Lesser Spotted Ulster

Do you remember the UTV programme called "Lesser Spotted Ulster?" where Joe Mahon takes a look at places and events "on the wild side"?  Well, I'm thinking of renaming my WorldHost courses as "Lesser Spotted Ulster" too as there are so many hidden gems on our doorstep that we don't even know exist.

Last week, I was in Newry with a great group from Seaview Guest House, Formula Karting, the Fun House, Sugar Supper Club, Heart and Home and Thee 1 Beauty Salon.  As part of our familiarisation trip, we stopped off at Flagstaff Adventures http://www.flagstaffadventures.co.uk/ which is just off the main Belfast -Dublin road before you come to the border.  Jason Cromie (who was also on the course) set up this business recently and gave us the opportunity to do some paintballing and off-road driving in 4x4s.

It was both scary and exhilarating as we were driven around the course on Flagstaff Mountain with breathtaking views of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains.  The other course participants live in the area and didn't know that the business existed.  Everyone really enjoyed the experience and promised to spread the word to their friends and family.  We also were able to evaluate the customer service which we experienced there - it was excellent, by the way.

When we go away on holiday, we take time to explore the various tourist attractions in the locality but when we are at home, we simply never get around to it.  We need to get out more and visit the many hidden gems which are on our doorstep.  Then we can recommend them to our visitors and hopefully they will stay longer in our area.

As Spring has sprung (I hope!), take the opportunity to get out and about this weekend to visit some of your local tourist attractions in "lesser spotted Ulster".

Take care

Lynda

PS I know some of you will be disappointed if I don't tell you when my next courses are happening so here they are for you.

Lisburn - 11th and 18th March
Lurgan - 24th and 31st March
Armagh - 27th March and 3rd April

Click here for more details  http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/customer-sense-training-and-consultancy-983509711

WorldHost Course reaches for the skies at the Maze

Do we know much about the tourist attractions on our doorstep?  We’re very good at visiting tourist attractions when we are on holiday but we are not so good at visiting what’s in our locality.  People from six local businesses recently took part in the WorldHost Customer Service Programme which included visits to the Irish Linen Centre in Lisburn and the Ulster Aviation Society at the Maze.  WorldHost is an international customer service programme developed in Canada in 1985 and now used in over 17 countries around the world. 

“WorldHost ticked all the right boxes for us,” explained Zara Duffy, Director of Finance and Operations at the Employers For Childcare Charitable Group based in Lisburn’s Altona Industrial Estate.  “It reminded us about the basics of customer service such as giving a warm welcome, remembering customer names and answering the telephone.”

The two day WorldHost programme combines learning about customer service in the training room as well as going out and about to experience customer service firsthand in local tourist attractions.   The Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the Department of Employment and Learning and training company People 1st are the driving forces behind this initiative.

“We were delighted to welcome the WorldHost group,” said Ernie Cromie of the Ulster Aviation Society.  “Most of the group were completely unaware that we have 24 historic aircraft in a hangar at the Maze/Long Kesh prison site.  Now that they have visited, they will be able to recommend our centre to their customers, friends and family.”

Lynda Willis from Aghalee based Customer Sense Training and Consultancy was the trainer who delivered the programme.  Future courses are planned for Newry (5 and 12 November),  Lisburn (18 and 25 November) and Antrim (19 and 26 November).  For more information, please call 07773 423675.

 

Hanna's Close puts customers first and is awarded WorldHost business status

 

Historic self-catering accommodation Hanna’s Close near Kilkeel has become the latest organisation in Northern Ireland to gain national recognition for its commitment to customer service, after being awarded WorldHost Recognised Business status.  WorldHost is a world-class customer service training programme that has already been used to train nearly one million people worldwide, including front-line staff in hospitality, tourism, retail and passenger transport for sporting and cultural events across the UK.

WorldHost Recognised Business status is awarded to businesses that have trained 50% or more of their front line staff using any of the WorldHost training programmes and signed a commitment to delivering excellent customer service. With all staff trained to WorldHost standards, Hanna’s Close has officially become a WorldHost Recognised Business.

On receiving the recognition, Lily Annett of Hanna’s Close commented: “We are passionate about service standards and are incredibly proud to have achieved WorldHost Recognised Business status. When our customers see the WorldHost logo displayed in our business, they’ll know that we have made a commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for them. Not only does this generate a positive buzz about the service we offer, but it helps to promote Kilkeel as a friendly and welcoming tourist destination. ”

Hanna’s Close is one of the last remaining clachans or medieval-style small settlements in Ireland.  There are seven fine old restored heritage holiday cottages in the Close and another three a short distance away. All of them nestle near the foot of the Mountains of Mourne, about two miles northeast of Kilkeel. 

"The WorldHost programme is being rolled out in Northern Ireland by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in partnership with sector skills council, People 1st, and the Department for Employment and Learning to help businesses gain a competitive edge and position Northern Ireland as a world-class tourist destination”, explained Lynda Willis (Customer Sense Training) who trained the staff at Hanna’s Close.  “The two day programme only costs £20 per person provided they qualify for funding from the Department of Employment and Learning.”

The next WorldHost Customer Service Programme takes place in the Mourne Country Hotel, Newry on 5^th and 12^th November.  For more information, please call 07773 423675 or email Lynda@customersensetraining.co.uk.