A new standard is being set for customer service in Ipswich town centre. This ambitious initiative called “Excellence in Customer Training” is being launched in September by Ipswich Central, the Business Improvement District (BID) company. The objective is to further improve the level of customer service for all businesses in the BID area in central Ipswich.

Paul Clement of Ipswich Central is particularly pleased that the first two courses in the autumn are already fully booked. He remarked: “The Day course is available for businesses in the BID district and is funded through the BID levy. The staff of BID businesses are crucial to an overall impression of Ipswich as a place to be and to spend. The courses will train nominated staff on how to achieve the service standards expected by visitors and other users. The training will be Ipswich specific and staff can take lessons learnt back to the workplace and translate them to their colleagues.”

Some of the lessons to be learnt will be; why people do not buy, why customers complain, improving communications skills and the power of positive attitude. Chris Barnard, managing director of Ipswich-based training specialists, Ptek Development, who are running the course on behalf of Ipswich Central, said: “How we are treated as a customer makes a huge difference to how we feel about a particular shop, business or organisation. This course is aimed at ensuring that everyone working in customer service understands how they can make an impact on standards in the workplace and ultimately on business success.”