New consultant's international expertise

Toojays has recently expanded its professional team with the addition of a new international L&D consultant. Miral Mahrous joins the company from Heineken International where she was a Learning & Development consultant within the Group Human Resources department based in Amsterdam. Prior to this, she held the role of Training & Development Specialist for Heineken Egypt. With a proven track record of working with global organisations, Miral is well positioned to deliver exceptional business results to Toojays, expanding their international client base.

Lee Martin, Managing Director of Toojays, says: “We are delighted to welcome Miral on-board. She brings with her a wealth of HR experience gained from working within Europe and the Middle East. We already know she will be a valuable member of our team. Her abilities and professionalism will strengthen the existing team, and her considerable international experience in dealing with multi-cultural organisations is a fantastic asset.”

New Online Learning

We have now added to our portfolio of learning solutions...with Microsoft On line Learning!

Click on the title link above to take a look at the variety of courses are written and developed in-house by the Microsoft product team.

The courses are web-based, allowing you to train either at work or anywhere in the world that has an internet connection.

How does it benefit me?
- All online learning courses are official and developed by Microsoft, offering a compelling and authentic training programme that follows the Microsoft curriculum.
- The price for a Microsoft online training course starts from as little as £7.99, offering the most cost effective way of training your organisation.
- Trainees can learn at their own pace, either at work or anywhere where this is access to the internet.
- No paperwork or advanced booking required - you can begin your Microsoft online training course immediately.

How does it work?
A Microsoft Online Learning course is essentially the same as classroom-based IT training courses. The only difference is that Microsoft online training courses are delivered via the internet and offer significant cost savings.

What do I need?
All you need is an internet enabled computer with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or above

Toojays TV on YouTube

Toojays have recently introduced their very own channel on the YouTube website, Toojays TV. Here you will find the latest uploads from Toojays Training & HR Consultancy Ltd. These include videos of recent Toojays events, informative learning sessions, and interviews with successful and influential business leaders.

www.youtube.com/user/ToojaysTV

Staff Development for Move with Us

This month sees the start of a new Staff Development Programme for Move with Us, one of the UK's leading property experts. Based in St Ives, the organisation offers a variety of services, from house valuations and legals, right through to organising new utility suppliers. Move with Us approached Toojays with a request to design and deliver a training programme aimed at developing staff skills as they move from a B2B to B2C focus.

40 members of the Connections and Conveyancing departments took part in the first of a series of interactive workshops, engaging in group discussions to establish best practice and heighten awareness of customer issues, concerns and requirements. Practical exercises and scenario studies allowed individuals to review the practical application relevant to the business.

Feedback from the teams taking part highighted the relevance and enjoyment of the workshop with key competencies as such relationship awareness and managing change being addressed. The next workshop will take place in a fortnight's time.

Find us on Facebook

For those of you who are not already aware, Toojays has its own page on Facebook. Why not add us and send invites to anyone you know who might be interested in our services. Search for "Toojays Training & HR Consultancy Ltd" and click on "like". As a fan, you will be able to keep up with all the latest news and offers from Toojays.

Team Building with John Lewis At Home Swindon

Ahead of the grand opening of John Lewis' latest branch at Swindon on 28th October 2010, Toojays was on hand to deliver a team building event to the management team of the At Home branch.

Focusing on the importance of a High Performing Team, the one day event focused on developing the skills and dynamics required of such a team. The facilitated group discussions examined the culture of a High Performing Team and its associated environment, using the Lencioni Team Triangle.

The delegates participated in a series of outdoor experiential activites, designed to embed team performance and draw out desired team behaviours. The event was enjoyed by all participants and Toojays were delighted to continue their ongoing relationship with John Lewis.

New Training Brochure for 2010/11 Courses launched

Toojays are pleased to announce the publication of its 2010/11 Training Brochure. The online brochure lists the personal development courses on offer from Toojays for the next 12 months.

These cost effective programmes are open for everyone. The mix of practical exercises and theory help individuals return to work with the knowledge, skills and confidence to improve performance.

The brochure also contains information on the Webinar Masterclasses and online ILM accredited courses.

Click on the link in the title to be taken directly to the course brochure - no waiting - no heavy paper directory - simply all the information you need for you and your staffs' development needs available straight away!

Remeber to look out for the discounts available in the brochure for online bookings as well.

Toojays sponsors local football teams

Leading supplier of management and leadership training, Toojays Training & HR Consultancy Ltd, has demonstrated its commitment to the local community by sponsoring two of its teams - Peterborough Hampton Ladies Football Club and Crowland Town Under 18s.

Speaking about the sponsorships, Lee said, "As a Peterborough based organisation, and as a Peterborough resident all my life, I believe strongly in supporting community activities. I wish Peterborough Hampton Ladies Team and Crowland Town Under 18s the best of luck in their games this season."

The Peterborough Hampton club were successful winners of the Fenland Ladies League and KO Cup in 2009/10 and now play in the Northants Ladies League. The ladies will be sporting their new kit in their upcoming match against Netherton Diamonds.

Karen Jeffyres, Club Secretary, said, "Without the financial support of organisations like Toojays, local football teams would struggle to cover the cost of kit and equipment. We are delighted to have the support of a company who truly understands the value of team spirit and development."

Crowland Town u18s are in their fledgling season. Referred to as the Academy side, the nucleus of the team is last year's PFA Cup winners from Crowland Junior U17s side. With Toojays' sponsorship of the team kit this year, the club were able to return to the traditional Crowland Town colours of green and yellow, something they'd hadn't been able to do before.

Club Manager, Steve Beveridge said, "I hope we can achieve a level of success on the pitch to reflect the support Toojays has given us, and once again thank Lee and the Toojays team!"

More information on Peterborough Hampton Ladies FC can be found at http://www.peterboroughhamptonslfc.co.uk/. They can be seen playing their home games at Hampton Community Sports Association, Beaumont Way, Hampton Hargate.

SDI - Emotional Intelligence Seminar

7th December 2010

Toojays Meeting Room
Unit 86 Culley Court
Bakewell Road
Orton Southgate
Peterborough
PE2 6WA

Building Productive Relationships

Would you like to understand why people do what they do?

Would you like to:

• Learn how our personal values drive our behaviour?


• Understand what makes people tick and how to motivate, engage and influence them?


• Improve people management and interpersonal skills?


• Recognise conflict triggers, reduce workplace disputes and improve productivity?


• Improve the quality of your working and personal relationships?


• Have an enjoyable and insightful couple of hours, networking with other like-minded people?

Toojays is hosting a free three-hour seminar to anyone who would like to learn more about this behaviour analysis tool.

All attending delegates will receive:

• Strength Deployment Inventory Stadnard Edition Workbook


• A personal SDI profile showing their own "Motivational Value System"


• SDI Results Planner


• Personal Strengths A4 Guide


• Session Power Point hand-outs


• Exercise hand-outs


• Complimentary tea/coffee/mineral water

To reserve a place or find out more, contact Emma Wakeling
Email: emma@toojays.co.uk / Tel: 01733 367210
http://www.toojays.co.uk/

Please note that places are limited and in the event that you find yourself subsequently unable to attend, please do let us know in order that we may re-allocate your space to another person.

Team Development for AB Foods

This month saw the first of three Team Development workshops for the senior management team of Associated British Foods plc (AB Foods). The one day event was held at Toojays Meeting Room in Peterborough.

Areas targeted during the session included understanding the role of team leader, skills and behaviours required of an effective communicator, and the importance of team dynamics.

The group went away with an increased awareness in these areas, setting the foundation for the next two workshops later this year.

Team Building with John Lewis At Home

This month saw Toojays' first engagement with the Croydon branch of John Lewis at Home. The company was on hand to deliver a one day team event, focusing on the current and future states of a High Performing Team.

The groups participated in facilitated discussions to underline the culture of a High Performing Team and its associated benefits, and examined the principle behind the Lencioni Team Triangle.

The team moved outside for the afternoon's outdoor experiential activities, designed to embed their learning and draw out desired team behaviours.

Despite the unfortunate (but sadly typical!) British weather, their enthusiam stayed strong and feedback from the group was extremely positive.

Workshop 2 for Heineken Graduates

Workshop 2 of the Heineken International Graduate programme saw the international graduates arriving in the UK for the August three day event. The focus of this particular workshop centred on delivering high performance and continued to explore the key competencies required of a successful team.

The residential workshop took place at Bramley Lakes in Norwich, and supporting learning interventions included competency reviews, case studies, and business simulations. The graduates were put through their paces with a range of outdoor activities to futher embed their learning with group exercises on the high ropes and a Segway obstacle course.

Team Leading with AB Foods

This month saw Toojays delivering the first in a series of Team Development workshops to Associated British Foods plc (AB Foods).

A global food, ingredients and retail organisation, AB Foods wished to explore and expand on the awareness and ability required of a Team Leader for its managers within the Shared Service Centre.

The group spent the session reviewing and understanding Team Dynamics, in particular FSNP, Drexler Sibbett and Lencioni Triangle. The session consisted of a blended learning approach - using facilitated discussions, practical exercises and reviewing practical application in relevance to the business.

Feedback from the delegates was positive and set the tone for the upcoming workshops to follow.

Have you claimed your training grant yet?

If you run a business in the East of England employing between 5 and 249 people, you could be eligible for a training grant to help develop your leadership & management skills.

The service covers all sectors and is funded by the Learning and Skills Council. Read more>>

A Welcome Event for Heineken

Toojays were once again on hand to facilitate a Welcome Team event for Heineken, this time for the Group Purchasing Department.

The theme of the event was "Building High Performance Teams" and delegates participated in a series of interactive, experiential activities designed to embed team performance and draw out desired team behaviours.

The event was a real success with much positive feedback from those participating.

Highland Challenge at Games

Aberdeen's Highland Games celebrated its 50th year at the 2010 games. The event took place in the Games Field at Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen Scotland on 20th June 2010 and Toojays were there supporting the event.

The Games are an integral part of the Grampian Games circuit and delivered under the auspices of the Scottish Games Association.

Toojays were asked to provide a special Father's Day event in the form of our Segway Challenge.

A specially adapted circuit was created for the two Segway units to race around and after some training and practice time the competitors were allowed on the track!

The free activity was support by fathers young and old and a great time was had by all.

For more details on this and other event activities call our office on 01733 367210.

Team Building with John Lewis

Toojays were on hand to support John Lewis Kingston with their Steering Group and Departmental Development Event held this month.

The focus of the event was to help the team develop their leadership skills to enable them to be a high performing team.

Functions of a successful team were explored with the Lencioni Team Triangle and further embedded with a series of outdoor experiential activities, designed to underline best practices for team working.

Delegates were split into teams and put through their paces by the Toojays team.

Tony Wheeler, Branch Manager, commented on the high value the event added to the team's self awareness and how the learning is already being actively applied back into the working environment.

New Toojays podcast out now!

Consultative Selling - what is it?

In the latest addition to the Toojays podcast titles, we look at consultative selling. You may have come across this term many times before but what exactly is it and how can it help you to fulfil your clients' needs time and time again?

Martyn Moore talks to Lee Martin and Emma Wakeling of Toojays Training & HR Consultancy Ltd to find out more and to understand what makes consultative selling such a successful client relationship tool.

INVITATION TO JOIN OUR FREE WEBINAR TASTER SESSION

Here at Toojays we have a variety of learning and development solutions some of which you may already have experienced.

However, in response to your requests to provide cost effective, flexible L&D we are developing our online learning solutions in order to complete the missing piece to our product range.

We’d like to showcase to you the capabilities of our services and how this could drastically impact upon your training costs – saving you time and money!!!

· Our webinars offer a low cost, bite size and time efficient business management training options with high quality professional training.

· Our distance learning courses and seminars can be accessed from any computer with internet access, eliminating the need to take time out of the office and to incur expensive delegate travel costs.

· Our cyber coaching enables fully interactive coaching and development without the expense of associated travel.

Got 15 minutes to spare?

Then we’d welcome the opportunity to show you the benefits for yourself.

WHAT DO I NEED?

If you can view a webpage we can webinar with you. No need to download additional software – all you need is a web browser.

HOW DO I COMMUNICATE?

For best results if you’ve got a headset with microphone you’ll be able to fully interact. No microphone? Don’t worry if you’ve speakers you’ll still be able to interact via chat box!

DO I NEED TO REGISTAR?

No need. Simply chose the date and time of the taster session you’d like to sign into and then use this link to access the webinar http://my.dimdim.com/toojays/ – it’s that simple.

WHEN ARE THE TASTER SESSIONS?

We’re holding short taster sessions on the following dates and times:

6th April 8.30AM (GMT) and 16th April 12.00 Mid Day (GMT)

Those dates not good for you? Let us know and we can arrange a time and date suitable for you.

We hope to see you online soon and to help make your training budget go even further!

Heineken IGP - January workshop

A rather chilly Amsterdam was the venue for the first of three workshops in Heineken's International Graduate Programme.

12 international graduates from the 2009/2010 intake took part in the three day event last month to develop and further understand key aspects of their roles within the organisation.

Both interactive and challenging, the workshop focused on valuable learning tools such as the SDI theory and model, as well as focusing on project & performance management and effective communication.

Internal guest speakers put in appearences and the graduates also produced a series of individual video presentations.

Feedback from the group was extremely positive and the graduates went away with an increased awareness of personal effectiveness and its links into Heineken's Leadership Competencies.