Case studies, feedback and testimonials

Feedback from previous clients

“I could have filled a page with positive comments but I thought you might want to keep it short and sweet!”

Transport for London

“Without exception, Falconbury delivered above expectation”

Clyde Pumps.

We don’t expect you to just take our word on the quality and benefits of Falconbury’s bespoke in-house training programmes, which is why we have put together this section of case studies; collating some of the feedback we have had from previous clients.

Our training development team have over 60 years combined experience of providing tailored training solutions to the international business community, so we are very happy to let our work speak for itself.

To see what other companies think of the services we provide, just click on the tabs above.

To find out more call Caroline Glen on +44 (0)20 7729 6677 or contact us through our contact page.

Client

Transport for London and London Underground Limited

Sector

Public Transport

Client Description

Transport for London was created in 2000 as the integrated body responsible for the Capital’s transport system. The main role of TfL, which is part of the Greater London Authority, is to put the Mayor of London’s Transport Strategy into action and manage the Capital’s transport services. TfL manage and are responsible for:

The Underground	London River Services	Congestion Charging Scheme
London buses	Victoria Coach Station	Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles
Docklands Light Railway	London Transport Museum	Walking Initiatives
London Overground	580km of main roads	Cycling Initiatives
Croydon Tramlink	All of London’s traffic lights	Dial-a-Ride services

Brief

TfL and London Underground were looking to train their legal teams to develop their contracts knowledge, focussing on their most commonly used contracts as well as providing an update and refresher on commercial contracts and boilerplate clauses.

Solution: Part 1 – Drafting Commercial Contracts followed by Part 2 – Drafting and Understanding Boilerplate Clauses

In order to tailor the seminar to make it specifically relevant to TfL and London Underground’s work a conference call took place and Falconbury’s legal specialist drafted an outline for discussion. The outline was agreed and after signing a Non Disclosure Agreement a selection of contracts were sent by LUL and TfL to review and use as examples throughout the training – this helped to focus on key clauses in existing contracts ensuring the course focused on real day to day issues for the in-house legal team.

Training – 2 x one day programmes:
Part 1 – Drafting Commercial Contracts followed by…
Part 2 – Drafting and Understanding Boilerplate Clauses

Objectives of the training included:

Part 1

• Understand pitfalls and pluses to using effective structure and format of a typical commercial contract.
• Master practical drafting techniques for writing clear, unambiguous and understandable commercial contracts.
• Clarify the distinction between ‘best endeavours’ and ‘reasonable endeavours’ – essential terminology in commercial contracts.
• Understand the effect of exclusion and limitation clauses.

Part 2

• Draft watertight and effective clauses every time.
• Examine assignment, novation and trusts to ensure you are suitably protected in the case of transfer or sale of rights.
• Make clear provision for termination to ensure each party knows where they stand.
• Understand the practical use and application of boilerplate clause through exercises under the guidance of the expert trainer.

Modules covered

Part 1

• Structure and format of a commercial contract
• Preliminary agreements – “Subject to contract”
• Confidentiality Agreements
• Letters of intent, memorandum of understanding, authorities to proceed – binding/non-binding
• Standard terms
• Implied terms
• Time is of the essence
• Best endeavours, Reasonable endeavours, Absolute obligations
• Drafting key obligations
• Warranties
• Contractual indemnities
• Exclusion and limitation clauses

Part 2

• Transferring contractual benefits, rights and obligations
• Waiver clauses, invalidity and severance, joint and several liability
• Interpretation section
• Notices and announcements
• Force majeure clauses
• Confidentiality clauses
• Payment provisions
• Term and termination provisions
• Governing Law
• Entire agreements clause
• Retention of title clauses

Participant feedback

“Very good, knowledgeable speaker and excellent material.”

“Useful revision of contract law, a lot covered in one day.”

“Interesting and enthusiastic speaker with practical examples that were very helpful.”

Sponsor quote

“It was a pleasure to work with Falconbury. Everyone I dealt with was very professional and the whole process from initial phonecall to post-seminar wrap up ran smoothly. Using our own contracts made a huge difference and meant we got the most out of the training days.”

Transport For London

Client

Rexam Plc

Sector

Manufacturing

Client Description

Rexam is a leading global consumer packaging company. It is the largest beverage can maker in the world and a global leader in rigid plastic packaging. Our vision is to be the leading global consumer packaging company.

We are business partners to some of the world’s most famous and successful consumer brands as well as young, entrepreneurial start-ups. We offer a broad range of packaging services and solutions for different industries, using different materials and technologies.

Brief

To run a tailored HR ‘Executive Mini-MBA’ for high potential HR Managers from the Global HR Team, participants came from the UK, US, Asia, Germany and other European operations. The HR Role within Rexam was undergoing significant change with a new vision and mission being launched.

The aim of the HR Mini-MBA was to enable the participants to carry the mission and vision forward.

Solution – HR ‘Executive Mini MBA’

A four day intensive executive development programme providing the necessary insights and information for the high potential HR managers to drive Business Partnership and make the transition to the new vision and mission.

An In-house programme would be carried out by Falconbury trainers off-site in the UK.

Objectives of the training included:

• Develop a wider understanding of how HR can contribute to the business agenda
• Consider your current modus operandi against some of the leading edge developments in HR.
• Compare the way you operate with how you will operate in the future, focusing on the HR mission.
• Work on a focused business case that addresses Rexam HR challenges and present back on the final day to senior managers.

Modules covered

• Mastering strategy & strategic HR thinking
• Strategic finance & commercial skills for HR – your role as a ‘business person’
• Strategic marketing of HR Services in Rexam
• Strategic change management and HR as a ‘business partner’
• Business case presentations

Participant feedback

“Challenges given to us about our own mindset were very valuable”

“Excellent presentations from both trainers”

“A demanding and necessary programme with in-depth content and a strategic view at all times.”

Sponsor quote

“The objective of this programme was to broaden the skill set of our key HR Managers and to strengthen their ability to contribute in a wider business forum. This is critical in earning a “Business Partner” role for HR and in delivering greater added value to the business. This programme was an excellent vehicle to deliver those skills.”

Paul Shipman, Rexam.

Client

Clyde Pumps

Sector

Manufacturing

Client Description

Weir Pumps Glasgow was incorporated into Clyde Pumps Ltd in May 2007. As a result of this transaction, the diverse portfolio of technologies, process knowledge and expertise generated by Weir Pumps has been transferred into Clyde Pumps Incorporating Weir Pumps Glasgow. The company is a world leader in the design and manufacture of pumping solutions.

Brief

This training was to be tailored for client-facing Project Managers and Engineers who needed to further develop their contract management knowledge and ability. The client wanted to standardise operations and create consistency across the business. The aim was also to increase their commercial awareness within their roles as Contract Managers.

Solution – 2 Day Effective Contract Management programme

An interactive two day course using exercises, real life examples, facilitation sessions and discussion was developed with Clyde. The aim was to capture attendees’ interest and demonstrate to them the added value that a well constructed contract can make to their working life. The focus of the course was very much geared towards development of the individuals’ capability in the area of commercial management.

Objectives of the training included:

• Understand the ‘offer and acceptance’ process of reaching agreement on the contract terms;
• Be confident that you are operating under a legally binding contract;
• Appreciate fully what has been agreed between the contracting parties and what the legal obligations and responsibilities of each are;
• Recognise the allocation of risk between the contracting parties;
• Realise what the consequences will be if either party do not comply with the contract and fail to satisfy their legal obligations;
• Grasp the importance of being proactive in: establishing a project plan; monitoring work and progress; and managing risk;
• Value the benefits of undertaking re-cap at the ending of a contract, so as not to repeat mistakes made, or not gain from the learning curve of ‘what went well’;
• Master new skills through the use of practical exercises and cases.

Modules covered

• Is the contract legally binding, will it stand up in a court of law? Including procedural clauses.
• Implied terms in the contract, and the default position in statute.
• Express terms – main express terms which deviate obligations and consequences from default positions.
• Team work and communication: including the purpose of company systems and procedures, taking on risk – good or bad?, identifying potential risks within a contract, negotiation styles.
• Ensuring, as a supplier, you keep to budget, whilst satisfying all your contractual obligations, including contract completion.

Participant feedback

“An interesting and useful course, the content covered was excellent and the trainer kept our interest and was enthusiastic.”

“Very good detailed explanations, related back to previous experience.”

“Enjoyable learning coupled with fully explained information and scenarios.”

“Informative, easy to absorb, interactive, fun and energetic.”

Sponsor quote

“Clyde Pumps Ltd have a world wide client base, and consequently operate predominantly in the environment of the bespoke contract. Every new contract brings with it unique challenges. Challenge often translates to risk, and if managed in a professional manner can benefit both Client and Supplier alike. This course delivered the key issues related to risk management, and related these headline issues into day to day tasls the attendees face during their day job.

We put over 60 people through this course. Without exception, Falconbury delivered above expectation. I would have no hesitation in recommending this course to any Project or Contract Manager working in a similar environment to ourselves.

It has been a great experience working with your team. “

Head of Project Management, Clyde Pumps.

Client

Andreas Neocleous & Co

Sector

Legal

Client Description

Andreas Neocleous & Co is now one of the largest firms in south-east Europe and the Middle East. Its head office is in Limassol, Cyprus. Apart from the full range of legal services offered by the Limassol office, extensive facilities are provided by national offices in Nicosia and Paphos and also by overseas offices in Moscow, Budapest, Kiev, Prague and Brussels.

Brief

Mr Andreas Neocleous, Managing Partner, wanted to develop the skills of the Partners and the Senior Lawyers within the firm to ensure they focus on their clients as well as developing the firm and its growth. After researching the training market, Mr Neocleous decided the most appropriate programme for his firm was Falconbury’s ‘The 3 day MBA for Lawyers’.

Mr Neocleous met with a Falconbury training development manager in London to discuss the needs of the firm, the key objectives for the programme and discuss how Falconbury could run the course in Cyprus.

Solution: 3 Day Legal MBA

The suggested outcome to meet with the needs of the firm was to run the 3 day course over Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Limassol. All the firm’s Partners and Senior Lawyers flew in from locations around the world to attend the comprehensive modules:

• Strategic thinking, finance and business management
• Strategic marketing and client relationship management
• Developing yourself and your team to improve the bottom line

The programme was designed to provide the lawyers with a synthesis of current management principles and techniques and allow them to apply them to the particular demands of the legal practice. The avoidance of pitfalls and exploitation of opportunities comes from business acumen, which is fashioned not only by experience but also by the injection of ideas and techniques from a programme like this. This three-day intensive development programme was intended to send participants back to the firm with a dynamic and refreshed approach to management.

Objectives of the training included:

• Learn the principles and theories of strategic thinking in the context of law firm management.
• Understand the impact and role of key external and internal influences in today’s law firm management.
• Examine how your competitors influence Andreas Neocleous & Co’s performance.
• Master the key financial management skills to develop, manage and meet a challenging forecast and budget.
• Boost your confidence in using financial management information to run a profitable business.
• Benchmark the firm in a domestic and global market.
• Understand the different types and levels of CRM and how to apply this practice widely in Andreas Neocleous & Co.
• Build a useful strategic marketing plan to encourage new clients and win new business.
• Become an effective strategic leader to manage through change, communicate clearly, delegate efficiently.

Modules covered

• Strategic thinking, finance and business management in the legal landscape: Law firm strategy, Developing a challenging budget, Using management information to run a profitable firm.
• Strategic marketing and client relationship management: You and your competition, Winning client plans, The psychology of selling, Winning proposals and pitches.
• Developing yourself and your team(s) to improve the bottom line: What is your role?, Management of self, and Management of the Team.

Participant feedback

“Really a very successful event. All the participants have enjoyed and gained a lot of benefits.”

“Excellent course professionally provided.”

“Touched up previous points in a fresh manner and introduced useful new concepts.”

“I found the course to be practical and ideas can be adopted in real life.”

“Very important course, a must have for law firms.”

Sponsor quote

The programme was a significant investment by the firm and has proved a successful one.

“I found the Legal MBA extremely stimulating. Each lawyer I have spoken to has told me how enjoyable and
thought-provoking they found it.”

Mr Andreas Neocleous, Managing Partner and founder

Client

Insurance Client

Sector

Insurance

Client Description

Our client is one of the largest general insurance providers in the UK and a growing provider of general insurance in Spain, Italy, and Germany. Its businesses sell and underwrite retail, wholesale and commercial insurance and sell products (motor, home, pet, travel, breakdown cover, life and commercial insurance) over the telephone and internet as well as through partnerships and brokers.

They are also the strength behind some of the UK’s biggest and best known insurance brands offering customers excellent choice, service and prices.

Brief

An HR business partner from Business Support wanted to further develop the financial skills of the HR business partners within the company. A comprehensive development programme was already in place for HR business partners and to supplement this programme a one day insurance financial course was required.

Solution: Finance for Insurance

The HR business partner met with one of Falconbury’s consultants to discuss how this could be achieved. Through a series of further conference calls with the trainer, a one day programme was designed to meet the team’s specific needs, focusing on finance within an insurance context for this essential business support function.

The one day programme was delivered in a workshop format to all the HR business partners in groups of 8 – 10 with four workshops run over a four month period.

Objectives of the training included:

The overall aim of the Finance Programme was to provide participants with both the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills to manage their HR responsibilities more profitably and with a greater degree of financial understanding and confidence.

The objectives were to enable participants to:

• Explore the financial principles which underlie accounting and finance in general
• Review the financial principles which underlie accounting and finance of insurance businesses
• Understand the basics of insurance investment analysis and corporate performance – gilts and equities
• Practise the basics of budgeting and examine the principles of good management information and see how they apply to their company reports
• Discuss matters arising and undertake action planning for participants

Modules covered

• Finance and Accounting Fundamentals
• Insurance Accounting
• What makes companies tick: Investments and Financial Market Analysis
• Budgeting basics and Understanding management information

Participant feedback

The programme was very well received as the comments of some of the delegates show:

‘The programme was a significant investment by our organisation and has proved a successful one.’

‘The style, presentation and delivery were just right. This could be a very complex subject – but the light-hearted style and use of humour made learning easier!’

‘I particularly liked the real life examples to put everything into the real world’

‘Very relevant, informative and conducted with good humour’

‘I’ve attended similar financial awareness training and this was by far the best’