Report Writing 1 Day Training in Darlington
LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION, NON-FICTION Publisher / editor Scott Pack is now in his third decade working in the world of books. During that time he has been Head of Buying for Waterstones, worked for publishers big and small - including a lengthy spell at HarperCollins - and taught numerous workshops and classes on all aspects of writing. These days he splits his time between writing his own books, editing other people's, teaching the editors of tomorrow as part of the Oxford Brookes University MA in Publishing, and he is one of the question setters for BBC's Mastermind. His latest book, Tips From A Publisher, is out now. As a publisher, Scott has published across most genres in fiction and a wide range of non-fiction and is happy to read any style of writing. He will assess your sample and provide feedback on any issues he identifies, the manuscript's commercial potential and what steps he would advise before you submit to agents or publishers. Scott is very direct with his feedback, so expect robust, but always constructive, comments! Scott would like you to submit your fiction as a covering letter, 1-2 page synopsis and the first 5,000 words of your manuscript in a single word document. For non-fiction, he would like to see:- 1-page synopsis – to give an overview of what the book will offer the reader and how it's different from other books out there on this topic A detailed proposed contents list, including proposed sub-section headings as well as chapter headings – to give a sense of the overall reader journey 1000-1500 words of intro text - to showcase context, tone etc 1000-1500 words from later in the book - to showcase the progression of the book (In addition to the paid sessions, Scott is kindly offering one free session for low income/underrepresented writers. Please email agent121@iaminprint.co.uk to apply, outlining your case for this option which is offered at the discretion of I Am In Print). By booking you understand you need to conduct an internet connection test with I Am In Print prior to the event. You also agree to email your material in one document to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice received during your agent meeting. The submission deadline is: Tuesday 26th August 2025
Ever ever wished someone would just swoop right on in, sprinkle some magic on your photos or maybe just tell you exactly what to do and how to do it? On this half day, exclusive, in-person workshop, personal brand photographer Susan Heaton Photography will do just that! And it comes complete with an invaluable aftercare support package. Susan has been photographing small businesses in and around Edinburgh for 20 years! I love what I do! I have a wonderful network of business owners and I love sharing my tips and tricks to help them take their own photos - either to tide them over between brand shoots or to help them until they have the budget to get a professional in!” On the Stand Out Shots workshop you’ll learn how to use your phone using very little else (except perhaps a tripod) to take stand-out, professional-looking photos for your business, for social media, blog posts, profile images, website, marketing material and more. Susan will share tips, tricks and secrets she has gathered from 20 years of photographing small businesses in Edinburgh, to help you to take photos that stand out, and you will have invaluable post workshop access to a WhatsApp group for support with implementing what you have learnt. You will: learn how to make the most of the settings on your phone and what they all mean develop skills that will last a lifetime find out how to find the best light available get tips on how to arrange and style your photos practice top posing tips and find the ones that work best for you gain confidence and get rid of the awkward! network and connect with fellow workshoppers If you're self-employed and need some shots of you in action, or run a product-based business, this is the perfect workshop for you and will help you attract customers. But this workshop is not just for business owners, it's for anyone wanting to improve the way they take photos with their phone. What's included: half day workshop fuelled by light refreshments from local suppliers full after-care package so that you can always go back to Susan with questions in-person workshop is only available at The Arienas Collective Earth conscious credentials We are mindful of the effect we have on the environment, and do our best to minimise our impact. Your workshop correspondence and notes are sent to you electronically. Favourite feedback We love to hear what you think about our workshops. Here's a favourite review for Stand Out Shots: If you are wondering whether this course is for you, then it definitely is! I knew I had a great phone but absolutely zero knowledge of its capability or even how to use it! Susan's delivery is friendly, calm, patient and insightful and her experience is invaluable. Just learning the basics of my phone, and more about photo composition, lighting and editing tips has already paid dividends for my marketing posts. More information The Arienas Collective workshops, courses and events are run from a welcoming and supportive environment within a Georgian mews home in Edinburgh’s City Centre New Town. We invite you to join us, leave any day-to-day worries behind and immerse yourself in being creative. Spaces on our workshops and courses are limited so that our creative team of artists and makers can offer you the hands-on help and support you need to make the most of your time with us. Our taster and introductory workshops focus on teaching creative skills and methods you can continue practising at home, using affordable materials and equipment. Where more expensive equipment is required we will mention this in the workshop description. All the equipment and materials you need are included in the price, unless stated otherwise. Light refreshments from local suppliers are provided. On full day workshops you are welcome to bring your own lunch to eat inside or out. There is also a wide range of independent sit-in or takeaway delis, cafés, and restaurants, plus a range of supermarkets all within a 5-10 minute walk. Accessibility The workshop space is on the first-floor of our Georgian mews home and unfortunately we do not have lift access. Blue badge holders can park outside our front door on the single yellow line by arrangement. Allergies The workshop space is in our open plan living space and is not nut free. Please let us know about any skin or food allergies before booking. We offer a dairy-free milk and gluten free snack alternative. Minimum number no refund policy To ensure we can always pay our creatives a fair fee, we require a minimum number of bookings for each workshop and for this reason bookings are non-refundable. Should we have to cancel due to low numbers, we will offer you the option to swap to an alternative date or workshop, or to request a refund. We do our very best to avoid cancellations. Since we often get late bookings, we keep our workshops on sale for as long as possible. We realise that some of you travel from afar, so if you book a space and have not yet received an email confirming your workshop is going ahead and need to make plans for your trip, please get in touch before booking any travel or accommodation so we can update you on booking numbers. Or check in before booking. Private workshop bookings Most of our workshops are also available to book for: private get-togethers with family and friends; themed wedding and birthday celebrations; corporate team building and well-being purposes; and in-store retail events for your customers. If you’d like to know more please Email Lynn. Age restrictions Our workshops are planned with adults in mind. Many are suitable for teenagers, but some may require under 16s to be accompanied for insurance purposes. Please check with us before booking.
LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION Kate Barker has worked in publishing for over twenty years as an agent, commissioning editor and ghostwriter. Before setting up her own company, Kate Barker Literary Agency, she spent ten years at Penguin, where she was an Editorial Director for Viking, acquiring fiction and non-fiction. She has also worked for Orion, Curtis Brown and for digital publisher Bookouture. She is looking for commercial and reading group fiction for adults and would love to find an unputdownable thriller like Rosamund Lupton's Three Hours, a funny, heartbreaking contemporary novel like Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams or a romantic comedy with a unique premise like The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary. She also loves historical fiction and series crime. Kate would like you to submit a covering letter, one page synopsis and the first three chapters (Max 5,000 words) of your completed manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Kate is kindly offering one free session for low income/under-represented writers. Please email agent121@iaminprint.co.uk to apply, outlining your case for this option which is offered at the discretion of I Am In Print). By booking you understand you need to conduct an internet connection test with I Am In Print prior to the event. You also agree to email your material in one document to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice received during your agent meeting. The submission deadline is: Wednesday 27th August 2025
In this free and welcoming session, you’ll learn how to reduce stress and anxiety using one of the most powerful tools you already have: your breath. This practical class is designed to help you identify the signs of stress in your body and mind, and gently guide you toward restoring balance using simple, effective breathing techniques. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or simply in need of a moment of calm, you’ll leave with easy-to-use tools that can support your well-being anytime, anywhere. Through guided exercises and gentle breathwork, we’ll explore: How to recognise stress and anxiety patterns in your daily life Why the breath is such a powerful tool for emotional regulation A variety of simple breathing techniques to calm the nervous system How to use breath as a grounding practice in moments of overwhelm A short relaxation practice to integrate what you’ve learned No previous experience needed—just bring yourself, comfortable clothing, and a willingness to breathe. Come as you are. Leave feeling more grounded, peaceful, and connected to your inner calm. Open to all – everyone welcome. This FREE class is for Adults and is sponsored by Community Fund, Awards for All By attending this class you release the teacher, Giada Gaslini and Art and Spirituality Cic, from any liability arising out of any personal injuries, emotional or physical release, death, physical reaction, expectations of results, theft in the venue or damages that may happen to people and objects while attending. Pictures will be taken during the workshop, if you prefer not to be in them, please inform the teacher.
Elite EA/PA Forum We are delighted to announce the Elite EA/PA Forum for ANZ will be on the 25th of September 2025. Our workshop aims to: Enhance your influence and impact by mastering assertive communication, negotiation, and self-advocacy skills. Stay composed and solution-focused in high-pressure situations with practical tools for crisis management and clear decision-making. Embrace evolving technology by understanding how AI and automation can streamline your role and boost efficiency. Future-proof your career by building strategic value, resilience, and adaptability in an ever-changing professional landscape. Keynote Address with Q&A from the audience: What to expect from Sam's Keynote: With over 30 years supporting leaders at the highest levels, Sam Cohen brings a wealth of insight, experience, and stories (the kind she can share) to the stage. From 18 years serving within The Royal Household - including as Deputy Private Secretary and Press Secretary to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II - to working with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, running the Prime Minister’s Office at Downing Street, and serving as Chief of Staff to the global CEO of Rio Tinto, Sam’s career is a masterclass in discretion, diplomacy, and delivering at the top. In this exclusive keynote, Beyond the Role, Sam will explore how Executive Assistants don’t just support leaders - they shape leadership, drive strategy, and build legacy from behind the scenes. Join us for this rare opportunity to hear from someone who’s been at the epicentre of power - and bring your questions! The keynote will include a live Q&A, where you can ask Sam about her remarkable career, leadership insights, and how to truly excel in high-performance environments. (Don’t ask her what the Queen kept in her handbag - she’s not telling.) Sam Cohen Career Bio: Sam Cohen has spent the last 30 years working to support leaders in the public and private sectors. Sam spent 18 years serving The Royal Household, as Deputy Private Secretary to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Press Secretary to The Queen. Sam also served as Private Secretary to The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Following this time, Sam worked as Director of the Prime Minister’s Office at Downing Street under Boris Johnson and, most recently, was Chief of Staff to the global CEO at Rio Tinto. Source: ABC News - YouTube Channel. Facilitator - AM: The Future-Proofed Assistant: Speak Up, Stand Out & Shape Your Career Path How to reimagine your Assistant role in 2025 and beyond - How the EA role is evolving (and what Executives now expect) & why Assistants who think like strategists will be indispensable Assertiveness as an Assistant – The key to retaining your role & the difference between being ‘helpful’ and being ‘heard’ Self-Advocacy as a Career Growth Strategy – The importance of advocating for your career development, workload boundaries and recognition Own Your Professional Future - Map your career development. Whether you're an EA for life or looking to a role beyond in the future, this is for you. Ruth Kilah Career Bio: Ruth is an international executive career coach and founder of Hoxton Hyde – Executive Career Coaching & Mentoring, delivering 1:1 and group programs for experienced Executive Assistants. She specialises in helping EAs step into higher-level roles, increase their income, and expand their professional impact. With 14 years’ experience supporting C-suite executives in Australia and the UK, Ruth brings deep industry insight and a strategic approach to career development. She empowers Assistants to gain clarity on their next move, adopt a strategic mindset, communicate their value effectively, and lead their own growth conversations with confidence. A former EA turned Stakeholder Relations and Project Manager, Ruth launched Hoxton Hyde in 2018 after spotting a clear gap in the market for tailored coaching for career-driven EAs. She is a respected thought leader in the EA space, regularly sharing insights via LinkedIn and Instagram. Panel: Crisis Mode: What to do when everything goes wrong Master a step-by-step approach to prioritising and problem-solving under pressure. Strengthen emotional resilience and calm decision-making during unexpected disruptions. Learn how to communicate clearly and lead from behind in high-stress situations. Emma-Kate Bos Bio Emma-Kate works alongside the CEO at Squadron Energy, one of Australia’s leading renewable energy companies. With over 28 years of experience in Executive Assistant and Operational roles supporting business leaders in professional services, politics, membership industries, sporting and not-for-profit organisations, Emma-Kate has a deep understanding of business support roles and has managed large teams of assistants and receptionists. She is passionate about developing and mentoring team members Emma-Kate holds an Associate Degree in Law, Mini MBA and Certificate in Public Relations. Sepi Nowlands Sepi has also worked as an EO for Deloitte and spent 18 years previously as an Executive Assistant at the ATO, Law Council of Australia, Grains Research and Development Corporation and Air Services Australia. She is now EA and EO to the CPO. Holly Clareburt Hollie Clareburt is an experienced Executive Assistant, currently supporting the Managing Director of Microsoft New Zealand and the Chief Partner Officer. Known for her professionalism and discretion, she excels in providing high-level support in fast-paced, executive environments. Prior to Microsoft, Hollie was Executive Assistant to the Chief of Corporate & Enterprise Systems at BECA, and previously supported the CEO at SKY News New Zealand. Her career reflects a strong track record of reliability, organisation, and executive partnership. Liv Wilson With over 20 years of experience across banking, government, creative industries, and global tech, Liv has supported senior leaders at companies including LinkedIn and Slack. She brings a strategic lens to the business support function, with deep expertise in operations, leadership enablement, and organisational effectiveness. As a passionate advocate for elevating the role of Executive Assistants, Liv has led women’s networks, championed DEI and social impact initiatives, and continues to push for recognition of business support as a critical driver of business success. She is currently working on her side hustle business - collaborating with executives, entrepreneurs, and small business owners to amplify their impact by removing operational barriers, optimising systems, and unlocking their capacity to lead and grow. Facilitator - PM: Justin Kabbani AI Is Not Here to Replace You. It's Here to Upgrade You. We'll explore Justin's proven 3P framework: Priming – How to set up AI like a strategic advisor by feeding it context, tone and mindset Prompting – How to craft clear, structured instructions to get consistently great results Producing – How to turn AI outputs into high-leverage work that makes you stand out Your session outcomes: Real examples from admin professionals already using AI to elevate their work Prompts you can copy, adapt, and test live Interactive exercises to build confidence fast A practical challenge to implement right after the session If you’ve been overwhelmed by AI, or underwhelmed by its impact, this session will change that. You'll leave with tools you can use today, and a mindset you’ll carry forward for the rest of your career. Justin Kabbani Career Bio: Justin Kabbani is one of Australia’s most in-demand AI trainers and keynote speakers, known for making AI feel simple, powerful, and immediately useful. He’s worked with brands like Uber, Treasury Wine Estates, and Udemy, helping their teams embed AI into daily workflows, strategic planning, and executive communication. Over the past two years, Justin has trained more than 2,000 professionals across Australia and beyond, consistently earning feedback like “mind-blowing,” and “game-changing”. His signature Prime, Prompt, Produce framework has transformed how business leaders, executive assistants, marketers, and teams think, work, and communicate with AI, without needing to be “tech people.” Justin believes AI isn’t here to replace people. It’s here to take the robotic work off our plate, so we can focus on what humans do best. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinkabbani/ Website: https://justinkabbani.com/ Speed Connections Networking Session Join us for Speed Connections, a lively 30-minute networking session designed to foster meaningful connections in a fun, fast-paced environment. Every 10 minutes, attendees will be placed into new breakout rooms with small groups, giving everyone the chance to meet a diverse range of peers. Each breakout session will feature engaging prompts to spark conversations and make networking enjoyable and memorable! Who will attend this event? Executive Assistant (EA) Personal Assistant (PA) Virtual Assistant (VA) Legal Secretary Legal Executive Assistant Administrative Assistant Office Manager Health Care Office Manager Chief of Staff Additional roles may be relevant depending on role responsibilities along with development opportunities. We understand the challenge. Professional development for assistants is often undervalued, and securing budget or approval for external training can be difficult. That’s why we’ve created a ready-to-use business case template to help you justify attendance at this event and highlight the value it brings to both you and your organisation. If you need support or costings confirmed for single or group attendance, please reach out to our support team at: support@elite-forums.com You can download and edit the template below: This workshop is open to females, male including trans women/males and non-binary professionals. Group Rate Discounts: To discuss our group rates in more detail, please email support@elite-forums.com and provide the following: Group Number (How many would like to attend) Event Date (If numerous dates, please advise if we are splitting attendees across multiple dates) Attendee Contact details (Or request our Group Rate Document. Complete and return - we'll sort the rest.) Group discounts are on request - see below group rate discount brackets: 🧩 You just need one piece to come together - to unlock your Elite Potential. 🔑 Please note: All facilatators, panelists, and speakers are all PAID with applicable contracts in place. We value our speakers and want the best to ensure our attendees get the best development. Media outlets/organisations will not be permitted to attend this event.