Workshop Series for Corporates
Run paid workshops in offices — productivity, AI, design thinking
Run paid workshops in offices — productivity, AI, design thinking.
As a workshop facilitator, your day-to-day work involves developing engaging content tailored to corporate needs, such as productivity enhancement, AI integration, or design thinking. You will pitch your workshops to Learning & Development leads, conduct sessions at various locations, and gather feedback for continuous improvement. Networking with corporate clients is crucial, as is maintaining your curriculum to stay relevant with industry trends. You’ll also manage invoicing and follow-ups to ensure timely payment and client satisfaction.
Now is the perfect time for corporate workshops, as many companies are investing heavily in employee development in the wake of the pandemic. With the rapid rise of AI technologies, businesses are eager to equip their teams with the skills necessary to adapt and thrive. Companies are increasingly recognising the importance of innovation and creativity in their workforce, making your offerings highly relevant and sought after.
As a founder, you should have a background in corporate training, facilitation, or consulting. Expect to spend around 10-15 hours a week on curriculum development, client outreach, and actual workshop delivery. Your experience will help you pitch effectively and deliver impactful sessions that resonate with corporate clients. The effort you put in during the early stages will directly correlate with your success as you establish a reputation in the market.
Within 12-24 months, you could expand your client base significantly, potentially running multiple workshops weekly. This can lead to an annual revenue exceeding £100,000 with a strong profit margin. By establishing a reputation for quality, you can explore upselling additional services or subscription models for ongoing support, further increasing your revenue potential.
- Teaching
- Sales
£1.5k–£5k per workshop
You can expect a gross margin of approximately 70-80%, depending on your operational efficiency and overhead costs.
With the shift towards hybrid work and an increased focus on employee well-being, companies are eager to invest in training that boosts productivity and innovation. The demand for skills in AI and design thinking is at an all-time high, making your workshops timely and relevant.
Your primary customers are HR and L&D leads at mid-sized to large companies looking to enhance employee skills. These professionals are tasked with finding effective training solutions that align with their corporate goals and budgets.
The corporate training market in the UK is estimated to be worth £4 billion, with a growing emphasis on digital transformation and upskilling. A report from the Learning and Work Institute indicates that over 60% of companies plan to increase their training budgets in the coming years, highlighting a ripe opportunity for your workshop series.
Revenue & pricing
You will charge clients per workshop, typically ranging from £1,500 to £5,000, depending on the length and complexity of the session. Additional revenue can be generated through follow-up consultations or bespoke training solutions.
- Half-day workshop on productivity: £1,500
- Full-day AI integration workshop: £3,000
- Two-day design thinking course: £5,000
- Monthly retainer for ongoing support: £1,200
Costs
- Curriculum development200
- Marketing materials (website, brochures)150
- Business registration (Companies House)12
- Insurance (public liability)100
- Initial software subscriptions (e.g., Notion)38
- Software subscriptions (e.g., Zoom, Notion)50
- Marketing (ads, networking events)100
- Insurance (monthly pro-rata)10
- Business expenses (travel, materials)100
First steps
- 1Build curriculum
- 2Pitch L&D leads
- 3Charge per workshop
Your first 90 days
- Conduct market research to identify target companies and industries.
- Develop a prototype curriculum for your workshops.
- Create a simple website to showcase your services.
- Reach out to local businesses and networking groups to introduce your offering.
- Set up social media profiles to start building an online presence.
- Secure your first booking by pitching to at least 10 companies.
- Deliver your first workshop and gather feedback for improvement.
- Establish a referral system with early clients for additional leads.
- Launch a targeted marketing campaign to reach a broader audience.
- Review and refine your curriculum based on initial feedback.
How to get customers
Use targeted ads to reach HR professionals.
Networking events
Attend local business meetups to connect with potential clients.
Cold outreach
Email HR and L&D leads directly with tailored proposals.
Content marketing
Write articles on relevant topics to establish thought leadership.
Tools you'll actually use
| Tool | Cost | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Notion | £5/month | For curriculum development and workshop planning. |
| Stripe | 2.9% + 20p per transaction | For processing workshop payments smoothly. |
| Zoom | £11.99/month | For virtual workshops and consultations. |
| Tide | Free | For business banking without monthly fees. |
| Calendly | Free (basic version) | To manage workshop bookings efficiently. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Underestimating the time needed for curriculum development.
- Failing to follow up with potential clients after initial contact.
- Not tailoring content to specific corporate needs.
- Neglecting to gather feedback after workshops for improvement.
- Ignoring the importance of marketing and networking.
How to scale this
- 1Start by offering workshops solo in your local area.
- 2Expand your offerings to include online workshops and webinars.
- 3Hire additional facilitators to cover more clients and locations.
- 4Develop a subscription model for ongoing corporate training.
Risks & mitigations
Low client demand
Diversify workshop topics and target multiple industries.
High competition
Differentiate by offering unique, tailored content.
Client dissatisfaction
Continuously gather feedback and adjust your offerings.
Cash flow issues
Implement clear payment terms and follow-up processes.
UK legal & compliance
- Register your business with Companies House and comply with tax obligations to HMRC.
- Obtain public liability insurance to protect against claims during workshops.
- Ensure GDPR compliance when collecting and storing client data.
- Consider any required certifications for specific workshop topics, like AI.
FAQ
How do I find clients?
Utilise LinkedIn, local networking events, and targeted marketing.
What if I have no experience in training?
Start by facilitating workshops in areas where you have expertise.
Can I run workshops online?
Yes, many companies prefer virtual workshops, especially post-pandemic.
How do I set my prices?
Research competitor pricing and consider your experience and workshop length.
What if a client cancels?
Implement a cancellation policy to protect your revenue.
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