Bolton staff brush up on their German

2:12pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

EXPANSION into Europe has prompted two Bolton firms to brush up on their language skills.

Krones UK and Leighs Paints are sending sales staff on German language courses at Bolton Community College in a bid to boost sales on the continent.

Leighs Paints, based in Kestor Street, Bolton, is currently exporting its specialist industrial paint to an international market. German speaking skills have become more important to its sales staff since they entered the European market.

Classes at the college have allowed students to hold a basic conversation, including greetings and farewells, helping Leighs Paints staff to welcome German customers.

Mike Green, HR director at Leighs Paints, said: "We place great emphasis on customer service. By improving the language skills of our staff, it helps to ensure we maintain our high level of service, wherever our customers are in the world."

Packaging and logistics firm Krones UK, based in Wingates, is the subsidiary of a German firm, and has recently capitalised on the linguistic workshops, sending staff on a 12-week course to improve relations with German colleagues.

Bolton Community College suggested some basic classes to help in the effectiveness of any communications within Krones UK and its German head office, as well as improving external client and supplier relations.

The workshops helped everyone from the managing director to the cleaners. They learnt basic German phrases, such as how to order meals in restaurants and having simple conversations.

Mark Heath, sales director at Krones UK, said: "The German classes helped our employees immensely to gain confidence when visiting our head office in Bavaria. They are now comfortable doing basic tasks, like booking hotel rooms and ordering food in German. It has also made communications with our German colleagues easier and more enjoyable."

John Page, head of the Languages Department at the College said: "Bolton Community College is thrilled to be able to help local companies brush up on their linguistic skills for overall business benefit."

Olympic silver medal for Jason