TrainerBase is a resource for finding freelance business trainers and training providers who can identify solve your learning needs. This page contains a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about TrainerBase.
 
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27/07/2008
  • Things you can do on TrainerBase
  • Join the TrainerBase community and find work opportunities.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

It is highly likely that any question you have about the:
operation of or;
trouble you are having with;
TrainerBase, has already been asked.
Please take a look at the questions below and if you don't find the answer to your query, then please contact us.

Questions Index

I am a trainer, how can I benefit from joining?

TrainerBase is visited by an increasing number of people looking for general and specific information about training. Anyone looking for a trainer in a particular subject can search TrainerBase, joining TrainerBase ensures that you have the opportunity to be seen.
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I am looking for a trainer how can I benefit?

TrainerBase allows anyone looking for a trainer to post tenders. This service is free. The tender notifications are sent to members who have the required skills. Members then reply direct to you. The service often generates a response within hours.
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What is TrainerBase?

TrainerBase is the Trade Association for Learning Practitioers. The TrainerBase web site is an online database directory that enable trainers, suppliers and venue providers to register their details for display on the site. Other individuals and organisations can also register to post opportunities, though their details will not be displayed anywhere other than on their particular opportunity.

The idea behind TrainerBase is for any organisation to find a trainer, venue or course FREE of charge.

The user charter below details what each level of user can do on TrainerBase:

Introduction:
TrainerBase can be used to varying degrees by any Web user. The following describes what each user can and cannot do.

Visitor:
A visitor to TrainerBase is anyone who comes to the site and has not joined (become a member).
A visitor can:
• Search the database (no registration required)
• Read news items
• Read discussion items
• Contact TrainerBase
• Add testimonials to a member's profile
• Purchase resources

Web site User
A User is when a visitor joins TrainerBase. This registration on the site enables the User (once permission has been approved to do the following:
• Download free resources to a limit of 10 per day
• Upgrade to a full member (see below)
• Receive course alerts
• Receive updates
• Refer friends and earn money
• Manage a My Trainers’ list
Users who are Trainers and Suppliers can also do the following:
• Be displayed on the View Trainer, Supplier or Venue page
• Display themselves as a venue
• Track viewers of their profile
• Receive tender notification
• Turn off email alerts

Full Member:
A member of TrainerBase is someone who has added their full details to the database as either a:
• Trainer
• Supplier or
..Other
And has paid to be a member of the trade Association

A subscriber of TrainerBase is a full member who has paid the annual subscription to have unlimited access to the facilities of TrainerBase.
A subscriber to TrainerBase can do all of the above plus:
• Have a fully enabled member profile containing contact information
• Contribute to the discussion forum
• Download unlimited resources
• Upload resources for download by other members (free or sell)
• Track members downloading resources (useful for marketing)
• Upload photograph and logo (builds trust)
• Upload CV (builds trust)
• Be on other members ’My Trainers' list
• Read tender notifications
• Join TrainerBase at exhibitions and events
• Be a Featured Trainer
• Apply a differentiator (be different from the rest)
• And a whole lot more.

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What is a FREE listing and how much is subscription?

A Free listing is a basic inclusion on the database. You will be in the search rankings, but will be low down on the list. You will be able to receive Tender Notifications but you will not be able to read them. Your membership profile with full contact details will not be enabled until you take out the subscription which is £75+VAT for 365 days for the Standard subscription and £150+VAT for the Enhanced subscription. As a subscriber you will also have unlimited access to the resources of the site, the ability to post messages on the discussion forum and will have access to ICT support from the TB team.
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I have joined and my membership has not been granted, why?

When a visitor fills in the Join form, this constitutes an application to join TrainerBase. Membership is not automatic and is validated based on the information provided. A password is sent out automatically on application and this is the first validation process, any emails returned because of invalid addresses will result in a membership being denied. Membership is only granted if the contact details appear accurate and genuine, in that if a letter were to be sent to the address submitted, it would be delivered. If an application has been denied (you are unable to log in) and you are sure you submitted correct details, contact enquiries@trainerbase.co.uk with full contact details and the matter will be investigated.
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What is the difference between a User and a Member?

A User is anyone who has registered on the site; they will either be a Trainer, a Supplier or a Non-listed user. A Member is a User who has paid their subscription to gain access to all the facilities of the site and become a member of the Association for Learning Practitioners.
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What is the difference between a Standard and an Enhanced Subscription?

A Standard subscription entitles a member to:
a visible "pop up" profile
download resources from the site
upload resources to the site
take part in the Discussion Forum and
ICT e-Support and mentoring.

The Enhanced subscription includes the above plus:
able to upload open courses
upload custom programmes
add testimonials

The Enhanced subscription has a visible profile that is "web enhanced".
This is evident in that the profile is a web page rather than a pop up window. Also this profile is Search Engine enabled; a member can optimise their profile by adding meta tags; keywords, description and title.

The enhanced subscription also has a practical URL for use on other marketing material eg www.trainerbase.co.uk/vip/myprofile rather than the database entry; http://www.trainerbase.co.uk/Trainers/TrainerProfile_Details.asp?UserID=9999.

Members with the Enhanced profile have commented that their TrainerBase listing comes higher in search engine rankings than their own web sites.

Research suggests that the Enhanced profile is visited over twice as many times as a comparably place Standard profile in the rankings.

The Enhanced profile is a variable cost extra and can be taken out after the standard subscription and the charge will be pro rata on the number of day remaining on the standard subscription.

Subscription comparison

STDENH
Pop up profileYY
Add diary entriesYY
Select a DifferentiatorYY
Post a sales pitch in the Market PlaceYY
Upload resourcesYY
Upload CVYY
Web enabled profileNY
Search engine optimise profileNY
Display clientsNY
Display open coursesNY
Display custom programmesNY


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I am worried about paying online, can I pay by cheque?

It is possible to pay by cheque but we prefer to avoid it. Due to the added processing involved and additional costs, we levy a surcharge.
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I have taken out a subscription and I need an invoice, can you send me one in the post?

TrainerBase does not post out paper invoices. You will have had a confirmation email/invoice when you took out the subscription. This will satisfy accountants and the VAT office for record purposes.
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I've had a listing on TrainerBase for a while what I can do to make it more effective?

To enhance your listing after the initial 5 day free period you will need to subscribe. This will allow you to do all sort of things with the database, primarily upload material and join in the discussions on the site. This will add points to your profile score. Other ways of improving your listing is to promote TrainerBase on other forums, ezines and web sites and let Ed know, you will get extra points. Making suggestions on improving the site will also generate extra points for your profile.
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How does the search ranking on TrainerBase work?

Subscribers are ranked higher than members that have not subscribed. Every member profile has a score. The higher the score the higher the ranking. Subscribers with 950 points will be ranked higher than a member that has not subscribed but has 990 points. It pays to be a subscriber.

The search rankings are also weighted based on the number of subjects you have applied to your profile. Trainer A with 1,000 points and 100 subjects has a reletive score of 10. Trainer B with 500 points and only 20 subjects will have a reletive score of 25. Trainer B will appear above Trainer A in the search results.
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How many points do I get for doing what on TrainerBase?

You get:
1 point per visit to the site
5 points per testimonial uploaded to your profile
10 points for a posting on the forum
20 points per resource uploaded to your profile
50 points per referred friend that signs up to TrainerBase (if they then subscribe you get £10)
50 points minimum per article published (really useful ones will attract more)
50 points minimum for promoting TrainerBase to other networks (let Ed know)

Please note that points will be deducted for the removal of items that have accrued points. Identified abuse of the points system by the uploading of duplicate resources or CVs etc may result in a cancellation of all points accrued or removal from the site. Please read the terms and conditions of the site.
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My area of expertise (training subject) is not listed, can it be added?

Yes. TrainerBase welcomes suggestions for more subjects, just email info[at]trainerbase.co.uk with your suggestions.
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When I upload a file from my home computer can users of the site see the files on my home computer?

No. When TrainerBase connects with your home PC you will see your files via TrainerBase. This is specific to the session that you alone are running and no one else can gain access to your files. During the session the scripts within the site copy the file on your PC to TrainerBase. Other members looking at your file look at the one that is stored on the site.
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How do I remove a Resource or CV?

To add and remove files from your profile go to the Edit Membership page, log in and you will then have access to your profile management facility.
Section 2 has a link "Manage your resources", click on this link and it will take you to your resources.
To delete a resource click on the Red cross (to the left of the Edit). Click OK on the warning message; you resource will be deleted.

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How do I add an opportunity (tender)?

The quickest way to add an Opportunity it to go to the For Training Purchasers theme and click on the Add an Opportunity link. This is TrainerBase's quick tenders facility where you can join and add an oppostunity in one easy step.
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What’s the difference between a Tender Notification and a TrainerBase Update?

A Tender Notification is sent to members who match the required subjects specified in a tender. If no subjects are specified the tender notification is sent to all members. The Tender Notification indicates that there is an opportunity for work posted on the Tenders page of the site. A TrainerBase Update is sent out on a regular basis and informs members what is happening on the site. It may contain information on recent Tenders posted on the site.
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How do I stop receiving emails from TrainerBase?

To stop receiving any of the email notifications from TrainerBase go to the Edit Membership page, log in and you will then have access to your profile management facility where you can turn on or off the email notifications.
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Can I upload a large number of courses?

Yes. Subscribed members can upload an unlimited number of courses FREE (for the moment).
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I want to add a link from my site to TrainerBase. What should I do?

Please include the following text string in the HTML code of your links page:

TrainerBase, A comprehensive database of business trainers, training providers and courses.

Before completing the Request a link facility on TrainerBase, please ensure that your site has a Terms and Conditions page and that you have added a reciprocal link on your site.
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I want to look at the details of a tender/trainer and I click on the 'more' link and nothing happens.

Providing you have already logged in, clicking on the 'more' link will load the details into a small browser window. If you do not see this new browser window load on top of the current one, check that you do not already have more than one browser window open; when you click on the 'more' link, the details will load into an existing browser window, behind the current one.
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How active is TrainerBase?

TrainerBase is not yet in the premier league regarding page views however statistics for a month are expected to be:
up to 50,00 visitors per month including
up to 12,000 visitors in any one week
up to 3,500 visitors per day who may perform
up to 500 searches per week.
Popular pages get up to 7,000 impressions per month.

Target is to regularly get 15,000 sessions per week within 2007 rising to a regular 50,000 sessions per month during 2007.

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My personal details have changed, will TrainerBase change them for me.

The technology behind TrainerBase enables members to keep their details up to date by logging in to the Edit Membership page and managing their own profile. Ed will, under certain circumstances, amend member details but not as a matter of course to change addresses etc.
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Where do I add a Testimonial from a client?

The adding of testimonials is a client side facility so will be found in your profile in the View Trainers page (not in the Edit Membership). Bring up your profile and in the top of the Window is a Testimonials link.

Testimonials posted by the trainers themselves are approved in good faith, indicating the name of the clients. Testimonials found to be false will be removed and the trainers profile amended.
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What is a differentiator and how does it work?

The differentiator is a way that eligible subscribers to the site can be displayed in a different way to other members.
The implementation of a differentiator was as a result of member requests and an approach from two UK based training institutes as a way of TrainerBase gaining access to additional membership.
Some differentiators are in place and are the first of what I hope to be a number that will enable subscribers who are "different from and better than the rest" to be easily identified.
IIP indicates that the trainer is also an Investor in People practitioner.
IITT indicates that the trainer is also a member of the Institute of IT Trainers.
The application does not affect the ranking of a member merely the way that member is displayed.

Members who have particular qualifications and/or are members of a particular institute can let me know what their differentiator might be and who I should contact. I will then make representations to that qualification body/institute on behalf of the TrainerBase members as to whether there is support for the differentiator, how I can validate the differentiator and ascertain whether the qualification body/institute can assist TrainerBase is gaining additional members.

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How do I log in quickest?! I don't always see a login sign, especially if I pick up a non-homepage weblink.

The login is only needed when you want to do something; edit membership, download a resource and is placed at those positions (the system automatically knows whether you have yet to log in). We are considering an obvious 'common' location and will decide in due course whether we can make any changes.
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I posted a message recently - do you offer any alert of a reply or do I have to login in each time and go looking?

Once a message is posted, you can activate a 'Watch this thread' alert which will send you an email of any replies.

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I want to advertise on TrainerBase.

TrainerBase has a number of display ad spaces available for members.

The size of the top banner add is 500 x 70 pixels (not available on the front page).

The cost of placing an advert is based on a three month (quarter) period:
One quarter period = £1,800+ VAT
Two quarters period = £2,640+ VAT
Three quarters period = £3,240+ VAT
Four quarters period = £3,600+ VAT

A display ad on the right hand side of the page is 125 x 175.

A display ad on the left hand side of the page is 150x 200.

The cost of placing an advert is based on a three month (quarter) period:
One quarter period = £720+ VAT
Two quarters period = £960+ VAT
Three quarters period = £1,200+ VAT
Four quarters period = £1,440+ VAT

Subscribers of TrainerBase get a 50% discount on these rates.

TrainerBase does offer an ad design service and charges start at £70+VAT.

Page positioning is on a first come first serve basis.

TrainerBase also offers sponsorship and advertising places in the Newsletter Update that goes out most weeks to 4,000+ membership.
Sponsorship slots using a single phrase and link are £10+VAT per insert or on an affiliate basis. Advertising spaces with explanation text are £100+VAT for 4 insertions.

Also available is a solo (promoting a single product/service/vendor) email to the membership. The cost of this is dependent on offer and membership status; outline below:
Non TrainerBase subscriber offering a solely commercial product or service
with no discount for TrainerBase members. Cost per email from £0.10
TrainerBase subscriber offering a solely commercial product or service
with no discount for TrainerBase members. Cost per email from £0.08
Non TrainerBase subscriber offering a discounted product or service
to TrainerBase members. Cost per email from £0.06
TrainerBase subscriber offering a discounted product or service
to TrainerBase members. Cost per email from £0.05
Non commercial promotional messages inviting participation in survey, product and or marketing research. Cost per email from £0.04

Payment is taken in advance via Credit Card payment.

To discuss this further contact ed@trainerbase.co.uk.
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Course alert pop up does not work after upgrading to Windows XP SP2.

Windows XP with version SP2, automatically prevents pop-ups. This means that Course details, accessed
from the Latest course e-mail, are not shown when the access path is clicked.

This can be remedied by updating the Internet Options - Privacy Pop-up blocker sites to include Trainerbase (!!!).

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I am trying to access a specific tender nmber on the European Union Tender Electronics Daily web site but can't do it.

Public sector tenders can be found on:
http://ted.europa.eu/


To view tenders, first select your language (EN), then click on the Extended Search option in the Seach box, ensure 'All current notices' is selected in the Search Scope (near the top of the form) and in the search form enter the number into the Document number search box (rt hand column) and then click Go. Alternatively just put Training in the Full text box at the bottom of the form to see all training related notices.

Please be aware that problems with TED should be addressed to their help desk, it is not the responsibility of TrainerBase support staff to offer help on third party sites.

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I want to remove all my details on Trainerbase, how do I do this.

Removing members from the database is done by the TrainerBase team; just email enquiries@trainerbase.co.uk or fill in the contact form to the effect that you want to be removed and you will be. Please be aware that this results in you being placed on a suppression list (in accordance with Data Protection regulations) and you will not be able to rejoin the site without contact us first.
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What is meant by the Scope of a Download?

In order to clarify the expection of what a resource is the Scope has been introduced. The different Scopes of a resource are:

1 Primer
A resource that only offers really basic information that merely identifies a concept or point but does not explain its meaning or use.
Suitable for one liners and sayings etc.

2 Fundamental
A resource that provides basic information that identifies a concept or point of view and offers a brief explanation. Does not necessarily explain the use of the point or concept in question.
Suitable for one liners and sayings with a brief explanation of their meaning.

3 Outline
A concept or saying with an explanation of its meaning and its uses within a situation. Is not necessarily compete but is sufficient as a hand out or tool in support of a comprehensive item.

4 Detailed
A compete explanation of a concept with definition and usage written in pain English (or other language). Suitable for inclusion as a module within a larger item and may contain a number of Primers, Fundamentals and be accompanied by an Outline or two.

5 Comprehensive
A full, multi module, multi conceptual item that can be used as a standalone.

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What is the TOMS and how does it work?

Background
The development of the TrainerBase Trainer Opportunity Management System (TOMS) has come about because of feedback from members. The majority of this feedback has been in the form of complaints or criticism;
• from advertisers about the fishing exercises of applicants and/or multiple applications and
• from applicants about not receiving responses to applications from advertisers.

With this in mind the TOMS has been created to hide the identity of an advertiser and email applicants about the progress of an opportunity.

The TOMS is prescriptive in the way that it works and imposes constraints on the opportunity process. That is the point of the system, to provide a set of rules and triggers by which participants within the system are notified of actions taken.

Modus Operandi
There are two sets of individual members involved within the TOMS:
• Advertisers; are members who post an opportunity. An advertiser can add many opportunities but cannot apply to their own opportunity.
• Applicants; are subscribers who respond to an opportunity. An applicant can only make one application to a particular opportunity.

There is also the administrator but activities by them are mainly behind the scenes.

An advertiser can post an opportunity either from within Edit Membership (and choose to include this in the TOMS) or from within the TOMS home page (has logged in to the TOMS).
The objective of posting an opportunity within the TOMS is to use the system as the only management tool for the particular opportunity. It is therefore suggested that the advertiser seriously considers hiding their details from applicants and certainly does not suggest that emails and documents are sent direct; this defeats the benefit of using the system. If an advertiser is not happy using the system or elements of it their opportunities should be posted into the current open system.

An opportunity will take on a number of ‘states’ as it passes through the system:
• New; open for applications to be made.
• Suspended (Display Until Date); the opportunity is no longer visible on the system but is still being reviewed by the advertiser.
• Closed (Review End Date); the advertiser has finished the recruitment process.
• Deleted, the opportunity is removed from the active list and is only visible to administrators.

The TOMS will send routine emails as an opportunity passes through the system.

Once an opportunity has been posted by an advertiser, it must be approved by the administrator (usually Ed) before it becomes visible on the system. Opportunities in the TOMS are displayed in the normal Opportunities page and in the TOMS. Only opportunities posted in the TOMS have a link to view from within the TOMS.

A subscriber can view an opportunity either by visiting the Opportunities page and clicking on the ‘more...’ link or by logging in to the TOMS and selecting the ‘>> View All Opportunities’ link and clicking on the ‘more...>>’ link of the opportunity of interest. The TOMS logs the number of views an opportunity gets.

The details of the advertiser may or may not be visible (it is recommended that details are hidden, requiring applicants to use the Apply button rather than emailing the advertiser direct). Again it is recommended that if an advertiser places an opportunity within the TOMS and includes their details in the opportunity, they advise any applicant that has contacted them off line that they will only review applications made via the TOMS. A subscriber can make an application for an opportunity by clicking on the ‘Apply’ button. A subscribeer is not allowed to make applications on behalf of another person. An application is made but filling in the text box ‘Your message to the advertiser’ and clicking on the Continue button. Please note that the application is made at this point. If the advertiser has requested files such as a CV or other information an applicant can upload up to 3 of these in the second step of<
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What is the Corporate Membership and what benefits does is offer?

Overview
When TrainerBase was set up the business premise behind it was to enable an individual trainer to have a membership and to be able to promote themselves within the membership and wider training community. In the recent past there has been a perceived growth in the number of small training companies with a number of trainers wishing to be displayed on the site and looking for benefits of a multiple membership. The Corporate Membership has been created for this purpose, is currently only available to trainers and offers discount benefits for subscriptions.

Modus Operandi
Within the Corporate Membership there are two entities:
• Senior Member and
• Junior Member.

The Senior Member is the individual who manages the corporate membership, there can only be one Senior Member. The Junior Members are the other members of the corporate membership and there can be one of more of these members. Certain elements of a Junior Member’s details are inherited from the Senior Member, such as Company details, other information is managed by the Junior Member themselves.

An existing member can upgrade their membership to Corporate Member by visiting Edit Membership, logging in and in section 1, Your Profile; clicking on the
• ‘Turn your membership into a corporate membership link’.
By doing so they will gain the option to add additional members.

A visitor to the site can opt to join TrainerBase as a Corporate Membership by visiting the Join TrainerBase page and selecting
• >> Join as a group of Trainers (Corporate Membership) in the Membership Choice box.

The first choice to make is the number of members to join. It is not necessary to know the exact number at the start as additional Junior Members can be added at a later date. By selecting a number and clicking on the [Continue >>] button, the visitor will be presented with the option to add the names of the members. One of these names will be the Senior Member. Clicking on the [Continue >>] button will take the visitor to the first page of the Join form where personal and company details will be added. The company details will be those inherited by the Junior Members. Clicking on the [Continue >>[ button will take the visitor to the Subjects area. These will be particular to an individual and not inherited by Junior Members. By clicking on the [Continue >>] button, the visitor will be given the option to :
• >> Click to add next member (nn added nn left) or
• >> Click to finish (add more members later, unregistered names will be discarded).
By selecting to add another member the Senior Member will now add the Junior Members. Junior Members will be notified by email of their username and password and that they should manage their profile.

Once a Senior Corporate Member, adding new Junior Members or Subscribing members will be done from within Edit Membership. A Senior Member can take out:
• A Standard subscription for themselves only.
• A Standard subscription for themselves and some or all of their Junior Members.
• An Enhanced subscription for themselves only.
• An Enhanced subscription for themselves and some or all of their Junior Members.
• A Standard subscription for themselves and an Enhanced subscription for some or all of their Junior Members.
• A Standard or Enhanced subscription for themselves and a mixture of Standard and Enhanced subscription for some or all of their Junior Members.

All of the above variations are calculated on the following price ranges:
• Standard Corporate Subscription (1)(One year): £75.00 +VAT each
• Standard Corporate Subscription (2-5)(One year): £40.00 +VAT each
• Standard Corporate Subscription (6-10)(One year): £37.50 +VAT each
• Standard Corporate Subscription (10+)(One year): £35.00 +VAT each
• Enhanced Corporate Subscription (1)(One year): £150.00+VAT each
• Enhanced Corporate Subscription (2-5)(One year): £90.00+VAT each
• Enhanced Corporate Subscription (6-10)(One year): £75.00 +VAT each
• Enh
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