.
Write the agenda (where possible and appropriate) in good time and send it in advance, to everyone who will be attending. This will structure the meeting in a way to suit you and facilitate a path towards the “close”.
Tip 2: Small Talk.
As part of your agenda (don’t write this on any documentation sent to the client of course!) you should include small talk at the beginning. It can be deemed very negative to walk into a meeting and start pitching immediately. Understanding the individual you are to meet is crucial, so be observant. Channel small talk around a picture on the wall (football team maybe), a sporting link, an emblem on a tie, a crash helmet in the corner etc. Be creative!
Tip 3: Look smart.
You are an ambassador of the business you are representing. You should always aim to dress better than the person you will be meeting (but don’t tell them that!). A scruffy, dishevelled appearance indicates a dishevelled approach to business. Shiny shoes, crisp shirt, neatly pressed suit. When travelling, hang your jacket up, where possible – there is nothing worse than that creased jacket look!
Tip 4: Listen first, pitch second.
How can you expect to offer the best solution you can by pitching straight off? The etiquette for this tip is simple:
· Ask what their requirements are
· Listen to their in depth requirements
· Take the stem of your product/ service and tailor it to suit their business.
90% listening and 10% talking - you have 2 ears and one mouth, so try and use them in proportion.
Tip 5: Talk about the competition.
The minute a competitor’s activity is mentioned, good business owners and executives listen. If you can show that you have researched their market and competitors, it emphasises your company and it’s advantages.
Do not, however, malign the competition. Use the features and benefits approach. This is far more professional and sets you apart from “also-rans”.
Always give out 2 business cards – one for them and one for a colleague. That way, you ensure post meeting conversation and stand every chance of reaching true decision makers.
Tip 6: Follow up and close.
Clearly arrange a “close” and/ or a “follow-up” strategy.
“what day would it be best for me to call you?”
“when will you be making a decision?”
“how do you feel about the information I have given you today?”
“when would you be looking to take delivery?”
Peter Saunders
Director, 20th December 2009
Tip 1: Have an Agenda prepared.
Too many meetings either “shoot” off on tangents as you lose control, or last too long when your time could be spent on winning business. Many decision makers that you meet, will have little of the precious commodity of time. It is important to maintain a quality, structured meeting agenda so you get your ideas across and hold an efficient meeting. If you talk too much you will bore them. If you talk too little, you don’t get the message across. Strike a balance and above all, read the signs.
Write the agenda (where possible and appropriate) in good time and send it in advance, to everyone who will be attending. This will structure the meeting in a way to suit you and facilitate a path towards the “close”.
Tip 2: Small Talk.
As part of your agenda (don’t write this on any documentation sent to the client of course!) you should include small talk at the beginning. It can be deemed very negative to walk into a meeting and start pitching immediately. Understanding the individual you are to meet is crucial, so be observant. Channel small talk around a picture on the wall (football team maybe), a sporting link, an emblem on a tie, a crash helmet in the corner etc. Be creative!
Tip 3: Look smart.
You are an ambassador of the business you are representing. You should always aim to dress better than the person you will be meeting (but don’t tell them that!). A scruffy, dishevelled appearance indicates a dishevelled approach to business. Shiny shoes, crisp shirt, neatly pressed suit. When travelling, hang your jacket up, where possible – there is nothing worse than that creased jacket look!
Tip 4: Listen first, pitch second.
How can you expect to offer the best solution you can by pitching straight off? The etiquette for this tip is simple:
· Ask what their requirements are
· Listen to their in depth requirements
· Take the stem of your product/ service and tailor it to suit their business.
90% listening and 10% talking - you have 2 ears and one mouth, so try and use them in proportion.
Tip 5: Talk about the competition.
The minute a competitor’s activity is mentioned, good business owners and executives listen. If you can show that you have researched their market and competitors, it emphasises your company and it’s advantages.
Do not, however, malign the competition. Use the features and benefits approach. This is far more professional and sets you apart from “also-rans”.
Always give out 2 business cards – one for them and one for a colleague. That way, you ensure post meeting conversation and stand every chance of reaching true decision makers.
Tip 6: Follow up and close.
Clearly arrange a “close” and/ or a “follow-up” strategy.
“what day would it be best for me to call you?”
“when will you be making a decision?”
“how do you feel about the information I have given you today?”
“when would you be looking to take delivery?”
Peter Saunders
Director, 20th December 2009
Tuesday, 15 December 2009
A Refreshing Change
It just goes to prove that not all companies are having the same approach to their budgets for 2010. Forward thinking companies are planning ahead and forecasting what training they will be doing in the new year to optimise their success.
Having just visited a company to discuss their upcoming requirements, I was impressed by their refreshing approach and forward thinking. They are looking ahead to next year and planning both strategically (i.e. what new staff will require training), financially and from a business development perspective to offer their employees consistent and regular training. They pride themselves on their staff retention, which is so key to minimising the costs in your business, yet not a lot of companies have this in mind when considering staff training.
I relish working with companies with such positivity, and making such an investment in their staff and in turn the future of their company - long may this attitude continue!
Carol Saunders
Director - Rubicon Developments Ltd
Having just visited a company to discuss their upcoming requirements, I was impressed by their refreshing approach and forward thinking. They are looking ahead to next year and planning both strategically (i.e. what new staff will require training), financially and from a business development perspective to offer their employees consistent and regular training. They pride themselves on their staff retention, which is so key to minimising the costs in your business, yet not a lot of companies have this in mind when considering staff training.
I relish working with companies with such positivity, and making such an investment in their staff and in turn the future of their company - long may this attitude continue!
Carol Saunders
Director - Rubicon Developments Ltd
Saturday, 12 December 2009
A path through life is like 2 sides of an equilateral triangle. there is a wrong path or side and a right path or side. The further progress is made down the wrong side, the harder it is to get back to the right side. The path becomes longer and more entangled with difficulties.
Training follows a similar pattern. An untrained person often lacks guidance and if their path lacks structure, the stage can be reached, where there is no route back across the triangle, the only option being to go all the way back, "unlearning" all of those bad habits and the further down the wrong path you are, the harder that journey becomes.
The return journey is not impossible but it takes a strong character to firstly identify or admit to such issues and an even stronger character to correct it.
It never ceases to amaze me though, how many such characters exist and it gives us, at Rubicon Developments Limited, an unbelievable level of satisfaction, when we meet them and in some small way, assist.
Training is like the guidance of a parent. We never stop needing it and we never stop passing it on. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?
Training follows a similar pattern. An untrained person often lacks guidance and if their path lacks structure, the stage can be reached, where there is no route back across the triangle, the only option being to go all the way back, "unlearning" all of those bad habits and the further down the wrong path you are, the harder that journey becomes.
The return journey is not impossible but it takes a strong character to firstly identify or admit to such issues and an even stronger character to correct it.
It never ceases to amaze me though, how many such characters exist and it gives us, at Rubicon Developments Limited, an unbelievable level of satisfaction, when we meet them and in some small way, assist.
Training is like the guidance of a parent. We never stop needing it and we never stop passing it on. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?
Saturday, 21 November 2009
Sensational Service in the Service Industry...
Well, that should be a given shouldn't it?
Not always unfortunately, it only takes a smile, or a bit of communication with your customer to put things right in many instances, which isn't rocket science is it?
At Rubicon Developments we offer a furniture installation service to both commercial and domestic customers and always train our installation staff in customer service before they even leave our premises!
So how can we make a difference? Think about what you would like, as a customer, and apply this to what you offer. If you were having your kitchen, bedroom or home office fitted, think what would be important to you, as a customer.
For example, if it were your bedroom, you would want somewhere to sleep at the of the day, be it in another room or in the room where the installation is taking place. This should therefore be the first consideration of your installer before they start to rip your existing bedroom apart.
If you were having your new dream kitchen installed - what would be important to you? Personally, as a minimum, I would want somewhere to be able to make a cup of tea and wash the pots, after eating my take-away, at the end of the day. With one of our installations - not a problem, as the Installer will sort out a temporary sink stand and tap on a flexible pipe for you to use until the kitchen is installed.
We've all been a customer at some point in our lives, haven't we? So why don't we, as product and service providers, start to think like one?
Carol Saunders, Director
21 November 2009
Not always unfortunately, it only takes a smile, or a bit of communication with your customer to put things right in many instances, which isn't rocket science is it?
At Rubicon Developments we offer a furniture installation service to both commercial and domestic customers and always train our installation staff in customer service before they even leave our premises!
So how can we make a difference? Think about what you would like, as a customer, and apply this to what you offer. If you were having your kitchen, bedroom or home office fitted, think what would be important to you, as a customer.
For example, if it were your bedroom, you would want somewhere to sleep at the of the day, be it in another room or in the room where the installation is taking place. This should therefore be the first consideration of your installer before they start to rip your existing bedroom apart.
If you were having your new dream kitchen installed - what would be important to you? Personally, as a minimum, I would want somewhere to be able to make a cup of tea and wash the pots, after eating my take-away, at the end of the day. With one of our installations - not a problem, as the Installer will sort out a temporary sink stand and tap on a flexible pipe for you to use until the kitchen is installed.
We've all been a customer at some point in our lives, haven't we? So why don't we, as product and service providers, start to think like one?
Carol Saunders, Director
21 November 2009
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Ambition - are we born with it?
I can only imagine that there are differing opinions on the mega-million lottery winners. My opinion is "good luck to them"!
In reality, many people would welcome a "fortune for a quid" - but some people will be jealous and saddened.... but why?
I'm not saying we can all come by £45 million in a hurry, but we can all work, strive and maybe even take a few risks to achieve more. In the words of George Bernard Shaw:
"Some men see things as they are, and say "why?". I dream things that never were and say "why not"?"
The "Ambition Club" that Rubicon Developments run in Tameside nurtures this mentality, turning ordinary issues and problems on their head. Working amongst like-minded professionals, finding solutions and turning, what at first glance, are deemed problems, into opportunities.
Simply stated "that's life", but also "life's what you make it". Nothing comes easy, unless you're a lottery winner, but let's face it, in truth - most of us have to work for it!
Peter Saunders, Director
In reality, many people would welcome a "fortune for a quid" - but some people will be jealous and saddened.... but why?
I'm not saying we can all come by £45 million in a hurry, but we can all work, strive and maybe even take a few risks to achieve more. In the words of George Bernard Shaw:
"Some men see things as they are, and say "why?". I dream things that never were and say "why not"?"
The "Ambition Club" that Rubicon Developments run in Tameside nurtures this mentality, turning ordinary issues and problems on their head. Working amongst like-minded professionals, finding solutions and turning, what at first glance, are deemed problems, into opportunities.
Simply stated "that's life", but also "life's what you make it". Nothing comes easy, unless you're a lottery winner, but let's face it, in truth - most of us have to work for it!
Peter Saunders, Director
Monday, 9 November 2009
A Smile Costs Nothing...
How often do you sit down for a meal in a restaurant, make a purchase in a shop or take your car for a service only to find yourself dissapointed with the level of service? Which results in dissatisfaction with the purchase.
Yet every business can only survive by giving a level of service that results in repeat business and wider recommendation to others. So why does this happen? Poor experience is not an isolated event either, it endures and I'm convinenced that the fault lies in staff training (or lack of it).
Particularly in lean times, businesses see survival in cost cutting, when the truths is, that investment in staff and their capabilities distinguish a business from it's competitors, by creating an enhanced and pleasurable epxerience.
Whilst not suggesting a generalised and potentially insincere "American Burger Bar" style approach, a smile helps, as does a confident approach through product knowledge and a genuine passion for "the brand".
A smile costs nothing, but customer service and investment in staff is often far more beneficial than advertising and investment in plant. There's no point advertising poor staff, an atmosphere lacking in morale, or a poorly manufactured product.
Investing only £120 in your most valuable asset - your staff - can yield great dividends. Why not consider a customer service course as a means of business development?
Peter Saunders Bsc
Director - Rubicon Developments Ltd
Yet every business can only survive by giving a level of service that results in repeat business and wider recommendation to others. So why does this happen? Poor experience is not an isolated event either, it endures and I'm convinenced that the fault lies in staff training (or lack of it).
Particularly in lean times, businesses see survival in cost cutting, when the truths is, that investment in staff and their capabilities distinguish a business from it's competitors, by creating an enhanced and pleasurable epxerience.
Whilst not suggesting a generalised and potentially insincere "American Burger Bar" style approach, a smile helps, as does a confident approach through product knowledge and a genuine passion for "the brand".
A smile costs nothing, but customer service and investment in staff is often far more beneficial than advertising and investment in plant. There's no point advertising poor staff, an atmosphere lacking in morale, or a poorly manufactured product.
Investing only £120 in your most valuable asset - your staff - can yield great dividends. Why not consider a customer service course as a means of business development?
Peter Saunders Bsc
Director - Rubicon Developments Ltd
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Business Networking is on an Upward Trend
We are currently reminded of these "tough economic times", but as Sir Alan Sugar stated during his interview on Granada news yesterday, after his visit to the North West, if you want to start a business, you don't hold back - just in case. Entrepreneurs will motor on with their idea regardless, and launch their business. In his opinion, incidentally, an Entrepreneur is born and not bred.
That having been said, what do we do to survive in business, to make the most of these economically lean times? Well... the tough get networking.
For example, I was encouraged to see a fantastic attendance at the Tameside Business Family's event at Stalybridge Celtic earlier today. Businesses in all sectors were represented and their representatives were clearly there to "do business". It's also impressive to note that business people have improved their networking skills. We don't all stand around the edge of the room anymore and wait for someone, who is slightly more confident than us, to approach us. The room was absolutely buzzing with companies discussing their "USP's" and explaining why you should use their company over their competitors.
As a result I made approximately 30 new contacts with businesses, whom I had never met before - what a productive day, well worth taking the time out of my busy schedule to do!
That having been said, what do we do to survive in business, to make the most of these economically lean times? Well... the tough get networking.
For example, I was encouraged to see a fantastic attendance at the Tameside Business Family's event at Stalybridge Celtic earlier today. Businesses in all sectors were represented and their representatives were clearly there to "do business". It's also impressive to note that business people have improved their networking skills. We don't all stand around the edge of the room anymore and wait for someone, who is slightly more confident than us, to approach us. The room was absolutely buzzing with companies discussing their "USP's" and explaining why you should use their company over their competitors.
As a result I made approximately 30 new contacts with businesses, whom I had never met before - what a productive day, well worth taking the time out of my busy schedule to do!
Friday, 30 October 2009
It's a shame that small companies don't invest more in training
What a shame that small companies don't invest more time and energy into training their staff.
I've been calling around local companies this week to ascertain what training needs local companies have. It's really shocked me, as to just how many staff reply "we're only a small company, we don't do any" or "what do you mean? I've never had any training". Wouldn't it be wonderful if the companies for whom these employees work, were able to pick up the phone to a training centre like ours and reply "oh we are always training our staff and really believe in developing people's careers"?
A quote from the "Ambition Club" management and leadership program:
"Isn't it better to invest time and effort in training your staff, rather than not bother and be stuck with them as they are?".
Research shows just how motivational training and development is for the staff in your workplace. Upon walking into a company's reception, you can instantly tell if the staff feel valued or not - and believe it or believe it not, alot of this has to do with training.
I can quite honestly say that attaining the Investor in People award in January 2009, has been one of the best exercises we did, as a company, to focus our minds on staff development and training. This having been said, I enjoy coming to work and being greeted by my friendly, helpful work force - wouldn't you?
I've been calling around local companies this week to ascertain what training needs local companies have. It's really shocked me, as to just how many staff reply "we're only a small company, we don't do any" or "what do you mean? I've never had any training". Wouldn't it be wonderful if the companies for whom these employees work, were able to pick up the phone to a training centre like ours and reply "oh we are always training our staff and really believe in developing people's careers"?
A quote from the "Ambition Club" management and leadership program:
"Isn't it better to invest time and effort in training your staff, rather than not bother and be stuck with them as they are?".
Research shows just how motivational training and development is for the staff in your workplace. Upon walking into a company's reception, you can instantly tell if the staff feel valued or not - and believe it or believe it not, alot of this has to do with training.
I can quite honestly say that attaining the Investor in People award in January 2009, has been one of the best exercises we did, as a company, to focus our minds on staff development and training. This having been said, I enjoy coming to work and being greeted by my friendly, helpful work force - wouldn't you?
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Greater interest in Spanish in Ashton-under-Lyne
It's great to note that people are still interested in learning Spanish
We are getting calls on a daily basis from local companies and the general public wishing to learn Spanish. I think that this is so encouraging, when the English are normally branded as being lazy, regarding learning a foreign language.
I am continually impressed by people's interest and enthusiasm to learn Spanish and by how hard they work, and the varying resources that they use to study. It's great from our point of view to be able to offer a flexible learning solution that doesn't stop for 6 weeks in the summer or 2 weeks at Christmas.
I encourage our learners to either read or listen to a bit of Spanish every day for only 5-10 minutes. This is a far better technique than sitting for prolonged periods of time studying text books, and not enjoying learning the language or having any fun.
My students either keep a list of spanish words in their briefcase or handbag to refer to when in a queue or waiting room, or listen to CD's in their car or around the house. Some have even logged onto various Spanish websites (such as www.about.com or www.bbc.co.uk) for further guidance. I was recently asked to procure several copies of Usborne's Spanish for Beginners for my "introduction to Spanish" class, which is very light reading and in full colour to add a bit of interest.
I will continue to support this level of enthusiasm in learning Spanish, as we may slowly negate our bad image as "Brits abroad", which would be great wouldn't it?
We are getting calls on a daily basis from local companies and the general public wishing to learn Spanish. I think that this is so encouraging, when the English are normally branded as being lazy, regarding learning a foreign language.
I am continually impressed by people's interest and enthusiasm to learn Spanish and by how hard they work, and the varying resources that they use to study. It's great from our point of view to be able to offer a flexible learning solution that doesn't stop for 6 weeks in the summer or 2 weeks at Christmas.
I encourage our learners to either read or listen to a bit of Spanish every day for only 5-10 minutes. This is a far better technique than sitting for prolonged periods of time studying text books, and not enjoying learning the language or having any fun.
My students either keep a list of spanish words in their briefcase or handbag to refer to when in a queue or waiting room, or listen to CD's in their car or around the house. Some have even logged onto various Spanish websites (such as www.about.com or www.bbc.co.uk) for further guidance. I was recently asked to procure several copies of Usborne's Spanish for Beginners for my "introduction to Spanish" class, which is very light reading and in full colour to add a bit of interest.
I will continue to support this level of enthusiasm in learning Spanish, as we may slowly negate our bad image as "Brits abroad", which would be great wouldn't it?
Saturday, 24 October 2009
La Noche Española!
On 17th October 2009, we held a Spanish Night in our Kitchen Showroom downstairs. Angel Fernandez-Sanz worked extremely hard in the kitchens (using our Gorenje and Siemens appliances - which at least we had the foresight to wire in!). He prepared a selection of Spanish food:
- Spanish tortillas
- Paella de pollo
- Paella de marisco
- Patatas bravas (con salsa)
About 30 people attended, who spoke Spanish for the evening (some more than others!), we even had Libby attend in her full flamenco outfit - she really looked the part. We drank Sangria, red wine and listened to Spanish music during the event, which lasted about 2 hours. The evening drew to a close at around 9.30pm, which was just enough time for us to tidy up and prepare for the showroom to open on the Sunday. We have had some lovely e-mails from the guests who attended since the event, to tell us how much they enjoyed their Spanish Evening.
Monday, 19 October 2009
Winner of the National Training Awards in the North West, Rubicon Developments Ltd are pleased to share their success. Having attained the only nomination in our category we are now the proud holders of this regional award. It gives kudos to small companies like ourselves who invest time and money into the development of our staff and their career paths.
Monday, 13 July 2009
The Rubicon Developments Training Centre is now up and running. We are offering courses in Spanish, German, Fitted Interiors, Manual Handling, NEBOSH, IOSH, customer service and leadership and management.
Having undertaken a full refurbishment of the building we now have training rooms available to cater for up to 40 students at any one time.
We are offering night classes and are always open to new ideas - if there are any bespoke courses you wish us to run please contact us on: 0161 330 2546.
Having undertaken a full refurbishment of the building we now have training rooms available to cater for up to 40 students at any one time.
We are offering night classes and are always open to new ideas - if there are any bespoke courses you wish us to run please contact us on: 0161 330 2546.
Thursday, 9 April 2009
Refurbishment of New Training Centre
After having purchased an old building back in February 2009, we are pleased to report that work is progressing fast. Rennovations are progressing to the extent where we will be able to open our new training centre in June of this year. Training Furniture Installers in Fitted Interiors has become an issue that is close to our business hearts, as we want to drive the quality of fitted furniture installations forward in the UK market.
After having purchased an old building back in February 2009, we are pleased to report that work is progressing fast. Rennovations are progressing to the extent where we will be able to open our new training centre in June of this year. Training Furniture Installers in Fitted Interiors has become an issue that is close to our business hearts, as we want to drive the quality of fitted furniture installations forward in the UK market.
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