Recent customer service workshops, held as part of the SWA 2012 Training Programme, have been particularly well received by participants, according to the association's training provider, 121 HR Solutions.

Two half-day workshops focusing on 'Customer Service for Drivers' took place at SWA supplier member AG Barr's Cumbernauld headquarters in May and June. In total, 12 delegates from SWA wholesale member companies attended.

Douglas Scott, representing Glasgow-based United Wholesale Grocers, commented: "This was a great workshop. Friendly, relaxed presentation, informative and aspects covered will be useful in my day-to-day job."

One theme coming through was the need to always listen to customers and always adopt a positive attitude when answering queries.

These most recent workshops were introduced in response to a request by Simon Hannah, the managing director of JW Filshill.

Kate Salmon, SWA executive director, said: "We've had some excellent feedback from the delegates who attended these workshops and that confirms that our training programme is meeting the needs of our members.

"We have a duty to provide relevant, targeted training opportunities for all our members and we are delighted to have the support of our supplier members - in this case AG Barr - in delivering these workshops."

According to Sandie Holmes of 121 HR Solutions, the feedback received from members demonstrates the value they place on the training programme. "Although many of the wholesalers are in competition with each one another, they gain a lot from sharing their experiences as well as discussing various workplace scenarios," she said.

"The biggest benefit to the delegates is having access to suppliers' expertise which they can take back to their work and implement or adapt for themselves."

Please get in touch with Sandie Holmes at 121 HR Solutions on 07921 213 892 for information about forthcoming workshops and any other aspects of the SWA training programme.