Case studies

Background

A South West based English language academy has found new business as a result of the Enterprise Europe Network Partner Alert Service, a service designed to assist small and medium sized businesses to identify European based business partners.

Hollingrove Language Academy combines one to one English language tuition with fun activities to suit all tastes. The company specialises in “homestay” courses where the student lives with a qualified native English teacher as part of the family. Study packages are customised to meet individual requirements.

The Challenge

Hollingrove Language Academy wished to attract more overseas students and were looking for new ways of promoting the academy. The aim was to appoint a highly experienced agent that could market all courses, in particular the professional English and senior management courses, to companies.

The Solution

Hollingrove Language Academy had successfully completed the UK Trade & Investment Passport to Export Programme.  The programme offers those companies new to exporting free advice and support.

In order to make connections with overseas companies and schools requiring English language services, UK Trade & Investment recommended that Hollingrove Language Academy post a profile on the Enterprise Europe Partner Alert Service. This is a quick and easy way for small and medium-sized businesses to identify suitable European based partners for commercial agreements, technology partnerships and European research-funded projects.

Kenny Legg, Enterprise Europe Network South West’s Partnership Adviser, says: “The Partnership Alert Service is one of our most exciting and relevant services. There are many viable and profitable business opportunities just waiting to be developed across all business sectors.”

Hollingrove Language Academy published a short profile specifying their core business along with a description of the type of collaboration sought. This included what the expected input of the partner would be. In order to maximize interest, the company also stated what they could offer in return.  In this case, commission would be offered to the appropriate individual, school or company along with customized courses to meet individual requirements.

Subscribers to the Enterprise Europe Partner Alert Service receive emails detailing all of the latest opportunities and joint venture initiatives related to their area of expertise. Hollingrove Language Academy’s profile was included in these email alerts. Subscribers can also receive and search European partner profiles from organisations that can assist in new product development, customer acquisition or provide technical expertise. As a result of this service, Hollingrove Language Academy was able to find a new business partner.

The Result

Eurl Magellangue, a French language school and tour operator offering language courses for both business and leisure, received an email alert containing Hollingrove Language Academy’s profile. At Eurl Magellangue, students really get to experience France and the French culture by combining language lessons with various excursions.

The company was looking for a reliable and long-term UK based partner who would promote their services and assist in customer acquisition.  Contact was immediately made with their local Enterprise Europe Network office in Montpellier who informed Enterprise Europe Network South West of their client’s interest in Hollingrove Language Academy. Both companies were introduced via their local Enterprise Europe Network offices and after receiving support in the negotiation process from their local offices, the companies have now agreed to refer students to each others establishments.

Hollingrove Language Academy’s international student base continues to grow due to the collaboration. Together with receiving commission from referrals, their French partner benefits from tailored English language courses for their students.

Partnership opportunities do not end once a successful collaboration has been established.  As Hollingrove Language Academy’s partner profile remains live on the Enterprise Europe Network Partnering Alert Service, opportunities continue to arise.  Hollingrove Language Academy has so far received ten leads which are being actively pursued.

“This free service has been extremely valuable in helping us to attract more international students” said Lady Elizabeth Hollingrove. “We are very impressed with how quick and easy it was to form the partnership that we have with Eurl Magellangue. It has been a very valuable experience working with Enterprise Europe and I strongly recommend that companies try this service out”.

Further information:
Please contact the Enterprise Europe Network team on 01275 370 814 or email info@enterpriseeuropesw.org.uk