Two former Croydon College lecturers have teamed up to promote the benefits of staff training and development to local businesses.

Joanna Markham, a senior lecturer in management at the college from 1985, and Jacqueline Bishop, director of the marketing and purchasing courses, left last year to set up a new business called Markham & Bishop Training.

The company plans to tap into Croydon's growing business management sector, offering courses that will help firms develop the potential of existing staff.

Ms Markham, who lives in Croydon, said: “Businesses realise that there is a financial benefit if they spend money on marketing. “Smart companies realise that if you train and develop your people they will make more money for you.

“You will definitely improve the health of your organisation.”

Ms Bishop said: “Our mission is to improve the quality of training and development that employers give their staff. But, the very people who are delivering the training are usually not getting any coaching themselves.”

Markham & Bishop Training is running a series of two-day events called Train the Trainer. The course covers the principles of training, gives professionals the opportunity to be filmed delivering training and then have their performance evaluated by fellow delegates.

For further information call 07801 574797.