Paul Holmes and Keith Grainger from Sellmax, who have worked with multinational companies and focus on improving businesses whose success relies on developing client relationships, adapted their adult programme to suit the needs of local independent school LVS Ascot.

With the final year of 6th form being crucial for students preparing for exams and securing their futures beyond that, the timing was perfect to arm them with knowledge of negotiating principles, learning how to avoid and minimise conflict and to secure desired outcomes whilst building and enhancing relationships. Sellmax’s specialist management training reinforced LVS Ascot’s commitment to helping students prepare for their next steps beyond school.

The in-depth course involved classroom-style theory and strategy as well as smaller breakout groups allowing Paul and Keith to work with pupils on a personal level, before the students were able to show what they had learned via a case study role play where they negotiated deals with each other, followed by analysis from the Sellmax team.

Head of Senior School Christine Cunniffe said: “Our vision is to develop caring, confident citizens for the future and, as part of developing the ‘whole person’ and delivering additional skills outside the classroom, this training was an excellent opportunity to provide students with invaluable skills to help them when they leave LVS Ascot”.

The initiative was backed by the Worshipful Company of Innholders who generously provided funding for 24 students to take part in this valuable training. With this extra knowledge, LVS Ascot students are likely to be hearing the words “You’re Hired” very soon!