We combine training and development expertise with first-hand experience of the subject in hand and the sector. Unlike other trainers we have worked in the sector. Unlike others with sector-experience we know about training and development.

Our Approach to Training

Our courses, seminars and workshops are all designed around five guiding principles:

• Based on solid theory and best practice - carefully applied to the practicalities of the day-to-day work of delegates.
• Highly participative teaching styles, usually based on coaching, exercises and case studies, to ensure delegates can truly relate the learning to their own experiences and needs.
• Convened by tutors with first-hand experience as well as training expertise.
• Incorporating specific opportunities for tutors to address the needs of individual delegates.
• Excellent value for money.

We believe in:

• Tailoring. Although we have many tried-and-tested programmes designed to meet general needs we are always happy to adapt the content to meet your specific needs.
• Full service flexibility. We are happy to do as much - or as little - as you wish in terms of training administration. We can, for example, find and book venues if these are needed, arrange equipment hire - or we can fit in with in-house resources.
• No hidden extras. Our fees are normally fully inclusive of travel, preparation and materials.

We are always happy to discuss your needs and make suggestions in an informal 'no obligation' as well as prepare formal proposals.

Our Clients

The detail of this is confidential - email us if you'd like references. However, in general terms, we have run development programmes, courses and training for many of the major London ad agencies and many top design and direct marketing agencies. We have delegates from virtually all the main research agencies on the 'open' programme plus in-house events for many others. Public sector clients have included various Government Departments, a range of Local Authorities, and various quangos, agencies etc.

People

We work as an affiliation of specialists - each with a particular expertise - co-ordinated and managed by Mike Imms.

Mike Imms

Aged forty-nine, Mike Imms is an experienced marketer and trainer, having worked both 'agency side' and client side (public and private sector) during his twenty-five years in the marketing and marketing services industry.

Marketing Services Experience

As a client, I worked for The Price Commission (1975-79) Philips Consumer Electronics (1980-83) and ad agency Collett Dickenson Pearce (1983-1990).

From 1990 I worked as an independent research consultant, mostly qualitative research, but also including numerous quantitative and consulting projects. Clients included big brands and public sector organisations, charities etc.

Training Experience

I now work primarily as a trainer and delegates have included people from virtually all the major ad agencies, research agencies, top design and direct marketing agencies.

Industry Credentials

I am a Fellow of the Market Research Society and a member of the Society's Professional Standards Advisory Board.

I served on the Committee of the Association for Qualitative Research for eight years, during which time I co-convened the annual AQR Foundation course three times.

I am well known to the IPA Trainers Network and gave a joint paper at the launch of the IPA's Continuous Professional Development industry initiative (CPD).

Publications

Publications include a history of commercial qualitative research in the UK (MRS Conference, 1999) and I wrote the chapter on the Theory of Qualitative Research in the recently-published book 'Qualitative Research in Context' edited by Laura Marks.

I co-edited a new series of books 'Qualitative Market Research: Principle and Practice', published by Sage, in July 2002, and co-wrote the introductory volume in the series.