A training body has expanded into the Far East to deliver on-site courses at a company in Hong Kong after training four of the firm’s key managers in Bradford earlier this year.

The Bradford Training Association Ltd is running the courses for VL Automation, a leading supplier of advance industrial automation, computer control systems and data management.

The contract follows a successful visit to Bradford in March by four key staff from VL Automation, who underwent managerial training from BTAL.

As a result, BTAL’s Peter Jackson was flown to Hong Kong by VL Automation to train and prepare another seven project engineers for future managerial roles.

He has also been asked to prepare and implement an appraisal system, which will be introduced at all levels of the company.

Joseph Lim, VL Automation managing director, believes continued training through BTAL will help boost the company’s expansion plans.

He said: “Our company has experienced rapid growth over the last two years following contracts with major blue chip companies in Hong Kong and China.

“In order to take the business to the next level it is essential for us to develop our team and have a strong management structure in place. The programmes and coaching provided by BTAL are already having a positive impact and we are looking forward to continuing to work closely with them to train and develop both current and future managerial staff.”

The success of the programmes has led to further work in Hong Kong for an associate company of VL Automation.

Mr Jackson said: “It is great to receive recommendations from happy clients, but it is not often it happens 6,000 miles away.

“Initially I will be providing online personal development on a one-to-one basis with the managing director, but I am hoping this will lead to greater involvement with the rest of the team.

“My visit has been most enjoyable and has enabled me to identify the demand in the Far East for the type of business improvement and personal development programmes we provide through BTAL.”