Busineses in one of Liverpool’s main shopping corridors are being offered free training to help it achieve an internationally recognised status in customer service.
The ‘1578’ area, which covers Lodge Lane, Earle Road, Lawrence Road and Smithdown Road, is aiming to become a World Host Destination.
A number of businesses have to have front-line staff trained in customer service to qualify for the accolade.
The World Host Destination programme was developed in Canada and areas which achieve the status are recognised as proving excellent standards of customer service. Staff and volunteers at the London 2012 Olympic Games, who were recognised by people around the world as providing outstanding customer service, underwent the training.
Liverpool City Council with Liverpool Vision is supporting the training, by funding the course, for small businesses, charitable organisations and other stakeholders. Larger firms will be expected to contribute to costs
The one day training courses, which will take place in February will teach:
• The importance of excellent communication
• The skills of effective communication
• The lifetime value of a customer to the business
• An understanding of the value of retail to the UK
• The five key principle commitments that enable staff to go ‘the extra mile’
“We are getting a very good response from business when we talk to them about the training,” said Councillor Nick Small, Liverpool City Council Cabinet member for skills, enterprise and employment.
“It is important that their staff take up this offer so we can achieve World Host Destination status. It will mean that the 1578 area is internationally recognised for the quality of its customer service and will help it attract more customers.
Training courses with accredited trainers are being held in conjunction with Academy One, Liverpool One’s training arm.
To book a place on the course contact Kim Cooper on kcooper@liverpoolvision.co.uk / tel 0151 600 2934.
