1079 FA courses in Sheffield

This very practical one-day IACCM-approved programme enables participants to manage the process of commercial contracting and contract management effectively and efficiently to ensure value for money, improved service, and appropriate relationships. It covers a wide range of contract types in terms of risk and value. The programme empowers participants with the tools and techniques needed to collaborate with all key stakeholders. By the end of the programme participants will be able to: Understand the total process of managing contracts Exploit opportunities to extract even more added value Develop appropriate relationships with contractors Understand and use a range of contracting strategies and options Measure and improve contract performance Understand the impact of legislation on contract performance 1 Welcome Introductions Aims and objectives Plan for the day 2 Contract management An overview of the contracting process, mapping the 'territory' 3 Contract managers Skills Knowledge Attributes Responsibilities 4 Critical success factors Defining successful outcomes Effective stakeholder engagement Creating a shared vision of the outcomes 5 Placing contracts How to develop an effective specification and scope of work documents How to develop a robust contracting strategy Appropriate types of contract 6 Customers and stakeholders Customer and stakeholder analysis Managing expectations and the 'shared vision' concept to ensure customer co-operation, satisfaction, and delight 7 Working with suppliers Creating and developing commercial relationships Types of relationship How to manage difficult relationships Contractor motivational issues How to use incentives 8 Negotiation and related skills Introduction to key negotiation skills Persuading and influencing skills to work with stakeholders to improve outcomes for all 9 Dealing with change Claims and variations How to challenge contractor claims and requests for variations by making use of contractual terms Specifications to prevent false claims 10 Performance improvement How to measure and improve contractor performance Developing KPI systems Using contractual terms and conditions and basic legal principles 11 Contract close The importance of effective contract close processes 12 Close Review of key learning points Personal action planning

In the fast-changing world of business, and especially IT, everyone in the organisation should be involved in sales. One of the best ways is to give the customer an outstanding experience. The customer experience is the competitive battlefield of today. Sales may be won or lost here. You can either close a sale for a quick buck, or open a long-term relationship to create a high lifetime value customer. By developing excellent communication skills, rapport and, most of all, a desire to serve and listen to the needs of the customer to the best of their ability, both sales teams and other IT professionals will create trust, nurture relationships and develop awareness of other opportunities with the customer. By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the power of a positive customer experience in developing sales opportunities Recognise and develop a sales opportunity when it arises Engage with customers and develop rapport and trust Use verbal and non-verbal communication skills and pick up on signals Ask powerful questions - and listen to the answers Create 'magic moments' for the customer Turn a complaint into an opportunity Know when to ask for referrals and testimonials Pass on leads to the relevant people 1 Introduction Aims and objectives Beliefs about sales 2 Building rapport First impressions Short cuts to rapport Finding common interests 3 Selling or serving? Managing emotions and behaviour - Transactional Analysis Moments of truth - creating 'magic moments' Speed sells - the follow-up 4 Meetings Planning a successful meeting Pre-meeting connection and assistance Sales meeting failure reasons Right v wrong mindset 5 Communication - verbal and non-verbal The 3 Vs - Visual, Verbal, Vocal Picking up on signals 7 power questions Questioning techniques LISTEN - 3 types of listening skills 6 Influencing 6 levels of influence Framing to change perspectives Turning complaints into opportunities 7 Referrals The power of referrals How and when to ask for a referral 5 steps from rapport to referral 8 Presentation and pitching (optional session) Basic presentation structure and delivery Creating powerful impressions Creating a 60-second pitch The elevator 10-second pitch - answering 'What do you do?' Sales presentations Emotion v Intellect - how to engage Using visuals

Telephone selling can be a challenge. It can be a pressured environment and sales professionals need to be able to maintain peak performance in order to meet - and preferably exceed - their targets. This programme will help make it easier for them. The expert trainer covers the whole process, to help participants see it from their customer's perspective. The focus is on how to use a practical understanding of sales psychology, and of the nature of the telephone sales conversation, to help make it easier for customers to buy. This programme will give your team the skills to: This course will help participants: Understand why people buy - and how that makes it easier to sell Manage the sales process better Steer their sales calls to a more positive outcome Recognise - and respond to - customer buying signals Meet and overcome objections Choose the most appropriate techniques for closing with confidence Enhance their resilience Improve their communication skills on the telephone 1 Introduction Aims and objectives Overview Self-appraisal of current skills and development areas 2 The sales approach What selling means Why selling is like nature 3 The telephone as an instrument of communication Qualities of the telephone How telephone communication differs from face-to-face Advantages and drawbacks of the telephone How to optimise selling over the telephone Communication techniques to help you stand out from the crowd 4 Creating a relationship Professional telephone etiquette Building a rapport Connecting with the customer so that they feel you are on the same wavelength 5 The structure of a sales call Opening the call - creating a positive first impression Effective questioning to gather information and establish need Identifying and presenting the features and benefits of the product or service Matching the benefits to customers' needs Recognising and responding to buying signals Anticipating, meeting and overcoming objections Closing the sale and asking for the order - different closing techniques The importance of testimonials - how to obtain them and when to use them 6 Listening skills The challenges of accurate listening How to enhance listening skills Ensuring the customer feels heard and understood through empathetic listening 7 Shaping and using a script Developing a script to increase levels of confidence Leaving the door open 8 Managing the campaign Organisation and call planning Identifying your target market group Planning who and when to call Logging constructive information 9 Personal management The importance of persistence Is there a time to back off? Stamina - optimising energy levels Bouncing back 10 Practising the new information Pulling the details together Practising in a supportive environment 11 Action planning Personal learning summary and action plan

It is essential that those charged with responsibility for credit control and debt recovery have a full appreciation of the relevant law: no-one can negotiate effectively to recover a debt if they don't understand the ultimate sanctions they can apply. This programme is designed to give them a practical, up-to-date understanding of the law as it applies to your particular organisation. This course will help ensure that participants: Understand the relevant laws Know how and when to invoke legal processes Avoid legal pitfalls in debt collection negotiations Specific, practical learning points include: Definition of 'harassment' How to set up an in-house collection identity Whether cheques in 'full and final settlement' are binding The best steps to trace a 'gone away'... and many, many more. 1 Data protection and debt recovery There are a whole range of things which can be checked on members of the public and which are not affected by the restraints of the Data Protection Act. These will be explained in simple, clear terms so that staff can use this information immediately. 2 County Court suing The expert trainer will show how to sue for money owed, obtain judgment and commence enforcement action without leaving your desk. This module is aimed at showing how to make the Courts work for you instead of the other way around! 3 Enforcement of judgments There are many people who have a County Court Judgment (CCJ) against their debtor but who still remain unpaid. This session explains each of the enforcement methods and how to use them to best effect. Enforcement methods covered include: Warrant of Execution Using the sheriff (now known as High Court Enforcement Officers) Attachment of earnings Third Party Debt Orders Charging Orders (over property and goods) Winding-up companies and making individuals bankrupt 4 Office of Fair Trading rules on debt recovery Surprisingly few people are aware of the Office of Fair Trading rules on debt recovery and many of those that do know think they don't apply to them - but they do. Make sure you know what you need to! 5 New methods to trace elusive, absentee and 'gone away' debtors Why write the money off when you can trace the debtor and collect the money you are owed? 6 Credit checking of new and existing customers It makes sense to credit check would-be, new and existing customers to evaluate the likelihood of payment delays or perhaps not being paid at all. This session shows a range of credit checking steps, many of which can be done completely free of charge, including a sample credit application/ account opening form. 7 Late Payment of Commercial Debts Regulations Do your staff understand this legislation and how to use it to make people pay quicker than ever before? The trainer shows how. 8 The Enterprise Act The Enterprise Act made some startling changes to corporate and personal insolvency. What are the implications for credit control and debt recovery within your organisation?

When managers have too many decisions to make, it can have a serious impact on the speed and efficiency of the organisation. When those decisions are commercial ones, the results can wreak havoc with the bottom line. Often the problem arises when those below them or in operational areas of the organisation aren't equipped or allowed to make a decision for themselves. Issues get passed back up and that wastes time. This programme provides a solution, giving your entire team the skills to: And most importantly, they'll be able to do this in line with the broader aims and commercial objectives of the business. By the end of the programme participants will be able to: Fully appreciate the importance of effective decision-making in business Use the five-step 'Stop, Think, Act!' decision-making process Stop leaping to conclusions Really understand the situations and decisions they are dealing with Identify good options Evaluate those options Make decisions and then put them into action Apply these tools and techniques to all their decisions in future 1 Understanding the business we work in What are the critical factors in our business? What is the SWOT analysis for our business? 2 Understanding what decision-making is 3 Background Culture of 'having to be doing' To change things we have to think about it! We are paid to make decisions! 4 Recognise the opportunity to make a decision 5 The 'Stop, Think, Act!' technique 6 STOP! Recognise the opportunity to make a decision Don't leap to conclusions Get ready to think Initial questions:Is this my decision? (Do I have the authority?)Who is this going to affect? (Do they need to be included?)When do I need to make the decision? (What's the timeline?) 7 THINK! The 3 Cs - making sure we understand the decisions we have to make What is the context of this decision?What is the overall situation?Why is this decision important?What do we need to achieve?What will success look like? Do I have clarity about the decision I need to make?Can I write it down?Can I express it clearly in two sentences? What are the criteria?What are the critical commercial factors that we will use to select our options?What will we use to measure the business success? 8 ACT! Identifying options What data do I need to collect?Issues with today's overloadIdentifying what will help you Select optionsHow many options?Must match your criteriaMust achieve success'Decision compass' exercise Analyse optionsTabular methodRisk analysis (likelihood v effect)Head, heart and gut (is there any organisational history/bias that we are up against?) Making your decision Taking it to actionFirst actionsPlanning how to make it happen

This programme concentrates on the core planning skills needed to develop sound practical project plans in a team environment. This enables the plan to be modified should requirements change or difficulties arise. The programme also gives participants the confidence to practise those skills and apply them in the work environment and deliver their projects more successfully in the future. Participants learn fundamental project management concepts and terminology, demystifying the project management process, and, in particular, how to: Break a project down into manageable sections and ensure nothing is left out Understand and apply estimating techniques to develop realistic estimates Sequence work effectively and carry out critical path analysis to determine project duration and which tasks to pay closest attention to Manage project risk effectively to protect project value Monitor, control and re-plan the project to best keep it on track Close out the project and ensure the project comes to an orderly end 1 Introduction Self-introductions and personal objectives Course objectives Sharing of project issues 2 Project management concepts Characteristics of a project and what should be kept as operational responsibilities Understanding the triple and quadruple constraints - and their limitations Prioritising requirements through the MOSCOW technique Product v project life cycle Key project roles and responsibilities - the importance of sponsorship and clarity of roles 3 Starting a project, and the importance of the terms of reference / project brief Avoiding the pressure to 'just do it'! The importance and benefits of planning The best time to learn! Initial project documentation - the BOSCARDI approach 4 Breaking the work down Understanding alternative breakdown structures such as the product breakdown structure and work breakdown structure Guidelines for creating a work breakdown structure to ensure the full work scope is identified 5 Estimating Alternative estimating techniques and associated confidence levels Further considerations - loss and resource factors 6 Organising the work Use of network diagrams to develop a clear sequence of work Critical path analysis and calculating the project duration and task float - and usage 7 The management of project risk Understanding the nature of project risk The risk analysis and risk management processes How to best manage threats and opportunities Running a risk workshop Using the risk register 8 Scheduling the work The importance of the Gantt chart and understanding its limitations The Gantt chart layout and using alternative views such as the tracking Gantt Using alternative dependencies 9 Resource issues Assigning resources and resolving resource overloads Crashing and fast-tracking your project and potential issues to look out for 10 Controlling the project The control cycle and alternative feedback mechanisms Alternative progress reporting Assessing the impact The importance of re-planning The benefits of control Change control - the importance of impact analysis The steps of change control and the use of the issue register 11 Closing the project The project closure checklist Reviewing the project - things to avoid Developing meaningful lessons and ensuring they are applied effectively The post-project review - its importance to the organisation

In today's competitive business world firms are under unprecedented pressure to deliver value to their shareholders and other key stakeholders. Senior executives in all parts of the organisation are finding that they need some degree of financial know how to cope with the responsibility placed on them as business managers and key decision-makers; monitoring and improving business performance, investing in capital projects, mergers and acquisitions: all require some degree of financial knowledge. The key financial skills are not as difficult to learn as many people believe and in the hands of an experienced senior executive they can provide a formidable competitive advantage. After completing this course delegates will be able to: Understand fundamental business finance concepts; understand, analyse and interpret financial statements: Profit Statement, Balance Sheet and Cashflow Statement Understand the vital difference between profit and cashflow; identify the key components of working capital and how they can be managed to generate strong cashflow Evaluate pricing decisions based on an understanding of the nature of business costs and their impact on gross margin and break-even sales; managing pricing, discounts and costs to generate strong business profits; understand how lean manufacturing methods improve profit Use powerful analytical tools to measure and improve the performance of their own company and assess the effectiveness of their competitors Apply and interpret techniques for assessing and comparing investment opportunities in capital projects, business acquisitions and other ventures; understand and apply common methods of business valuation Understand the role of business finance in formulating and implementing competitive business strategy; the role of budgeting as part of the planning process and the various approaches to budgeting and performance measurement 1 Basic principles Delivering value to key stakeholders Accounting concepts, GAAP, IFRS and common terms Understanding and using the balance sheet Understanding and using the profit statement Recognising the vital difference between profit and cashflow Understanding and using the cashflow statement What financial statements can and cannot tell us 2 Managing and improving cashflow Sources of finance and their advantages and disadvantages What is working capital and why is it so important? Managing stocks, debtors and creditors Understanding how working capital drives business growth Understanding and avoiding the over-trading trap Unlocking the funds tied up in fixed assets: asset backed loans and leasing 3 Managing and improving profit Understanding how profits generate cashflow The fundamental nature of costs: fixed and variable business costs Understanding gross margin and break-even How common pricing methods affect gross margin and profit Effective strategies to improve gross margin Using value chain analysis to reduce costs Lean manufacturing methodsUnderstanding Just-in-time, 6 Sigma and Kaizen methods Improving profitEffective and defective strategies 4 Measuring and managing business performance Measures of financial performance and strength Investor behaviour: the risk and reward relationship Return on investment (ROI): the ultimate measure of business performance How profit margin and net asset turnover drive return on net assets Why some companies are more profitable that others Understanding competitive advantage: cost and differentiation advantage Why great companies failWhat happened to Kodak? Using a 'Pyramid of Ratios' to improve business performance Using Critical Success Factors to develop Key Performance Indicators 5 Budgeting and forecasting methods Using budgets to support strategy Objectives and methods for effective budgets Using budgets to monitor and manage business performance Alternative approaches to budgeting Developing and implementing Balanced Scorecards Beyond Budgeting Forecasting methods and techniques Identifying key business drivers Using rolling forecasts and 'what-if' models to aid decision-making

NPORS Cat And Genny Training or Cable Avoidance Training Prioritising the safety of underground utilities in construction and excavation projects is essential, necessitating comprehensive Cat and Genny training. In these sessions, workers receive education on operating Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT) and Signal Generators (Genny), Cat and Genny. The Cat and Genny use electromagnetic signals to detect buried cables and pipes before digging commences. Through comprehensive Cat and Genny training, workers become proficient in using CAT and Genny equipment, enabling them to accurately map out the locations of underground infrastructure. This proactive approach not only enhances on-site safety but also contributes to efficient project management by minimising the risk of accidental damage and costly delays. The aim of the NPORS Cat & Genny Training is to Provide training in Cable Avoidance and Service Location (Cat and Genny).The Cat and Genny Course is designed for any person working on the roads, setting out before a build, surveying and any others who may be excavating an area where pipes or cables may be buried underground. Price Match Promise Book with Confidence at Vally Plant Training At Vally Plant Training, we guarantee unbeatable value with our Price Match Promise. When you choose us for your Cat and Genny Course, you can book with confidence, knowing that we will not be beaten on price. If you find a lower price for the same NPORS Cat And Genny Course, we’ll match it—ensuring you receive top-quality training at the best possible rate. Your skills, our commitment—always at the best price. CAT & GENNY Training is designed for construction professionals and workers involved in excavation who need to operate Cable Avoidance Tools and Signal Generators. This training is ideal for individuals who have prior experience in excavation but require formal instruction on the safe and effective use of these specific tools to prevent accidental damage to underground services. Participants should have a basic understanding of excavation work, and if unsure of their eligibility for this advanced training, are encouraged to contact our training coordinators for more information. The CAT & GENNY training program is divided into two main sections: a theoretical module and a practical application module. The theory part covers the principles of operation, safety procedures, and risk assessment associated with underground utility detection. The practical module provides hands-on experience with both the Cable Avoidance Tool and Signal Generator, emphasising field techniques and problem-solving. Upon completion of the Cat And Genny course, participants will receive comprehensive revision materials to reinforce key concepts covered during the training. Introduction to CAT and Genny Training CAT and Genny , also referred to as CAT & Genny or CAT and Genny Training, are essential tools used in the construction and utility sectors to help locate and avoid underground cables and pipes during excavation works. CAT, which stands for Cable Avoidance Tool, is designed to detect signals naturally emitted by metallic services like electrical cables. Meanwhile, the Genny, short for Signal Generator, is used alongside the CAT to apply a signal to underground utilities that do not naturally emit detectable signals, such as telecoms or fibre . Understanding how to operate these tools is crucial for anyone involved in excavation. Proper use of CAT and Genny can prevent costly and dangerous errors, such as accidentally cutting through power lines or water pipes. The training not only focuses on how to use these devices effectively but also covers the best practices for scanning different types of terrain and interpreting the signals received. This ensures that workers can conduct their tasks safely and efficiently, minimising the risk of disruption and damage to underground services. What Is CAT and Genny Training? CAT and Genny Training provides comprehensive instruction on using Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT) and Signal Generators (Genny) to locate underground utilities safely. This training is critical to reduce the risk of accidentally striking underground assets during excavation, which can lead to severe safety hazards and financial losses. What Does Our CAT and Genny Training Course Cover? Our CAT and Genny Training Course covers: Basics of operating CAT and Genny equipment: Understanding the device controls, functions, and proper handling. Detection techniques: Learning how to detect different types of services, including electric, gas, and water. Practical applications: Hands-on training with both simulated and live environments to practice safe scanning and detection. Safety protocols: Emphasising safety procedures to prevent injuries and accidents. Legal compliance: Overview of health and safety regulations related to excavation work. Who Needs CAT and Genny Training? CAT and Genny Training is essential for anyone involved in excavation and groundworks. This includes utility workers, construction workers, civil engineers, site managers, and anyone else who may need to locate underground utilities as part of their job. The Cat And Genny Course is crucial for preventing damage to underground infrastructure like gas, water, telecoms and electrical lines, which can result in costly repairs and dangerous accidents. Do You Need to Be Trained to Use a CAT Scanner? Yes, training is highly recommended to use a CAT scanner effectively and safely. While not legally mandatory, proper training ensures that operators can accurately interpret the scanner’s signals and avoid potential hazards when working near underground utilities. Specialised Genny Tool Training Course Overview: The Genny Course is designed specifically to train users on the effective operation of the Genny tool, a crucial component of the CAT and Genny system used for detecting underground utilities. Key Learning Outcomes: → Understanding Genny Signals: Participants will learn how different signals can be applied and traced using the Genny, improving their ability to detect non-metallic utilities such as plastic water pipes. → Optimising Signal Strength: Training includes adjusting the Genny’s signal strength to suit various soil conditions and utility types, ensuring clearer and more accurate detections. Practical Applications: → Hands-on Practice: Extensive field practice sessions are included to give participants real-world experience in using the Genny effectively. →Troubleshooting Common Issues: Learners will be taught how to troubleshoot common operational issues to minimise downtime and enhance field productivity. Advanced Techniques: → Using Genny with CAT4: Instructions on how to integrate Genny use with the CAT4 detector for enhanced detection capabilities. → Interpreting and Mapping: Skills in interpreting the Genny’s output and using integrated mapping tools for accurate utility mapping. Safety Protocols: → Safe Operation Practices: Emphasis on safety measures to prevent accidents during the use of high-frequency signals. → Maintenance and Daily Checks: Training on regular maintenance routines and daily checks to keep the Genny in optimal working condition. Certification: → Qualification and Certification: Upon completion of the course, participants receive a certification that validates their proficiency in using the Genny tool according to industry standards. Scanning Techniques with CAT and Genny General Scanning Techniques: → Sweeping Motion: Always use a slow, steady sweeping motion with the CAT device. Begin scanning at least a few meters away from the expected area of the utilities to avoid missing any signals. → Directional Scans: Perform scans in multiple directions — both parallel and perpendicular to the expected direction of the utility lines to ensure thorough coverage. → Depth Perception: Adjust the depth settings based on preliminary scans to get an accurate depth estimate of buried utilities. Specific Use of Genny: → Direct Connection: When available, use the direct connection method with the Genny to induce a precise signal into a specific utility line. This is particularly useful in crowded areas with multiple utility lines. → Induction Mode: Use the Genny’s induction mode when direct connections are not possible. Ensure the Genny is placed on the ground vertically for optimal signal transmission. How to Use the CAT and Genny to Find Hidden Wires and Pipes Getting Ready: Check the Tools: Make sure the CAT and Genny are ready to use and have full batteries. Set Up the Genny: Pick the right sound for the Genny to use so it can find wires or pipes under the ground. If you can, connect the Genny to the pipe or wire with a special wire. Using the Genny: Stand it on the Ground: Put the Genny on the ground where you think there might be something hidden. Turn it on to send a beep into the ground. Connect it for Better Finding: Sometimes, you connect the Genny to something like a pipe for a clearer beep. Using the CAT: Start with Power Mode: Turn on the CAT and use the power mode to find beeps from wires that are on. Try Radio Mode: Next, switch to radio mode to hear beeps from metal things like pipes. Finally, Use Genny Signal Mode: Use this mode to hear the special beeps from your Genny to find hidden stuff like plastic pipes. How to Look Properly: Move Slowly: Walk slowly with the CAT over the area. If you move too fast, you might miss some beeps. Check in a Cross Pattern: First walk in one direction and then the other direction to make sure you cover all the area. Understanding What You Hear: Listen to the Beeps: A loud beep means you are close to a wire or pipe. If the beep sounds the same as you move, it probably means you found a wire or pipe. Staying Safe: Look Before You Dig: Always check by looking in the hole to make sure what the CAT and Genny found before you start digging. Keep the Tools Working Well: Make sure your tools are working right by checking them often. 500 mm from utilities; Always use insulated digging tools when close to underground utilities Frequently Asked Questions On Cat & Genny Training What is CAT and Genny training? CAT and Genny training provides instruction on how to use Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT) and Signal Generators (Genny) effectively to detect underground utilities and avoid accidental strikes during excavation. The training covers operational techniques, safety procedures, and the correct interpretation of the equipment’s signals. Why is CAT and Genny training important for construction workers? This Cat And Genny Course is crucial for safety and efficiency on construction sites. It helps workers avoid costly damages to underground utilities such as water pipes, electricity cables, and communication lines, which can lead to severe consequences including service outages, legal liabilities, and endangerment of worker and public safety. 3. How Long Is the Certification Valid? The certification received after completing CAT and Genny Training is generally valid for three to five years. After this period, a refresher course is recommended to keep up with new technologies and changing safety regulations. 4. Is CAT and Genny training required by law in the UK? While not specifically mandated by law, CAT and Genny training is strongly recommended under the UK Health and Safety Executive guidelines (HSE) to meet the legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act. It is considered best practice for anyone involved in excavation works. Cat & Genny Training Available 7 days a week to suit your business requirements. VPT have a team of friendly and approachable instructors, who have a wealth of knowledge of cable avoidance and the construction industry We have our own training centre conveniently located close to the M5 junction 9, In Tewkesbury. With its own purpose-built practical training area to simulate an actual working environment for the cat & genny course. Our Cable Avoidance training and test packages are priced to be competitive. Discounts are available for multiple bookings We can send a fully qualified NPORS cat & genny Tester to your site nationwide, to reduce the amount of time away from work Our more courses: Polish your abilities with our dedicated Lift Supervision Training, Slinger Signaller Training, Telehandler Training, Cat & Genny Training, Plant Loader Securer, Ride-On Road Roller, Abrasive Wheel Training, Lorry Loader Training and Scissor Lift Training sessions. Learn the safe and effective operation of these vital machines, crucial for construction and maintenance tasks. Elevate your skills and career prospects by enrolling in our comprehensive courses today.

The Sales Accelerator programme is a fresh approach to improving business development productivity. It focuses on identifying and using a series of business productivity metrics in order to build a clear action plan for improving sales results - typically within 90 days. The metrics are grouped under three headings: The basic principle is that a small improvement in each area can lead to a significant increase in sales results and productivity. And the object of the programme is to show how best to achieve that. The programme therefore looks at each of these three areas in turn, spending a day on each. Suitable for any and all businesses and all levels of experience and expertise, this is a remarkably practical and hands-on programme. During the workshop, participants discuss, review and apply many proven sales and marketing techniques and personal selling ideas. The goal is to generate and commit to changes and actions that can lead to a 10-30% increase in the next three to six months. There's also a consultancy option, rather than the workshop-based programme. See below for details. Day one - Activity Key objective This first module introduces the Sales Accelerator model. The goal here is to show participants how to increase their pro-active activity levels by around 10%. It covers all aspects of creating new business opportunities, from existing customers and non-customers alike, and is linked to personal activity improvement goals. Main elements Improve the productivity, accuracy and effectiveness of your business approach by using new and unique models and techniques. Different methods of creating and generating new business opportunities in the short, medium and long term. This includes sourcing new business, up-selling, cross-selling, warm calling and gaining referrals. Using organised persistence to track and build new customer revenue. Managing your sales time effectively. Key learning points Sales productivity - understand the dynamics of increasing the combination of activity levels, deal value and conversion rate of proposals/quotations to orders and implement an improvement plan. Sales goal setting: setting business development objectives for quantity and quality - plus tips and tricks of top performers. Maintain a peak activity level, on a consistent basis using 'organised persistence' and structured business development tracking methodology. How to prioritise opportunities and manage your time when sourcing new business. Identify potential new customers - and particularly the decision-makers and influencers - with greater accuracy. Make outbound business or appointment calls with improved confidence, control and results. Day two - Value Key objective To be able to better anticipate, identify, create, and develop business opportunities using a customer / client-focused communication-based business model and consultative skills. Main elements How to develop sales more effectively from new and existing customers; and managing the first appointment with a new customer. Use structured and assertive drawing-out skills to identify, develop and formalise business opportunities and to gain commitment. How to better position your company and your products and services against your main competitors. Create and deliver persuasive business messages based on specific need areas, criteria and value. Key learning points Advanced consultative selling - use a variety of structured and advanced questioning techniques to confidently and efficiently uncover opportunities, need areas and business criteria - confidently and efficiently. Involve the customer/client at all times, and to a far greater degree, and keep better control of business development process. Value message - differentiate your solutions clearly and accurately with customer/client-matched value statements. Presenting the right USPs, features and benefits and making them relevant and real to the customer. Qualification and reading buying signals. Day three (held around four weeks after the first module) - Conversion Key objective This module looks at how to improve the final qualification, progression and conversion of opportunities in your sales pipeline. Also includes price negotiation, overcoming objections and obstacles to gaining agreement. The module begins with a learning review, sharing participants' experiences over the last four weeks in applying the new techniques and skills acquired during the first two modules. This is an opportunity to revisit particularly challenging areas as well as to share and celebrate successes. Main elements Structuring and preparing for negotiating a deal and knowing when and how to move into the 'end-game' mode. Anticipate and answer customer objections and questions more confidently. Build more credibility and proof into your business process to reduce 'buyer's remorse' and speed-up decision-making. Being more assertive and developing better instincts and strategic thinking in progressing quotations and proposals. Key learning points Smart ways to position price, emphasise value and be a strong player without being the cheapest. Becoming more assertive in closing deals, and the importance of organised follow-up on the telephone. Qualify pipeline opportunities with more accuracy, using a proven check-list. Use an 'option generator' to simplify complex proposals, increase business value and close business faster. Writing more effective sales proposal documents and quotations. How best to draw-out, understand, isolate and answer customer objections, negotiate points and concerns. Practical methods of asking for agreement and closing a sale

This five-day programme empowers participants with the skills and knowledge to understand and effectively apply best practice commercial and contracting principles and techniques, ensuring better contractor performance and greater value add. This is an assessed programme, leading to the International Association for Contracts & Commercial Management (IACCM)'s coveted Contract and Commercial Management Practitioner (CCMP) qualification. By the end of this comprehensive programme the participants will be able to: Develop robust contracting plans, including scopes of work and award strategies Undertake early market engagements to maximise competition Conduct effective contracting and commercial management activities, including ITT, RFP, negotiated outcomes Understand the legalities of contract and commercial management Negotiate effectively with key stakeholders and clients, making use of the key skills of persuading and influencing to optimise outcomes Undertake effective Supplier Relationship Management Appreciate the implications of national and organisational culture on contracting and commercial activities Appreciate professional contract management standards Set up and maintain contract and commercial management governance systems Take a proactive, collaborative, and agile approach to managing commercial contracts Develop and monitor appropriate and robust KPIs and SLAs to manage the contractor and facilitate improved contractor performance Appreciate the cross-functional nature of contract management Collaborate with clients to deliver sustainable performance and to manage and exceed client expectations Understand the roles and responsibilities of contract and commercial managers Use effective contractor selection and award methods and models (including the 10Cs model) and use these models to prepare robust propositions to clients Make effective use of lessons learned to promote improvements from less than optimal outcomes, using appropriate templates Effectively manage the process of change, claims, variations, and dispute resolution Develop and present robust propositions Make appropriate use of best practice contract and commercial management tools, techniques, and templates DAY ONE 1 Introduction Aims Objectives KPIs Learning strategies Plan for the programme 2 The contracting context Key objectives of contract management Importance and impact on the business 3 Critical success factors Essential features of professional commercial and contract management and administration The 6-step model 4 Putting the 'management' into commercial and contract management Traditional v 'new age' models The need for a commercial approach The added value generated 5 Definitions 'Commercial management' 'Contract management' 'Contracting' ... and why have formal contracts? 6 Stakeholders Stakeholder mapping and analysis The 'shared vision' concept Engaging with key functions, eg, HSE, finance, operations 7 Roles and responsibilities Contract administrators Stakeholders 8 Strategy and planning Developing effective contracting plans and strategies DAY TWO 1 Contract control Tools and techniques, including CPA and Gantt charts A project management approach Developing effective contract programmes 2 The contracting context Key objectives of contract management Importance and impact on the business 3 Tendering Overview of the contracting cycle Requirement to tender Methods Rationale Exceptions Steps Gateways Controls One and two package bids 4 Tender assessment and contract award I - framework Tender board procedures Role of the tender board (including minor and major tender boards) Membership Administration Developing robust contract award strategies and presentations DAY THREE 1 Tender assessment and contract award II - processes Pre-qualification processes CRS Vendor registration rules and processes Creating bidder lists Disqualification criteria Short-listing Using the 10Cs model Contract award and contract execution processes 2 Minor works orders Process Need for competition Role and purpose Controls Risks 3 Contract strategy Types of contract Call-offs Framework agreements Price agreements Supply agreements 4 Contract terms I: Pricing structures Lump sum Unit price Cost plus Time and materials Alternative methods Target cost Gain share contracts Advance payments Price escalation clauses 5 Contract terms II: Other financial clauses Insurance Currencies Parent body guarantees Tender bonds Performance bonds Retentions Sub-contracting Termination Invoicing 6 Contract terms III: Risk and reward Incentive contracts Management and mitigation of contractual risk DAY FOUR 1 Contract terms IV: Jurisdiction and related matters Applicable laws and regulations Registration Commercial registry Commercial agencies 2 Managing the client-contractor relationship Types of relationship Driving forces Link between type of contract and style of relationships Motivation - use of incentives and remedies 3 Disputes Types of dispute Conflict resolution strategies Negotiation Mediation Arbitration DAY FIVE 1 Performance measurement KPIs Benchmarking Cost controls Validity of savings Balanced scorecards Using the KPI template 2 Personal qualities of the contract manager Negotiation Communication Persuasion and influencing Working in a matrix environment 3 Contract terms V: Drafting skills Drafting special terms 4 Variations Contract and works variation orders Causes of variations Risk management Controls Prevention Negotiation with contractors 5 Claims Claims management processes Controls Risk mitigation Schedules of rates 6 Close-out Contract close-out and acceptance / completion HSE Final payments Performance evaluation Capturing the learning 7 Close Review Final assessment Next steps