Dates for 2010 - put 'em in your diaries now!

Well, what a fantastic year we've had at Development Days in 2009! New friendships made, old faces reunited, 6 Development Days in a row held at our new flagship World Headquarters (erm, hang on, Dave...) Overall, 13 new people joined us for Development Days this year!

Dates for 2010 are as follows: please pencil these in your diaries now.

• 29th January
• 19th March
• 21st May
• 9th July
• 17th September
• 19th November

Remember you can keep up to date with Development Days by following the blog feed, signing up for the newsletter or joining the Facebook Page.

Have a great Christmas and New Year!

Dave

November 2009 - Development Day 21!

Development Days are highly rated by everyone who attends - come and join in the benefits with us!

What are Development Days?

Development Days have been running regularly since July 2005. The benefits we all get include:

• a chance to sharpen our skills in working with groups and giving feedback
• networking with consultants in different fields, leading to work referrals
• a support group of peers facing similar challenges, sharing advice and ideas
• a forum to try out new ideas and techniques and get high quality feedback
• Development Days are fun! You deserve some "you" time!

What will happen at this Development Day?

• We meet at 9:30 for coffee and croissants. Tea, coffee, juice, fruit and biscuits are available throughout the day.
• There will be four "slots" - Dave takes the first one which helps everyone to get to know each other's work and style.
• The other three "slots" are taken by other participants. You could deliver a part of a course to get feedback on it, run an exercise with the group, or lead a discussion on a topic of interest. In the past we've had topics on marketing & sales, session evaluation, MBTI, RECIPE cards, teamworking exercises, collaborative working, and many others!
• A buffet lunch is provided by our excellent caterer "Nibbles". There is space on the registration form to indicate any food preferences you have.
• You will be sent a video recording of the whole day so you can relive the good bits and capture the feedback you got from your peers on the day.

What do I do next?

• Complete the brief registration form at http://tinyurl.com/devday21
• Consider taking a slot on the day - it's a fantastically useful experience!
• Invite other trainers and consultants who may be interested in joining us.

Summary of Event Details

• Friday 13th November 2009
• 9:30 am for coffee, kicking off at 10am, finishing around 4pm
• 5 Valleys Enterprise Centre, Greenway, Caerphilly, CF83 8GF
• Dress: No ties! (Interesting discussion on this last time...)
• Your contribution: £40.25 (including VAT - invoices will be provided).

See you here!

Dave

Mark enjoyed last Friday's Development Day

HI Folks

Mark McManus of Exact Coaching came to last Friday's Development Day and very kindly offered to write a few words for this site. Here's his reflection on the benefits he got from the day:

"I've just returned from my very first experience of one of Dave Bull's 'Development Days' and I can honestly say that it "Does exactly what it says on the tin". The format is very relaxed, the fellow attendees very welcoming and supportive, and the content is really varied and stimulating. Dave does a fantastic job at facilitating the event and stimulating everyone's engagement. He also has a very calm and easy going approach which quickly puts you at ease. In his description of the event, Dave talks about having some 'You' time once in a while and I think this is extremely important for all of us. Instead of yet another business breakfast meeting, instead of catching up on some more admin, instead of planning the new marketing approach for the business (whilst all very important activities), consider taking a whole day 'off' altogether and focussing on your needs for a change.

One of the most valuable aspects of the day from my perspective was having the opportunity to discuss skills, methods and best practice with like-minded professionals and being able to receive some really open and honest feedback on your various strengths and 'areas for development' during the practical elements of the programme. I'd strongly recommend these 'Development Days' to anyone who thinks they may be on benefit. I, for one, will be back for more!"

As before, this is the complete and unedited text provided by Mark. It's a fantastic feeling to know that people are leaving my event with this kind of opinion of it. I hope some more of you will be able to find some time to attend in the near future!

The next Development Day will be on 13th November and dates for 2010 will appear here shortly!

All the best

Dave

September 2009 Development Day for Trainers & Consultants

You are invited to Team Coaching Network's 20th Development Day for Independent Trainers and Consultants to be held on Friday 18th September 2009 at 5 Valleys Enterprise Centre, Greenway, Caerphilly, CF83 8GF from 9:30am to 4:00pm

What are Development Days?

Development Days have been running regularly since July 2005. The benefits we all get include:

* a chance to sharpen our skills in working with groups and giving feedback
* networking with consultants in different fields, leading to work referrals
* a support group of peers facing similar challenges, sharing advice and ideas
* a forum to try out new ideas and techniques and get high quality feedback
* Development Days are fun! You deserve some "you" time!

What will happen at this Development Day?

* We meet at 9:30 for coffee and late breakfast. Tea, coffee, juice, fruit and biscuits are available throughout the day.
* There will be four "slots" - Dave takes the first one which helps everyone to get to know each other's work and style.
* The other three "slots" are taken by other participants. This could mean trying out a part of a course to get feedback on it, running an exercise with the group, or leading a discussion on a topic of interest. In the past we've had topics on marketing & sales, session evaluation, MBTI, RECIPE cards, teamworking exercises, collaborative working, and many others!
* A buffet lunch is provided by our excellent caterer "Nibbles". There is space on the registration form to indicate any food preferences you have.
* You will be sent a video recording of the whole day so you can relive the good bits and capture the feedback you got from your peers on the day.

What do I do next?

* Complete the brief registration form at http://tinyurl.com/devday20
* Consider taking a slot on the day - it's a fantastically useful experience!
* Pass this message on to other trainers and consultants who may be interested in joining us.

Summary of Event Details

* Friday 18th September 2009
* 9:30 am for coffee, kicking off at 10am, finishing around 4pm
* 5 Valleys Enterprise Centre, Greenway, Caerphilly, CF83 8GF
* Dress: No ties!
* Your contribution: £40.25 (including VAT - invoices will be provided).

See you here!

Dave

High Praise for Development Days

Hi Folks: here is the complete, unedited review of Development Day 19 by one of its participants, Sian Donovan, a Development Day Virgin:

Today I spent the day at the offices of Dave Bull, Team Coaching Network Ltd. I had been invited along, as a newbee, to a day where trainers get together and develop their own techniques/ideas in a sympathetic yet robust environment. That’s what I was told. I was apprehensive but very curious. I wasn’t sure just how many experienced eyes would be critically appraising my first stumbling steps. Maybe I would sit at the back and observe.

In the event the day was extremely “intime” as, due to last minute and unavoidable cancellations, there were just three of us plus Dave. Now there really was nowhere to hide! My fears were totally unfounded. Dave managed, a better description than led, an informal almost organic exchange of ideas and conversation, interlaced with brief presentations and discussions of such. The company was excellent, conversations very interesting as we were all from very different backgrounds and, somehow, discreetly, Dave kept a structure to the day so not a moment was wasted. The time flew, coffee and sustenance were in abundance, and I can honestly say I came away a richer person, challenged, stimulated and armed with more than a few damn good ideas. Highly recommended and worth every penny.

The next Development Day is open for bookings now! Take your turn to benefit from this unique and enriching event!


All the best

Dave

19th Development Day for freelancers - 10th July 2009

Team Coaching Network's 19th Development Day for Independent Trainers and Consultants – Friday 10th July 2009

You are invited to Team Coaching Network's 18th Development Day for Independent Trainers and Consultants to be held on Friday 10th July 2009 at Valleys Enterprise Centre, Greenway, Caerphilly, CF83 8GF from 9:30am to 4:00pm

What are Development Days?

Development Days have been running regularly since 2005. They are a massively beneficial learning event for anyone who needs to make presentations. The benefits we all get include:

• a chance to sharpen our skills in working with groups and giving feedback

• networking with consultants in different fields, leading to work referrals

• a support group of peers facing similar challenges, sharing advice and ideas

• a forum to try out new ideas and techniques and get high quality feedback

• Development Days are fun! You deserve some "you" time!

What will happen at this Development Day?

• We meet at 9:30 for coffee and breakfast and a chat. Tea, coffee, juice, fruit and biscuits are available throughout the day.

• There will be four "slots" - Dave takes the first one which helps everyone to get to know each other's work and style.

• The other three "slots" are taken by other participants. This could mean trying out a part of a course to get feedback on it, running an exercise with the group, or leading a discussion on a topic of interest. In the past we've had topics on marketing & sales, session evaluation, MBTI, RECIPE cards, teamworking exercises, collaborative working and many others!

• A buffet lunch is provided. There is space on the registration form to indicate any food preferences you have.

• You will be sent a video recording of the whole day so you can see your own brilliance and capture the feedback you got from your peers on the day.

What do I do next?

• Complete the brief registration form at http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=clR6and2UTAzY3ZFZDFTM21DSkozSVE6MA...

• Consider taking a slot on the day – it's a fantastically useful experience!

• Pass this message on to other trainers and consultants who may be interested in joining us.

Summary of Event Details

• Friday 10th July 2009

• 9:30 am for coffee, kicking off at 10am, finishing around 4pm

• 5 Valleys Enterprise Centre, Greenway, Caerphilly, CF83 8GF

• Dress: No ties.

• Your contribution: £40.25 including VAT.

8th May - Development Day 18

Team Coaching Network's 18^th Development Day for Independent Trainers and Consultants – Friday 8^th May 2009

You are invited to Team Coaching Network's 18^th Development Day for Independent Trainers and Consultants to be held on Friday 8^th May 2009 at Team Coaching Studio, 5 Valleys Enterprise Centre, Greenway, Caerphilly, CF83 8GF from 9:30am to 4:00pm

What are Development Days?

Development Days have been running regularly since 2005. The benefits we all get include:

• a chance to sharpen our skills in working with groups and giving feedback

• networking with consultants in different fields, leading to work referrals

• a support group of peers facing similar challenges, sharing advice and ideas

• a forum to try out new ideas and techniques and get high quality feedback

• Development Days are fun! You deserve some “you” time!

What will happen at this Development Day?

• We meet at 9:30 for coffee and breakfast and a chat. Tea, coffee, juice, fruit and biscuits are available throughout the day.

• There will be four “slots” - Dave takes the first one which helps everyone to get to know each other's work and style.

• The other three “slots” are taken by other participants. This could mean trying out a part of a course to get feedback on it, running an exercise with the group, or leading a discussion on a topic of interest. In the past we've had topics on marketing & sales, session evaluation, MBTI, RECIPE cards, collaborative working and many others!

• A buffet lunch is provided. There is space on the registration form to indicate any food preferences you have.

• You will be sent a video recording of the whole day so you can see your own brilliance and capture the feedback you got from your peers on the day.

What do I do next?

• Complete the brief registration form at https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=cGVWbG5PTlZ2X29tWmpqRHVxU1ZUVnc6MA..

• Consider taking a slot on the day – it's a fantastically useful experience!

• Pass this message on to other trainers and consultants who may be interested in joining us.

Summary of Event Details

Friday 8^th March 2009

9:30 am for coffee, kicking off at 10am, finishing around 4pm

Team Coaching Studio, 5 Valleys Enterprise Centre, Greenway, Caerphilly, CF83 8GF

Dress: No ties.

Your contribution: £40.25 including VAT.

Development Day 18 - 6th March 2009

Join us at Team Coaching Network's 18th Development Day for Independent Trainers and Consultants!

This exciting and worthwhile event will be held on Friday 6th March 2009 at The TrainerLab Studio, Valleys Enterprise Centre, Greenway, Bedwas CF83 8GF.

We meet at 9:30 for late breakfast (croissants and stuff), start in earnest at 10am, lunch and refreshments are provided, and we finish around 4pm.

Development Days give 3 or 4 participants in each session the opportunity to take a "slot" in the day. You might try running some material which is new to see if it works; you might run some material which is old to see how you can freshen it up; you might lead the group in an exercise, or in a discussion around a topic of interest, whether it's to do with the technicalities of working with groups of learners, or whether it's to do with the technicalities of running our own professional practices.

The key benefit of running a slot is the robust yet supportive feedback you get from your peers. People who have volunteered in this way are consistently enthusiastic about the value they get from this feedback.

Your contribution is £35 plus VAT (£40.25).

Please confirm your attendance by completing the brief online registration form, volunteer for a slot, and pass this email to anyone you think may be interested in joining us at Development Days.

All the best

Dave

Reminder for next week's Development Day

Team Coaching Network's 17th Development Day for independent trainers and consultants will take place on Friday 9th January 2009 at our TrainerLab Studio at 7 Valleys Enterprise Centre, Greenway, Caerphilly CF83 8GF. Full directions are below.

Those who have so far confirmed they will attend (thank you!):

Dave Bull	Team Coaching Network Ltd
Andrew Scowcroft	Development Consultancy
Charlotte Hitchings	C-Change
Peter Thomas	PT Communications
Dave Thomas	Call of the Wild (Adventure Activities) Ltd

The most convenient way to tell me whether you're coming or not is at https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=peVlnONVv_onfZRpvY7ogZA&hl=en_GB

All the best

Dave

Event Details

We meet at 9:30 for late breakfast (croissants and stuff), lunch and refreshments are provided, and we finish around 4pm.

Your contribution is £35 plus VAT (£40.25).

Please confirm your attendance or not using the form, volunteer for a slot, and pass this email to anyone you think may be interested in joining us at Development Days.

Directions

From Newport and the east

Detailed:

Get to M4 Junction 28 (Tredegar House / A48/ A4072) Take the dual carriageway A4072 (“Forge Road”) North for about 1 mile. At the roundabout take the second exit onto the A468 and into Bassaleg (“Baize-leg”). Bassaleg School is on your left; the Tredegar Arms is ahead of you at a small roundabout. Follow the A468 left at that roundabout. You drive through Bassaleg village (note the “best kept village 1476 sign – I may be exaggerating. You drive past Rhiwderin (“Roo-derrin”) village and into open countryside. you drive past Lower Machen (“Mack-en”) and through Machen (watch your speed here, schools and stuff) and back out into the open. You drive through Trethomas and past Bedwas, stopping at traffic lights with the road into Bedwas village on your right and Bedwas RFC on your left. Get into the right hand filter lane. The Sign Factory is in your right. At the next lights, right is signposted into Bedwas House Industrial Estate. Drive in. On your right, just as the road starts to bend left, is a Venture Wales building. Park in there, come in through the front door, notice the toilets, turn right and go to the end of the corridor and here you are!

Brief:

M4 J28, north on A4072 1 mile, west on A468 7.5 miles, turn right before Peters Food Service and Welsh Assembly. On your right.

From Cardiff via Caerphilly Mountain

Detailed:

From Gabalfa roundabout, the A469 forks right off the A470, and goes through Birchgrove, Rhiwbina, past Llanishen and Thornhill then climbs over the mountain. At the top of the mountain it carries on ahead to curl around the west side of Caerphilly. This is the simplest but not the shortest route. Unless you live in Thornhill you'd be better off going to the A470. At the snackbar on the mountain you can turn right which takes you through Caerphilly town centre and past the castle. At the castle (which is on your left) you pass Caerphilly Job centre and Workingmen's hall on your right and come to some lights. get in the right-hand lane and follow signs to Newport. You will drive along Bedwas Road (B4600) with terraces on your left and open area on your right. At the end of Bedwas Road is a roundabout with 5 exits. Be in the right-hand lane to take the 3^rd exit for Newport A468. You pass a Welsh Assembly building on your right and Peters Food Service on your left. Get into the left hand lane and turn left at the next lights. On your right, just as the road starts to bend left, is a Venture Wales building. Park in there, come in through the front door, notice the toilets, turn right and go to the end of the corridor and here you are!

Brief:

If you're coming this way you probably don't need my help!

From Cardiff, the west and the Valleys via A470:

Detailed

Head for the Nantgarw exit from the A470 which is at the southern end of Treforest Industrial Estate, near Makro, Showcase Cinema, etc. Take the A468 east up the steep hill past GE aircraft engine works and Caerphilly Garden Centre both on your left. You come to a large roundabout with 5 exits at the top of the hill. Be in the left hand lane to take the 2nd exit. You come to a small roundabout. St Cenydd's School is on your left, be in the right-hand lane to go ahead. You come to a large roundabout with 6 exits. The 3^rd exit is the entrance to The Cedar Tree pub and Premier Inn. Be in the right-hand lane to take the 4^th exit, the A468 heading for Newport. Pass over the next small roundabout, with the retail park on your right. You come to a roundabout with 5 exits. Be in the left-hand lane to take the 1^st exit for Newport A468. You pass a Welsh Assembly building on your right and Peters Food Service on your left. Get into the left hand lane and turn left at the next lights. On your right, just as the road starts to bend left, is a Venture Wales building. Park in there, come in through the front door, notice the toilets, turn right and go to the end of the corridor and here you are!

Brief:

A470 Nantgarw. east on A468, follow signs from Newport around Caerphilly, turn left at Peter's Pies. On your right.