“Dear Stuart
I am writing to thank you so much for yesterday. The presentation was entertaining and very informative giving staff and students plenty to think about over the forthcoming weeks and I am sure we will all take something forward with us that will impact on our lives.“
Clare King - Stratford College - Cohort Manager - A Levels, Access & GCSEs

“Stuart has delivered two workshops for students at the University of Bradford, both of which received very positive feedback. I was fortunate enough to participate in his second workshop “Strategies for Success“ in October 2006 and experienced firsthand the way in which Stuart engages with his audience. Stuart's approach introduces a positive way to look at those obstacles that keep us from achieving what we want in life and introduces simple techniques to move forward that work - I know because I'm still using them four months on! One of my colleagues who attended Stuart?s first workshop came back so enthusiastic that she recommended that we all attend and this is certainly something we are considering as a team development event in the future.“
Catherine Gregory, Senior Career Development Adviser, Bradford University

“I have worked with Stuart very recently on the delivery of focused motivational talks to our undergraduate students. Over the course of a few short discussions Stuart very quickly understood our needs in terms of identifying content and activities that our students could respond to and that would inspire and motivate them to reflect on their attitude towards their university experience (work patterns, time management, balancing social life, part-time work and study) to develop personal strategies to increase their self-confidence, improve their focus and exploit their potential to the full. Feedback from these sessions was very positive and I am now discussing with Stuart the possibility of developing a more structured programme for delivery throughout 2007. His ability to quickly identify needs and suggest solutions in terms of the delivery of a programme of focused activities has lead me to consider the possibility of him working with myself and colleagues in our recently re-structured Languages Department where, after many years of dramatic change and considerable insecurity have left many colleagues feeling rather low on morale and needing to find ways to adapt quickly to the new environment in the university and in Language teaching. “
Graham Webb, Head of Languages, Leeds Metropolitan University, February 2007.

Quotes from Year 11 Pupils

“I really enjoyed the day. It gave me lots of ideas and inspiration“

“The advice was great and the trainers talked to us like we were adults“

“I realise now that what I do at school, affects my job/career prospects“

“I am more motivated now than I was before. The trainers made me realise that I can do better if I try that bit harder in the time that?s left“

We were impressed with the organisation of the day, and the high quality of the workshops lead by the trainers. The content was very relevant and pitched at a level that pupils could relate to. The sessions (Communication Skills, Team Building, Goal Setting & Motivation) were interactive and encouraged pupils to participate. The trainers approach encouraged the pupils to feel at ease and see the relevance to their own personal and working lives.

The day had a big impact on Year 11, as well as all the staff who were able to attend.

We would have no hesitation in recommending the Hughes Company to other schools, and we will certainly be using them again in the future.
Alderman Smith School

“Aimhigher uses the Hughes Company across numerous schools and colleges in Coventry and Warwickshire and the feedback is always extremely positive. My job is taking me into new territory. I know I can call on the Hughes Company to deliver focused, high impact, good value motivational activities to raise aspirations and motivation.

As you know, I have to approve funding for programmes of events in schools and colleges, and can say that money is always well spent with the Hughes Company.  Staff and learners benefit and the Hughes Company always works to provide tailored programmes appropriate to the needs and wishes of each institution.  Thank you for being easy to work with and always ready to accommodate the demands and flexibility sometimes required to work in education.”
Helen Orr, Area Co-ordinator – Aimhigher Coventry & Warwickshire

"I watched our Sixth form audience listen spell bound for an hour this morning and afterwards I relayed how I too had listened spell bound. Many thanks for what was a truly inspirational talk."
Norma Urquhart, Education Liaison Manager - Northumbria University

"Thank you for an extremely practical workshop this afternoon. I would like to have regular meetings similar to the way this course is run to discuss challenges with colleagues and share solutions."
DS, Doncaster LEA

"I found what you said a big inspiration to me especially when you began talking bout your tough childhood. I was badly bullied when I was 14/15 and slipped into a bad depression, as a result I was cutting myself and attempted suicide so I could related to what you said. Thank you so much. in the 50 minute speech you taught me more about life and confidence then any of my teachers have managed in my whole life!!"
ST, Lincoln LEA Anonymous student