Management Development > Case Studies >

“We are noticing a distinct ‘one firm’ approach and mentality being adopted across the firm, which definitely would not have happened as quickly without this training.” Barber Harrison & Platt

Overview
Barber Harrison & Platt is an established, two-office practice in the North of England.  They contacted Mercia to help develop a training programme that would provide staff with ongoing career development opportunities as they progressed through the business.

Courses Selected

• Effective Staff Management
• Effective Time Management
• Effective Client Relationship Skills
• Communicating Effectively
• Generating Business from Clients and Networking

Objectives
“We recognised the importance of staff recruitment and retention rates and knew that it was vital that we offer our staff the kind of career development opportunities that are available at the national firms.”

Reasons for Choosing Mercia
“Mercia’s experience and expertise in delivering training programmes to other accountancy firms was a strong factor – we wanted trainers who understood the industry we are in.  We believe that this helped to increase the credibility of the training offered to our staff.”

Training Process
“From our initial meeting in September 2001, Mercia’s management development specialists spent time getting to know us as a firm and helped us to identify what we wanted and needed from the training. 

Mercia then produced a bespoke management training proposal for the firm - an integrated six day programme, run in-house for a group of around 12 of our newly-qualified Seniors and Assistant Managers.  One of the key elements for the firm was that senior staff were involved in both the development and delivery of each module to ensure that the programme was directly relevant to participants and the firm.”

Results
“Attendees have all commented on the benefits of working together as a peer group.  Seniors and Assistant Managers do not have many opportunities to sit down together and they have really benefited from a forum to share experiences in a supportive environment.  These staff now work more closely as a team.

The partners are delighted that the management development programme has been such a success for the firm.  Staff have enjoyed taking part – including senior staff who have assisted in the training programme.  The modular structure has enabled staff to put into practice what they have learned after each session.” 

Conclusions
“Having worked with Mercia for a number of years, we were confident that they would do a good job – but they have managed to exceed our expectations.  We look forward to continuing to work with them to enable our staff to reach their full potential as managers.  We are impressed that, year after year, Mercia ensures that the training is fresh and relevant to each new group of staff.”