Which supplier?

Finding a good supplier for this kind of training can be hard. How do you find someone with expert knowledge who will give good value, tailored training, and pre- and post-course support?

Don't compare raw prices; look instead at the different packages offered. False economy wastes a lot of money.

Be sceptical. Ask for solid evidence of the firm's products and record. See if their writing communicates well. Take no prisoners: one language error on a website or in an email should remove the firm from your list. If they can't communicate accurately when they're trying to sell themselves, how effective will they be when answering your people's questions?

Ten tips

1. Ignore promotional hype. Anyone can write exciting language. It usually means little.
2. Read the testimonials. The proof of the pudding is in the eating (see Puddings). The only comments worth listening to are from customers; ring them for a candid view.
3. Check qualifications. We've known writing organizations be confused about this. If they say their trainer has a PhD in English from Cambridge, ask to see a copy of the certificate. More than one head of a writing firm has never formally studied English since leaving school.
4. Ask hard questions about the age of the course. Beware ancient programmes: they will not match your people's needs.
5. Ask for samples of materials. Reject weak worksheets that give only general plain English pointers. Look for specific, detailed materials that closely match your staff's writing needs. For example, if your people write a lot of PR, can the training firm really help them with specific knowledge? Learning general plain English skills is of limited use.
6. Is the trainer available to discuss and develop the course content, before and after an event? An anonymous presenter who stands, delivers and runs will not be a great resource.
7. Critically examine logos, membership schemes, award ceremonies and the like. They are marketing approaches and have little to do with your staff's learning.

   Clarity approval logos are dubious. No firm that sells them is monitored by independent experts. In other words, their logos are badges that promote their own work. Why pay for them?

8. Don't use training firms that employ marketing and PR staff. They have to be paid for.
9. Probe into the firm's background. If it is called, for example, a campaign, see if it really is a pressure group or whether it is, like us, a private family business. Ask about the directors' backgrounds and what they do. They too have to be paid.
10. Speak to the head of the firm. Are they interested in talking to you?