confidentnow.co.uk

What It Is

ConfidentNOW is a communication skills training and coaching business based in Manchester, UK, led by Chris Penney. Its core aim is to help individuals and teams build confidence in how they express themselves and create greater impact in presentations, pitches, meetings, public speaking, and workplace communication. The website emphasizes a “practical and playful” training style, with services available both for corporate teams and one-to-one individual coaching.

Core Courses and Skill Areas

Based on the available content, its courses cover areas such as presentation and pitching skills, public speaking and vocal coaching, flexing communication style, rapport and relationship building, and leadership through communication. Delivery formats are relatively flexible, including in-house corporate training, virtual delivery, Zoom-based blended learning, online resources, face-to-face sessions, and 1:1 coaching. A key feature is its integration of performance training—voice, body language, and self-belief—with workplace management scenarios, emphasizing communication skills that can be practiced and improved.

Trainer and Organization Background

Chris Penney has 25 years of experience in communication skills training. He has a background in theatre, television, and radio performance, has worked in project management in the voluntary sector, and previously served as a Senior Learning and Development Consultant at Management Centre. He holds a first-class degree in Theatre Arts, a master’s degree in Voice Studies from Central School of Speech and Drama, as well as a TEFL qualification and certification as an ILM Action Learning Sets facilitator. Clients listed on the website include The Diana Memorial Fund, Institute of Civil Engineers, Lloyds TSB, Astra Zeneca, Deloitte, and PwC, suggesting substantial experience in corporate training.

Pricing and Service Process

The website does not publish prices, course duration, packages, or payment methods. Its suggested process is to start with a free, no-obligation initial conversation by phone or email to discuss needs and goals, then determine whether there is a good fit for collaboration. As such, it is closer to customized consulting-style training than a standardized online course.

Pros and Cons

The strengths are deep experience, practical scenarios, customization for individual or team needs, and support for both online and offline blended formats. It is especially suitable for people who need to improve English business communication, public speaking, and influence-based communication. The downsides are limited transparency: there is no clear pricing, course outline, delivery timeline, or certificate information. The teaching also appears to revolve mainly around the founder, so its ability to deliver at scale is unclear.

Who It’s For and Access from China

It is best suited to business managers, people in sales/fundraising/consulting and other roles requiring frequent communication, professionals who fear public speaking, and individuals seeking English presentation coaching. Access from China cannot be determined from the site content, and the teaching language is not explicitly stated. However, since the website is in English, the service is likely primarily delivered in English.