If Strategies for Training is so good, why haven't I heard of you before?
It is true that we haven't been shouting from the rooftops. We have spent thirteen years quietly establishing our reputation and growing steadily. The high proportion of repeat business that we earn is evidence of our success. We now have an excellent platform from which to expand further and a track record to command attention.
How do you manage to keep your fees to such modest levels?
Well, we aren't 'fat cats'. We are all passionate about our work but not greedy. In fact we are cost conscious in everything apart from customer service. Also, we don't have the massive overheads of many larger consultancies.
Why Strategies for 'Training'? - Isn't 'Training' a bit old hat?
The term 'training' in our name is really shorthand for training, learning and development. In any event, we prefer the progressive and wider definition of training as: "any process, formal or informal, by which people acquire skills relevant to their performance at work" (Labour Market Quarterly - DfEE November 1996) rather than narrower interpretations.
Why don't you offer more training delivery?
Our clear focus on designing and implementing effective training & development strategies represents our competitive edge. Our work does include a wide spectrum of programme design but we deliver workshops only in the fields where we have specialist expertise. We believe that diversifying further would dilute our offering.
Why isn't Strategies for Training a limited company?
We do in fact own the dormant company, Strategies for Training Limited, but we have yet to be persuaded of the benefits of trading as a limited company rather than as a partnership. If and when the time is right, we will make the switch.
Are Frank Penson and Sarah Penson husband and wife?
As a matter of fact we are. We know that a husband and wife partnership sounds awfully twee but we pride ourselves on our professionalism, are clear about our business roles and have drawn a boundary between our work and our private life. Anyway, there are many examples of successful husband and wife partnerships:
Pierre and Marie Curie
Juan and Eva Perón
Gordon and Anita Roddick
Robbie Brightwell and Ann Packer
Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee
Timothy West and Prunella Scales
. . . . . to name but a few!!