English for Business
Being able to communicate effectively in English in the workplace is what matters to our students. Our courses focus on the most useful aspects of language and grammar so what students learn is relevant and applicable to their day to day work.
That said, we recognise that our students need a break, and it can be refreshing to discuss other subjects too. We do include material that centres on diverse day-to-day subjects that our students find interesting.
Short courses with specific,
defined content and objectives
Our approach is different to other English schools as we specialise in English for business. Our students tend to be busy professionals who don’t have the time for a long-term commitment. Perhaps they find a week in their calendar with some extra time, and they want to take advantage of this to take their English up a step. Perhaps they have identified a need for a specific function of English, and want to dedicate some time to it. Others simply need or like the challenge of a defined objective. We meet this need by offering courses with a defined content and clear objectives. As a result, students have a way to really measure their progress and success.
Online flexibility of time and place
The profile of our students varies. Some work at the office, some work from home, some have families, and some need to travel. However, all can benefit from a communicative, dynamic and personal online system of real-time teaching. Our students can connect from wherever they are, (e.g. their car, their sofa, their home office or a hotel room, etc.). We know people in employment have busy lives so we offer flexibility to tailor the timing of our courses around the needs of the student.
"One language sets you in a corridor for life.
Two languages open doors along the way."
Frank Smith, psycholinguist
B1 English for HR
This course is designed those working in human resources in an international context. Students will learn the skills, grammar and language for the following work functions: Introductions and presentations, presenting candidates, explaining roles, interviewing candidates, Recounting real-life work situations, exploring hypothetical work situations, responding to questions, giving feedback, discussing and evaluation, writing CVs and position profiles.
10 hours
B1 Bootcamp
This course is for students who wish to learn the foundations of B1 English in a business context. The course includes the essentials of English grammar and key functions for use in a business context such as debating, discussing, presenting and leading meetings. Much of the language is presented using videos so that students develop their listening skills and great emphasis is placed on practising the new language learnt using speaking exercises so that participants develop their oral skills. There will also be an introduction to business emailing.
40 hours
B1 Speaking in Public Part I
Speaking in public is a skill that takes time to acquire, and doing so in a foreign language can mean that for some it is even more challenging. The aims of this course are firstly, to give you the confidence to stand up and speak in English, and secondly, to improve your organization and delivery of clear and simple presentations and speeches. There will also be the opportunity to practise your own work-related presentations.
Requirement: It is essential to be able to communicate in spoken English for this course.
10 hours
B1 Emailing in Business
This course is aimed at people who need to communicate in business using the medium of English. It is a blend of two key approaches. With regard to content, we have selected the most useful functions of business email English, and some key elements of grammar. Each exercise combines a function with a language point, so that the student learns how to express an idea while also learning a useful structure. In terms of style, we place emphasis on a balance of language that is not too formal, which creates distance, and not too casual, which may be inappropriate. The aim is to use English that is respectful but with a friendly, personal touch. As part of the course, students will be asked to do short writing exercises, either individually or in groups as a way of consolidating their knowledge.
8 hours
Available March 2022
B2 Business Communication
Do you feel you are at a disadvantage when participating in meetings with English speakers? Do you find it hard to follow the thread of the conversation in conference calls? There are many pitfalls when communicating in English, and this course helps to avoid these issues. The aim is to give the student key language for participating in meetings, techniques for managing conference calls, the tools to express an opinion firmly and respectfully, and an awareness of appropriate language for emails.
10 hours
B2 Speaking in Public Part II - Perfect Presentations
This course is aimed at those who are accustomed to giving presentations but who wish to perfect their language and delivery. Content includes language for: Introductions effective openings, organisation, presenting information, using visuals, explaining cause and result, creating impact, storytelling, voice control and the power of pauses, concluding and responding to questions.
10 hours
AVAILABLE APRIL 2022
B2 Speaking Refresh
This course is designed for students who have not used English for some time, and who need to revise and refresh their speaking. While the main idea is for the students to regain confidence and fluency in speaking, the course we will also include a review of the more important functions, tenses and structures of English, all of which will be practised this in a conversational manner.
10 hours
B2 Writing Refresh
This is for students who have an approximate B2 level who want to revise and refresh their written English for business. There will be a focus on improving writing skills such as sentence structure, linking expressions, text organisation and text cohesion. We also revise basic grammar and look at typical vocabulary mistakes.
10 hours
B2 English for Negotiations
This course is aimed at all those who now need the language skills to discuss, negotiate and seek agreement in English. The aim is to discuss the ideas and language of negotiation, such as engaging with your counterpart, win-win and win-lose negotiations, exploring possibilities and solutions, and the difference between vague and specific language. There is strong emphasis on participants actually using these language skills with controlled practice and realistic role-playing.
10 hours
C1 English for Advanced Communication
Many business functions such as explaining complex ideas, defending positions, seeking consensus and getting commitment to action can be very challenging when your client, colleague or boss is a native English speaker, and even more so in the context of a meeting, telephone or conference call. This course is designed to give you the skills, tools and confidence to deal with these situations. Other specific skills areas include dealing with unexpected questions, impromptu speeches and managing conversations with native speakers when they are hard to understand.
10 hours
C1 Advanced Writing for Business Proposals
This course is aimed at those who need to write technical English, particularly in the context of business proposals. Course content includes the choice between the active and passive voice, sentence ‘actors’ and pronouns, text ‘flow’, sentence length and linking expressions, topic sentences and paragraphing, relative pronouns, linking expressions, use of the possessive and compound nouns, punctuation and finally other typical pitfalls. There will be some writing exercises in the sessions, so a student can practise, learn from mistakes and improve style.
10 hours
B1 English for HR
This course is designed those working in human resources in an international context. Students will learn the skills, grammar and language for the following work functions: Introductions and presentations, presenting candidates, explaining roles, interviewing candidates, Recounting real-life work situations, exploring hypothetical work situations, responding to questions, giving feedback, discussing and evaluation, writing CVs and position profiles.
10 hours
B1 Bootcamp
This course is for students who wish to learn the foundations of B1 English in a business context. The course includes the essentials of English grammar and key functions for use in a business context such as debating, discussing, presenting and leading meetings. Much of the language is presented using videos so that students develop their listening skills and great emphasis is placed on practising the new language learnt using speaking exercises so that participants develop their oral skills. There will also be an introduction to business emailing.
40 hours
B2 Speaking Refresh
This course is designed for students who have not used English for some time, and who need to revise and refresh their speaking. While the main idea is for the students to regain confidence and fluency in speaking, the course we will also include a review of the more important functions, tenses and structures of English, all of which will be practised this in a conversational manner.
10 hours
B2 Writing Refresh
This is for students who have an approximate B2 level who want to revise and refresh their written English for business. There will be a focus on improving writing skills such as sentence structure, linking expressions, text organisation and text cohesion. We also revise basic grammar and look at typical vocabulary mistakes.
10 hours
C1 Advanced Writing for Business Proposals
This course is aimed at those who need to write technical English, particularly in the context of business proposals. Course content includes the choice between the active and passive voice, sentence ‘actors’ and pronouns, text ‘flow’, sentence length and linking expressions, topic sentences and paragraphing, relative pronouns, linking expressions, use of the possessive and compound nouns, punctuation and finally other typical pitfalls. There will be some writing exercises in the sessions, so a student can practise, learn from mistakes and improve style.
10 hours
B1 Emailing in Business
This course is aimed at people who need to communicate in business using the medium of English. It is a blend of two key approaches. With regard to content, we have selected the most useful functions of business email English, and some key elements of grammar. Each exercise combines a function with a language point, so that the student learns how to express an idea while also learning a useful structure. In terms of style, we place emphasis on a balance of language that is not too formal, which creates distance, and not too casual, which may be inappropriate. The aim is to use English that is respectful but with a friendly, personal touch. As part of the course, students will be asked to do short writing exercises, either individually or in groups as a way of consolidating their knowledge.
8 hours
Available March 2022
B1 English for HR
This course is designed those working in human resources in an international context. Students will learn the skills, grammar and language for the following work functions: Introductions and presentations, presenting candidates, explaining roles, interviewing candidates, Recounting real-life work situations, exploring hypothetical work situations, responding to questions, giving feedback, discussing and evaluation, writing CVs and position profiles.
10 hours
B1 Bootcamp
This course is for students who wish to learn the foundations of B1 English in a business context. The course includes the essentials of English grammar and key functions for use in a business context such as debating, discussing, presenting and leading meetings. Much of the language is presented using videos so that students develop their listening skills and great emphasis is placed on practising the new language learnt using speaking exercises so that participants develop their oral skills. There will also be an introduction to business emailing.
40 hours
B2 Business Communication
Do you feel you are at a disadvantage when participating in meetings with English speakers? Do you find it hard to follow the thread of the conversation in conference calls? There are many pitfalls when communicating in English, and this course helps to avoid these issues. The aim is to give the student key language for participating in meetings, techniques for managing conference calls, the tools to express an opinion firmly and respectfully, and an awareness of appropriate language for emails.
10 hours
B2 Speaking in Public Part II - Perfect Presentations
This course is aimed at those who are accustomed to giving presentations but who wish to perfect their language and delivery. Content includes language for: Introductions effective openings, organisation, presenting information, using visuals, explaining cause and result, creating impact, storytelling, voice control and the power of pauses, concluding and responding to questions.
10 hours
AVAILABLE APRIL 2022
B1 Speaking in Public Part I
Speaking in public is a skill that takes time to acquire, and doing so in a foreign language can mean that for some it is even more challenging. The aims of this course are firstly, to give you the confidence to stand up and speak in English, and secondly, to improve your organization and delivery of clear and simple presentations and speeches. There will also be the opportunity to practise your own work-related presentations.
Requirement: It is essential to be able to communicate in spoken English for this course.
10 hours
B2 Speaking Refresh
This course is designed for students who have not used English for some time, and who need to revise and refresh their speaking. While the main idea is for the students to regain confidence and fluency in speaking, the course we will also include a review of the more important functions, tenses and structures of English, all of which will be practised this in a conversational manner.
10 hours
B2 English for Negotiations
This course is aimed at all those who now need the language skills to discuss, negotiate and seek agreement in English. The aim is to discuss the ideas and language of negotiation, such as engaging with your counterpart, win-win and win-lose negotiations, exploring possibilities and solutions, and the difference between vague and specific language. There is strong emphasis on participants actually using these language skills with controlled practice and realistic role-playing.
10 hours
C1 English for Advanced Communication
Many business functions such as explaining complex ideas, defending positions, seeking consensus and getting commitment to action can be very challenging when your client, colleague or boss is a native English speaker, and even more so in the context of a meeting, telephone or conference call. This course is designed to give you the skills, tools and confidence to deal with these situations. Other specific skills areas include dealing with unexpected questions, impromptu speeches and managing conversations with native speakers when they are hard to understand.
10 hours
B1 Bootcamp
This course is for students who wish to learn the foundations of B1 English in a business context. The course includes the essentials of English grammar and key functions for use in a business context such as debating, discussing, presenting and leading meetings. Much of the language is presented using videos so that students develop their listening skills and great emphasis is placed on practising the new language learnt using speaking exercises so that participants develop their oral skills. There will also be an introduction to business emailing.
40 hours
B2 Writing Refresh
This is for students who have an approximate B2 level who want to revise and refresh their written English for business. There will be a focus on improving writing skills such as sentence structure, linking expressions, text organisation and text cohesion. We also revise basic grammar and look at typical vocabulary mistakes.
10 hours
C1 Advanced Writing for Business Proposals
This course is aimed at those who need to write technical English, particularly in the context of business proposals. Course content includes the choice between the active and passive voice, sentence ‘actors’ and pronouns, text ‘flow’, sentence length and linking expressions, topic sentences and paragraphing, relative pronouns, linking expressions, use of the possessive and compound nouns, punctuation and finally other typical pitfalls. There will be some writing exercises in the sessions, so a student can practise, learn from mistakes and improve style.
10 hours
B1 Emailing in Business
This course is aimed at people who need to communicate in business using the medium of English. It is a blend of two key approaches. With regard to content, we have selected the most useful functions of business email English, and some key elements of grammar. Each exercise combines a function with a language point, so that the student learns how to express an idea while also learning a useful structure. In terms of style, we place emphasis on a balance of language that is not too formal, which creates distance, and not too casual, which may be inappropriate. The aim is to use English that is respectful but with a friendly, personal touch. As part of the course, students will be asked to do short writing exercises, either individually or in groups as a way of consolidating their knowledge.
8 hours
Available March 2022
People learn by doing. Just as a musician cannot learn to play an instrument with musical theory alone, but must practise to develop, so a language learner needs to take every opportunity to use the language in day-to-day communications. That’s why participation sits at the heart of our courses. We create lots of opportunities for students to practise and enjoy learning in every session so that they develop relevant skills that they can use from the very beginning.
There are two ways to follow a course with us. As a private individual, you can contact us indicating the course you are interested in. We also can organise courses directly with companies for groups of their employees.
Before the course
We will arrange a quick personal level test and needs analysis, so that we can put you in the right course for you.
During the course
We believe in learning by doing, so each session has the style of a workshop and not a university lecture. There is a strong emphasis in involvement, and we ask and encourage students to fully participate in discussions, role play and all other communicative activities.
After the course
Students will receive an evaluation of their progress and their current level after the course. This includes advice and suggestions for continuing their learning.
Why our students love online classes
The almost overnight transition in 2021 from classroom sessions to online sessions brought great benefits. Students could join from anywhere, giving them amazing flexibility. A surprising discovery was just how relaxed, friendly and personal it is to do English class when everyone is in their own home. Meeting student’s kids, pets and even grandmothers created warmth and engagement between students. It proved the ideal environment for students to feel confident and speak in English freely. For some, adding a personalised background in Teams makes them more comfortable and also creates a talking point. So we welcome creative backgrounds too. ☺
Why we teachers love online classes
(as much as students)
Online tools such as Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams have proved a great medium for teaching. The ability to share teaching materials, videos and links, to continuously participate via chat, to divide the class into smaller groups for collaborative exercises and to have real-time subtitles to help students follow the class adds huge value to the lessons. It is a really transformative teaching tool.
Why we keep our cameras on
The most important thing in a successful English class is that there is a nice, relaxed atmosphere so that all students feel comfortable and confident to participate. A great deal of communication is actually visual rather than simply verbal, so we ask all students to turn on their cameras. It doesn’t matter if you are in your kitchen, your garden or your office. It doesn’t matter if your dog comes into view. In fact it makes the class more fun. (And students always have the option of hiding their background if preferred).
"Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere."
Chinese Proverb
About us
We are a young, tech-driven company with enthusiasm, and a fresh approach. We employ IT tools to improve the teaching and learning experience for students.
About me
A strong believer in lifelong learning, my vocation is to take my experience in education, translation and commerce and use it to create effective learning materials and methodology for my students. I’m also excited to be bringing together a team of trusted professionals with enthusiasm for teaching and a love of languages.
About you
You have the need and the motivation to learn English but you may not have a huge amount of spare time. You are enthusiastic and happy to participate in classes and to share experiences with others. You are open to new ideas, methodology, people and cultures. In summary, you have the motivation and mindset for learning.
If this is you, we would love to see you in class!
80%
of the adult working-age population of the EU with a tertiary level of education knew at least one foreign language.
Eurostat, 2016
88%
of Spanish executives say cultural factors or differences such as language and local customs affect their company’s plans for international expansion.
Competing Across Borders, the Economist Intelligence Unit. 2012.
89.1%
of job adverts that require a foreign language ask for English.
La Vanguardia, 2021
Learn what you’re going to use. Use what you’ve learnt.
Most languages have a vocabulary of tens of thousands of words, and getting to this level is a huge task. The good news is that we use a fraction of this in our daily lives, say 500-1000 words. So the trick for a language student is to learn those useful, high-frequency words and expressions first, and leave the rest for later.
Let’s take two examples. Which of these two expressions would you use in your daily lives?
Living in Spain, you might use the first expression once or twice a year when you get those torrential autumn rains, or perhaps in English class. However, you can use the second expression every time you are debating or discussing a topic both at work or at home. The lesson here is clear: learn the second one.
The next point is key. Learning is all about practice, practice and practice. So if you learn expressions and vocabulary that are useful, you will naturally find opportunities to practise them. It’s a win-win situation.
Start to speak from the very beginning of your
learning journey.
Let’s take the case of a Spanish girl who had advanced English. The only problem was she didn’t speak. When asked why she said: “I want to first learn the grammar perfectly, and then I will feel confident enough to speak.”
It’s easy to understand how she felt. Learning a language is a difficult and personal thing, and speaking is perhaps the most difficult and personal aspect of all. However, there are so many reasons why this approach is a mistake. This is perhaps our favourite analogy to explain it:
Learning a language is just like learning a musical instrument. Just as musical theory, notes and sheet music exist to help you learn to play, so English grammar exists to help you speak and produce language. Just as you pick up an instrument and play from the very beginning, so with a language you need to speak from day one.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes!
Yes, we said make mistakes! And there are many reasons we say this. Firstly, it’s simply part of the learning process. The best linguists constantly experiment, practise and try out new language. They know it’s the best way to improve. Secondly, perfection in spoken language just doesn’t exist. Even native speakers do not use long, complicated, grammatically perfect sentences when they speak. So our advice is to find a friendly English class, a language exchange partner or a private teacher, and practise, make mistakes, and learn as much as you can.
We believe busy executives need three things for successful learning: a clearly defined objective, a method or route map for achieving this, and lastly a way to measure their success. It is our aspiration and vocation to provide this in our courses. Furthermore, as our classes are online we can offer significant flexibility in our classes and adapt to the needs of our students. Last but not least, we are all native speakers with extensive experience in Spain, and we love our job!
“It has been very easy to participate during the lessons. Everyone had the opportunity to talk every day. The content of the course has been very useful.”
Group four, B2 Core Communications, July 2021
“I just wanted to thank you for your July sessions, as always it has been very enjoyable, it was a good group and good content. Thanks!”
Manel V, Barcelona.
“Thank you for your time and classes. They had been very funny and interesting, I feel I discovered a lot of things.”
Isabel B, Barcelona, July 2021
“The classes are very enjoyable. Time flies with Nevil.”
Group one, B2 Core Communications, July 2021
“Thank you very much for all, your classes have been very useful, I think I Improved my English.”
Álvaro M, June 2021
“Thank you Nevil. My English is very basic… you can check but you helped me very much with your templates. I study hard our notes. Have a lovely day.”
Mireia A, Barcelona, May 2021
“It has been a pleasure to learn with you! Moltes gràcies!!!!”
Carme R, Barcelona, April 2021
“Thank again for your course. I think that it help me a lot and I enjoy learning. It’s so entertaining and fun. See you soon 🙂”
Ruben V, September 2021
“I like very much the course and how you lead it, it was wonderful. I hope we can coincide another time.”
Veronica D, September 2021
“As you said, firstly I didn’t feel as confident as I became at the end, so for me, not only I learned the tips to achieve a good presentation but also I have gained self-assurance. I really enjoyed this course and I’m sure I will apply for the next one available!”
Ana B, September 2021
“Thank you sooo much! Your feedback is really motivating for me. I will keep improving and learning. With teachers like you, to learn is very easy. I hope to see you in the next courses. See you soon, 😊”
Bryan V, September 2021