From 1999 to 2004, Robert Simmons was a vital cog in the establishment of Norfolk Tourism, the county’s public and private sector partnership focussed on the sustainable growth of Norfolk’s tourist economy.

During my time as Norfolk Tourism Chair (2001-2004), Robert provided a constant stream of cheerful and mature advice concerning the governance and day to day management of the partnership. His facilitating skills came to the fore as he led training and business advice and product development projects, bringing together disparate groups of industry representatives to drive forward initiatives to develop the tourism workforce and improve the quality of our businesses."

Jane Shulver, Chair Norfolk Tourism 2001-04.

"Robert Simmons’ involvement with Norfolk Tourist Attractions’ Association (NTAA) from its inception to the present day has been invaluable. His balanced and extensive understanding of public and private sector enterprise has enabled NTAA to become one of the most effective tourist attractions associations’s in the UK."

Ian Russell former Chair NTAA

"NTAA Chair is a part-time and unpaid role; as a result the need for up-to-date and prudent information is crucial. This is where Robert Simmons came into his own; his knowledge of the industry, understanding of the stakeholders involved and their agendas, was a critical factor in developing NTAA strategy and guiding myself and other members of the NTAA committee.

Robert is able to create rapport and gain trust with those that he meets, which is one of the reasons why he won the ‘outstanding achievement award’ in the 2006 Archant Tourism in Norfolk Awards."

Jonathan Briggs former Chair NTAA

"I was delighted when, in 2003, Robert Simmons agreed to work with me to create what is now VisitNorwich Ltd. He was a major contributor to the extensive consultation process we initiated, to the development of the City Destination Strategy and to its launch in March 2004. Thereafter he worked closely with me in developing the Business Plan for VisitNorwich, as well as the detailed plans for setting up the company and recruiting its staff.

I could not have wished for a better colleague. Robert has outstanding knowledge of the industry and marketplace, very sound judgement and an all-round competence that can only come with maturity and experience. From strategies to budgets, from event planning to website development, from job descriptions to financial procedures, Robert will tackle them all and produce a result that few specialists can aspire to.

Robin Hall, Chief Executive, The Forum Trust

VisitNorwich is a new company set up in 2005 to develop the Norwich area as a tourist destination. We also had to integrate Norwich Area Tourism Agency into the new company.

Helen Simmons’ support was invaluable as she supported the new staff selection process and helped us establish personnel systems including a performance and development review process. Her advice was always first class."

Michael Nutt Acting Managing Director

"Helen Simmons provided one-to-one mentoring support for me. She really helped me focus on my time management. I use 90% of her ideas some five years on. It has really helped reduce my stress levels!

Helen is an excellent mentor. She is very good at identifying solutions, is extremely supportive and follows up discussions. This minimises any isolation I may feel as manager of a very small company.

Last autumn and winter Helen ran two team building days for us, which really helped bring us together.

She has also assisted us with personnel systems, producing a contract of employment and a health &safety manual, which we have further developed for our specific needs."

Andrew Hird, Managing Director

"Helen Simmons established a training framework that has stood the test of time for Wroxham Barns, a small business with a primarily part-time workforce. She also provided excellent one-to-one coaching support for senior management."

Ian Russell Managing Director, Wroxham Barns

"We worked with Helen Simmons from 1994 to 1997. The main reason for engaging her was that we wanted to be ahead of our competition in the way we looked after our staff. We also had a big turn over of staff every year due to the seasonal nature of the business and wanted to improve retention.

Helen produced an induction programme and appraisal system for seasonal staff. She introduced a reading and spelling test; crucial skills for people operating our rides. Helen also launched a monthly management meeting to help improve the flow of information on site.

The induction and appraisal system worked fantastically. We now have a 70% retention rate for seasonal staff. We are still using some 85% of her personnel systems. They have stood the test of time and are worth their weight in gold!"

Albert Jones, Managing Director, Pleasure and Leisure Ltd

Helen Simmons trained me in listening skills a number of years ago. She was the obvious choice for me when I needed a workshop to train staff in facilitating skills. Her workshop was spot on and we continue to use it on a franchise basis.

I also engaged Helen to facilitate a multi-agency meeting, which needed to end in an agreement for taking public engagement forward - yet again the result was first class.

Helen Simmons is very thorough and prepares well. I would not hesitate to recommend her as a trainer, facilitator and one-to-one coach. I know that she would be able to do anything I threw at her!"

Trish Turner, Public Involvement Manager, West Norfolk PCT 1999-2006