Our story

Who we are

Emphasis have been training companies and individuals in how to make their communication work since 1998. We’re the UK’s number-one provider of communication training and a world leader in specialist learning programmes.

All our trainers and consultants have a deep background in professional communication – just as many of our office staff do.

We're broadcast journalists, Fleet Street veterans, professional editors, award-winning writers and PR specialists. Our backgrounds give us the depth of knowledge to tackle even the most complex communication challenge.

Although our trainers are all communication specialists in their own right, they still have to complete a rigorous trainer-training programme themselves before they can work with our clients. So when you work with us, you can be certain it will be with someone who knows their subject and can transfer their knowledge sensitively and effectively.

We’ve built our reputation on providing high-quality, high-impact business-communication programmes, delivered in-person and online. In response to demand from our clients, we now offer a wide portfolio of communication learning and consulting, such as our unique presentation-skills training.

Since we started out in 1998, we’ve helped more than 90,000 people from more than 1,000 organisations. They include blue-chip companies, government departments, consultancies, major law firms, universities, charities, accounting firms and pharmaceutical companies. 

What we do

We combine our love of communication and the English language with a passion for the science of learning. This helps us to deliver training and consultancy that makes a real, measurable impact.

We provide an extensive range of communication training, including presentation skills, storytelling for impact, bid writing and writing for the web.

Looking for something out of the ordinary? Do you have a challenge that is specific to your industry or organisation? If so, we can tailor the learning to match any specific training need in communications or writing.

We also offer advice and support on communications to both your internal and external audiences, designed to help save you time and money.

Our training methods include:

• face-to-face tailored courses for companies
• face-to-face open courses for individuals
• online learning
• remote learning, using the latest web technology
• blended learning, combining the methods above.

All our programmes are highly interactive and engaging. Participants often tell us in feedback that they were surprised how enjoyable they found the course – and how quickly the time went.

Accreditation

Accredited, high-performing learning provider

We are a registered provider with the CPD Certification Service, who work with organisations to ensure the highest standards in further learning for anyone pursuing continued professional development.

The service accredits our courses.

The same core modules from these accredited courses are the basis for all our bespoke in-house training programmes. You can also talk to us about gaining CPD accreditation for the tailored training we design and deliver for you.

Proud living wage employer

We’re proud supporters of the campaign for the living wage in Brighton and Hove, UK – home to our head office.

As a service-based organisation, we are nothing without our people. So treating our staff well has always made not just moral sense but business sense too. This includes providing a positive working environment and generous benefits. But it also means paying all staff – including interns – at least enough to live on.

We firmly believe that the latter is a basic requirement and would encourage all organisations to become living wage employers.

Cyber Essentials Plus certification

It’s important to us that you feel confident in sharing any documentation and delegate details with us. That’s why we’re always happy to sign an NDA. It’s also why we’re certified to Cyber Essentials Plus standards. This independently verified certification is your assurance of the steps we’ve taken to ensure our cyber security, so you can be happy that any information you share with us is safe.