Raising the bar: Workshops aim to raise standards of service

Television MasterChef Ray McVinnie is expected to address the Raising the Bar comittee in late July. Photo / Stephen Parker

Free workshops for those interested in raising the bar when it comes to service standards will kick off in Rotorua next week.

The Raising the Bar campaign was officially launched earlier this month at a function held at the Rotorua District Council.

Raising the Bar is an initiative being run by a group of passionate Rotorua business people who want to help Rotorua become the best place in the country for friendly, efficient and high-level service.

Since starting the initiative, Raising the Bar spokesman Heinz Fett said, the committee was very pleased with the level of support from local businesses.

The group also brought television MasterChef Ray McVinnie to Rotorua to review service levels in the city's hospitality and retail sectors.

Mr McVinnie is expected to address the Raising the Bar committee in late July.

"There are still some places available for the first workshops, which will be free due to the generosity of our sponsors. We also want businesses to hold on to the puzzle pieces they were delivered recently - there is more to come," he said.

The first set of service-related workshops are sponsored by ANZ Bank and Rydges Hotel, allowing them to be free for participants.

The workshops are being held at Rydges Hotel on Fenton St.

The first is on Tuesday next week from 5-7pm and the second is on Wednesday from 8-10am.

Presenting the "how to deliver outstanding customer service" workshops is ANZ Bank business training manager John Eaden.

Mr Eaden will speak about how poor service can damage your business.

Organisers would like people to register for the workshops but those interested can also turn up on the day.

To register online click here.

Anyone interested in Raising the Bar can contact Kay Clarke at kay@stayandplaynz.com.