"During his time at Nissan, David was on the front line of a demanding and highly competitive environment in a multi-national company implementing best practice across its entire global operations. This background, allied to his technical, strategic and communication skills, puts him in an ideal position to advise other companies on their pursuit of excellence."
John Cushnaghan CBE |
Chair North East Productivity Alliance (NEPA) |
Special Advisor to CEO of the Science Engineering and Manufacturing Technology Alliance (SEMTA) | Board Member of Industry Forum |
Former MD of NMUK
"We hired the Me Group to deliver a bespoke customer
service-training package to our key managers on techniques and best practice
for delivering excellent customer service and interpersonal
communication. The course curriculum covered a broad range of areas
including an insight into the fundamental theories and practical
exercises. Kay's presentation was well
planned, engaging and delivered in a manner that encouraged delegates to really
think about their own actions and how others can perceive them. I believe
that our staff learned a lot from this training and it has left them
with a "toolkit" of knowledge and techniques that will certainly have
a positive impact on our customer service. I would not hesitate to
recommend the Me Group to any service organisation in any sector that is
looking to improve their customer service techniques"
Peter Hunt |Fresh Element | BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead
‘David Cooke was employed within Tata Steel, in the role of Project Manager, from September 2010 to November 2011. The role was established to construct a facility for the fabrication of large tubular components (both finished and semi-finished) for the off-shore renewables market, on a site in Teesside.
David is a most professional project manager, who brings to his role best-practice thinking from his automotive background. He is methodical and structured in his approach. He recognises the importance of establishing the correct disciplines and experience within a project team, to ensure a successful outcome. In terms of personal behaviour, he is completely unflustered by unforeseen events and is capable of working with people at all levels within the organisation.
Tata Steel has decided to defer implementation of the project for a period of time, due to a slower than expected growth in UK demand. This not withstanding, I am confident that the detailed work done (both on capital equipment and operational start up) would have ensured a successful outcome to the project.
I have been involved in capital-projects within heavy industry for over 30 years. In my opinion, he has a unique capability as a project manager.'
Ramsay Ross | Director | Tata Steel - Tubes Energy
"Kay
Cooke was the most enthusiastic, energetic and smart student I have had on
'Teaching Excellence'. She impressed me so much; I immediately brought her into
our team of leading edge trainers. Kay truly understands life-long learning and
this makes her an exceptional teacher. Her confidence, positive approach and
exceptional NLP skills shine through her trainings. She has a wealth of
experience to share and I highly recommend you train with her."
Kate Benson
| International Director of Education for the
Society of NLP
'David Cooke undertook an assignment with Chemring Countermeasures, reporting directly to me, from October 2009 – July 2010 to manage the technical direction and design solution for a major investment project to provide automated manufacturing facilities for certain key products. David performed very well throughout the period and provided excellent support and direction to both Chemring and its suppliers.
He has been totally flexible throughout the assignment and has worked out of a number of locations across the country representing Chemring’s interests. David has been fully committed to all tasks under his control and has applied excellent management techniques in reaching closure of tasks.
Chemring would re-engage David Cooke should a requirement be identified.’
Chris Geal | Project Director | Chemring International
"Kay bought enormous
passion to starting the process of
giving all children a healthier mindset in their learning environment. She was well prepared to
deliver to both staff and children through her Happy Brain project, throughout the whole school. Her resources, a purposeful distillation of
her vast knowledge, were carefully thought through, to allow us all to
understand and to allow us as teachers easy ways to take them forward once she
had left. They have since been used in discreet lessons as well as part of the
broader curriculum. In the school she modelled
processes with whole classes, as well as responding to individual needs. She
made time for feedback and welcomed questions to aid further understanding.
Kay has left me with a lot
to think about, and an array of tools that have been incredibly useful to aid
development of pupils self-awareness, resilience and confidence. She has always
been willing to advise me on further progress, as my understanding of these
power tools deepens. "
Sarah
Piper |Monkhouse
Primary School |North
Tyneside
"David is a high-calibre senior manufacturing professional....as a consultant, David has been an excellent ambassador for my company at international level. His final report offered recommendations for excellent practice. I have no hesitation in recommending David as a consultant of integrity and competence."
Lindsay Watson | Managing Director | UltraMotive
"Kay is an excellent coach.
She's intuitive, and one of the great things about working with her is that
she's happy to ask difficult questions and really challenge a person. She
pushes her clients so they can reach their peak, and personally speaking I've
been lucky enough to benefit from this when I've asked her for feedback on projects I've been
working on (books/audiobooks/etc). Every time, she's genuinely challenged me
and improved my work. Add to this her limitless enthusiasm and she's a delight
to work with."
Tony Wrighton | Author & TV
Presenter
"David is a highly respected and professional individual, exercising good judgement with the ability to interact at all levels within an organisation. He has an excellent grounding in all aspects of process & manufacturing engineering and is able to articulate strategy and/or execute delivery to world class standards. This is a rare combination and one worthy of consideration by organisations in meeting today's commercial challenges."
Rob Fenwick
MD | Howden Joinery - Supply division
(previously General Manager Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd)
"Executive Coaching is a must for any stressed professional. Kay is conscientious in tackling difficult issues enabling you to leave refreshed and renewed with new insights and innovative techniques to help cope with the strains of high pressure lives."
Caroline Theobald
Managing Director | Bridge Club Ltd
Entrepreneur in Residence - Newcastle University
Holder of the Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion
Honorary Consulate for Sweden
"Kay did a fantastic job with these training
sessions. I was particularly impressed with how well she personalised
everything to our company's business whilst keeping things conceptual and
applicable to the world outside of work. I have discovered new ways of dealing
with situations and gained great insight into how words/phrases/actions can be
perceived."
Pete Nielsen
Baltic Six Manager
"David made a significant contribution to the development of the European organisation by providing high quality technical & managerial expertise.
He was project leader on a number of complex cross functional / international projects which were carried out with drive, skill and determination."
Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd
"I confirm that I have dealt with Mrs Kay Cook since 2004, during which time she has provided my business with excellent support in the areas of promotion, marketing and delivering good quality exhibitions. Her work has been a major factor in my career in the North East, helping me to become one of the most successful artist in the region."
Enrique Azócar
Artist | www.enriqueazocar.com
"Kay is an excellent communicator and inspirational trainer who brings real energy, enthusiasm and humour to her work. This, combined with her extensive knowledge make her both an entertaining and engaging trainer. I thoroughly recommend Kay, and look forward to her future training courses."
Angela Ralph
Teacher | Course delegate 2008-2009
"Probably the most fun I've ever had whilst on a 'training' course ...loved the practical, creative stuff!"
Lesley Kenneally
Course delegate 2008 - 2009
"Kay has a treasure chest of techniques to draw from depending on what you need, whether its a very structured approach or the ability to work with your needs moment by moment she does so with the lightest of touches. Whilst working with Kay I've gained clarity, had revelations, destressed, gained awareness of patterns of negative behaviour, cried til I laughed, laughed til I cried and best of all gained peace of mind and hope for the future- and all in 4 sessions!!
On a personal level, I believe Kay can help you achieve your goals and leave behind the things that belong in the past. Profesionally, my background is in working in Sales and Marketing at a senior level and given the current economic climate where businesses are searching for the key component to make a difference, I am positive that Kay Cooke is that component. Established business models are barely maintaining the viability of some organisations, add a twist of Kay, a slice of her magic and a splash of her enthusiasm for a refreshing change!"
Susan Latimer
Coaching client 2009
“Kay’s challenging and tenacious character will ensure you get the results you are looking for. She demonstrates professional acumen, knowledge, flexibility and continuing professional development. Kay’s application of NLP to business, education, industry and health is sure to be delivered with great passion, skill and humour. I have no hesitation in recommending Kay Cooke as a NLP Consultant, Coach, Master Practitioner and Trainer.”
John J La Valle | President of the Society of NLP
"I first met David over 23 years ago and over that time have been constantly surprised by this man's drive, determination and dedication. David has great vision, able to keep the big picture in mind while still maintaining focus on the detail that will ensure the vision becomes a reality. He is tenacious, a great team leader and has excellent communication skills; a combination of qualities that means David is a man who knows how to get results both from himself and those around him.
On a personal level, David is a man of the highest integrity; honest, trustworthy and totally dependable."
Barry Holmes
Managing Director | Bibuso Ltd
Working with Kay was inspirational. Her creativity, flexibility and personal approach generate a training environment completely different to any I have previously experienced. She holds her delegates spellbound from start to finish in a manner that would not be possible in the environment so many other training companies employ. For anyone considering NLP training, choose the ME Group.
Dr Louise Golightly
Consultant Psychiatrist | SNLP Master Practitioner | ME Group Training Assistant
"Fantastic learning experience. Kay knows her subject inside out and upside down"
Dawn Parkin | Business Consultant
"A fascinating and insightful course, expertly and adeptly delivered" Justin Souter | Business Consultan
"This NLP course has been the most interesting and useful training course of my 23 year career" A M Ianzito
"A comprehensive taste of the NLP experience. Kay is an excellent ‘teacher' in the wider sense of the word. Encouraging, fun and serious points well made. Methodology was open and flexible with a discreet but purposeful ‘one eye on the clock' approach to ensure all the course material was covered."
A. Long | Group Development Director
"Well... what can I say about Kay Cooke's services? The only words that spring to mind are brilliant, relevant, appropriate, empowering and more importantly self- enlightening! I was struggling in all aspects of life both personal and in the workplace, and when my employer suggested using Kay's services I was sceptical and apprehensive, but felt anything was worth trying.
I had no clue what to expect, but Kay put me at ease very quickly, always arriving on time, with a welcoming smile and approach, explaining exactly what we would be covering in the sessions. I felt that it would be worth exploring why I was feeling the way I was and look at coping strategies relevant to me, to see if I could learn any techniques to help me, as I did not want to seek medication. Kay adapted the sessions to explore my attitudes, assumptions and understanding of the world around me, which at times caught me off guard but made me look at myself in a different light.
I ‘m unable to say anything negative at all about the journey I've undertaken over the course of four sessions with Kay. This may not be for everyone, but if you are willing to try and work alongside this extremely experienced and versatile "enabler" then the you'll reach your journey's destination much faster and be equipped with tools to help you through the harder times. Thanks Kay for all the encouragement and support you have given me..."
Barbara Cage
"Kay has worked with my son for one year, on social skills and developing his ability to learn. She has created a safe space for him to bring up social issues that are troubling him at school and given him methods to manage bullying that are understandable, fun and effective for him. Kay has also worked with him to manage his feelings of anxiety and anger; one year ago he was having massive tantrums lasting 45 minutes and he has not had one since the Spring due to his work with Kay I have no doubt.
Kay has also given him strategies to improve his maths - now my son says he likes maths for the first time in his life and has made very good progress in this area at school.
My son looks forward to seeing Kay each week. She is fun and positive and has a natural rapport with children.
As a family, we highly value Kay's input with our son and are so fortunate to have found a NLP Therapist so skilled in what she does." AM
"Just a line to let you know all is good so far with my son. There was a massive feel of relief, and a general lightness on the way home, and in general since then there have been more giggles. The giggles have come more easily which is lovely. He's also just started to go to sleep without music. Thank you so much, and will be in touch soon" SP
"I had the pleasure of training with Kay during our NLP Trainer's Training course and as soon as I saw her present, I knew she had a special skill for communicating to her audience. I also had the pleasure to be invited as a guest presenter with Kay at her NLP Practitioner Certification course last year. I had an amazing experience with Kay and her delegates and I believe that Kay has a unique and effective way of teaching NLP with great clarity and understanding of her subject."
Michele Paradise | Bridal Coach
"When we first met, I was impressed with Kay's authenticity. That was in 2008. Then I traveled to the North East in mid-2009 for a one-day event that Kay was organising. It was a wonderful experience ...... from booking online, to the venue, the course contents, their delivery, food and refreshments. Kay even arranged my transport from the venue to Newcastle central train station. She is a wonderful person. Kay is innovative. Highly recommended."
Patrick Keady | Consultant
"Kay did all the work behind me delivering a VoicePower course in Northumberland UK. She did an amazing job! Her PR was second to none; she found a wonderful venue, filled the room with lovely people and made absolutely sure that I, as the trainer, and all the participants had the best experience of the whole thing. Kay is a fabulous person, creative, responsive and an excellent communicator. I can definitely recommend her to you"
Laura Spicer | Voice Coach
"I have recently completed the NLP Practitioner course with Kay and found her approach to be refreshing and inspiring. Kay is extremely insightful and totally authentic and this coupled with her expert knowledge of NLP provided the opportunity to be immersed in a deep level of experiential learning, which was invaluable."
Julie Stewart | Business Consultant
"I first met Kay as a fellow delegate on a training course in NLP and Hypnosis where her great communication skills soon became apparent, as did her knowledge of human behaviour and general health matters. I have seen firsthand Kay's capability in helping people to clarify and achieve new goals. She is someone with great integrity and her style of presentation to a larger audience is enthusiastic and entertaining. I have no hesitation in recommending her to anyone wishing to make positive changes in their life."
Dr Jo Waddell
G.P. | SNLP Master Practitioner and Trainer
"In my role as a journalist and MD of a PR business, I come across lots of people whose greatest talent is for blowing their own trumpet. Kay Cooke is certainly not one of them.
She is a talented and inspirational entrepreneurial thinker, communicator and coach. She is also a highly influential and effective leader, an inventive and creative marketeer, and an excellent mentor and trainer. I defy anyone to spend five minutes with her and not be inspired and delighted. Meanwhile, her courses and coaching generate positive and permanent change. I just wish I could take her home with me."
Jane Pikett
MD | The Creation Group | Hexham, Northumberland, UK (Journalism / PR & Marketing) www.thecreationgroup.co.uk
"As Project co-ordinator, trainer and mentor to a group of women entrepreneurs, Kay was extremely successful in promoting teamwork amongst a large group of women who traditionally worked alone. Under Kay's mentoring I soon found myself saying 'Yes' to challenges with the belief that I would succeed....which I did. Kay had the ability to really listen and understand us on an individual or group basis. We had some extremely productive brainstorming and networking sessions when Kay divided us into groups and we thrashed out and developed new ideas with people we had only just met. Kay.....Inspirational, energetic, energising, fun, original thinker.....everyone should have one!"
Lucy Clayton
Jewellery Designer
"At Servius Plc we, like most businesses in the UK today, are faced with the fiercest of market conditions and as a market leader we rely on the best resources to maximise our strengths and minimise or eliminate our weaknesses. At Servius we believe one of our key strengths is recognising our weaknesses and having the wisdom to get help when and where help is needed. This is where the people at The ME Group come in with their invaluable input and contributions. The ME Group approach always leaves us with more than just our immediate needs and expectations being met which is crucial as we believe only the smart and creative businesses stand any chance of surviving the short to medium term trading conditions. We have a responsibility to ourselves and our staff to ensure that the business is being extremely well looked after in every possible way - knowledge is everything but wisdom is acting on that knowledge and the people at The ME Group understand this and ensure it is expressed to the greatest effect."
Bruce Blackburn
MD Servius Plc | www.servius.plc.uk
"It has been a pleasure to work with David as his Career and Business Coach during 2007. He has a tremendous amount of expertise to offer in the field of Engineering and Manufacturing particularly Lean Principles and his track record in the deployment of Quality and Process Capability is formidable. I would have no hesitation in recommending him and I wish him well in his new Business Venture, the Me Group."
Jennie Turner
Business Wolf and Coach @ www.jennieturnerconsulting.co.uk
(previously, Director Human Resources The Black & Decker Corporation )
"During the time I worked with Kay as a college lecturer, I found her to be resourceful and extremely effective in the learning environment. Kay demonstrated excellent rapport with students and her sound knowledge of the leisure and tourism industry undoubtedly contributed to their retention and achievement. Since this time, Kay has flourished into an impressive businesswoman whose entrepreneurial character clearly continues to seek and embrace new challenges."
B. Robinson
Dear Kay,
it is real pleasure to contribute to spread your new wings!!!
I am working on it my dear. In Spanish is sooo easy!!!! but, for now,I am listing your qualities as an entrepreneur, etc,but later I will need to put my views in understandable sentences.
I am happy that you have COMEBACK TO ACTION, BEGINNATOR!!!!
slogan: YOUR PEOPLE NEED YOU!!
regards E
The ME Group is a brilliant concept combining expertise and life experience from people who have worked in large corporations as well establishing and developing their own business. It is a pleasure to work with them and I look forward to the continued success.
Judith Falla
Account Manager | Business Link