Bid, tender and sales-proposal writing

Frequently asked questions

Can the training be tailored to us specifically?

Definitely – in fact, bespoke group training is the main thing we do. One course programme doesn’t look exactly like what you need? No problem. We can combine elements from any of our courses to fit your needs exactly.

Your course can also be part of a blended programme that will support your team in changing their writing for good.

Note that our scheduled course materials cannot be tailored in the same way as our bespoke training. But our trainers will always adapt their delivery based on the individual writing samples which attendees send beforehand – as well as on what people share during the day.

Is the training suitable for non-native speakers of English?

Our courses aren’t ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) courses. They’re not designed to introduce new second-language speakers to the basics of the English language. What they are about is the best ways to use the English language to create effective writing in the professional world.

But our trainers’ experience does mean that they understand and can support the typical challenges learners of English face.

Many of our trainers have experience as ESOL or TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) teachers, and enthusiastically welcome the presence of non-native speakers on courses. Not least as this tends to best represent our workplaces in our globally connected world!

In short, non-native English speakers with a proficient grasp of English will certainly benefit from the courses, even in some ways that native speakers don’t.

Why are group sizes in courses so small?

We limit the number of attendees on our live in-person or remote courses to ten. The reason is simply that we find people learn best in groups of no more than eight to ten.

Having larger groups affects how long activities take and changes the group dynamic: it can discourage shyer attendees from taking part and limit sharing in discussions.

Effective training happens through active learning, including supported (and tailored) practical elements. Increasing the group size compromises how personalised and practical courses can be.

I’m dyslexic – will this course be OK for me?

Yes, certainly. Dyslexia affects around one in ten people, so we often have attendees with dyslexia on our courses.

All of our trainers have received training from the British Dyslexia Association. They are also very experienced at adapting their approach in any course to the needs of the individual learner.

And we produce the materials for each course ourselves, which means we can make accommodations to help. This includes providing manuals printed on coloured paper or a PDF ahead of the day. For in-person courses, we can also provide coloured reading aids.

It’s entirely up to you whether you mention your dyslexia during the training. Some attendees do, some don’t. It can help the trainer to be aware, though, and you’ll have the opportunity to share the information in the run-up to the course. Your trainer will keep it confidential, and you can decide whether you’d like to talk about it during the course.