Meet the COBRA team

Freshen up your training.

Zing offers a complete training solution delivered by professionals who understand your needs.

The company's team of dynamic trainers led by Fran Burgess and Michele Richardson are highly experienced in designing, delivering and managing  effective training programmes. They will work in partnership with you to develop practical and memorable training programmes.

Fran Burgess - Director
Before moving into a career in training and development, Fran worked for 7 years in senior sales and customer service management roles with a UK division of Deutsche Bank.

These high-pressured roles have provided her with strong business and presentation skills as well as the confidence and knowledge to produce imaginative and inspiring training material.

Having managed large teams, identifying and developing individual's skills has always been essential to success and her coaching skills have assisted many people in their career development. Her process and results driven approach ensures that all training provided is relevant, inspirational and extremely memorable.

Michele Richardson - Senior Trainer
Michele specialises in Management, Customer Care and Sales training. Her background is in high profile sales and management roles and she worked in the travel industry for many years.

These roles have provided her with the knowledge and experience to relate to individuals in the workplace. She is able to identify how they can improve performance and achieve their potential.

Now a qualified trainer, Michele is an expert at designing and delivering motivational, highly interactive training programmes ensuring both the individual and the company see immediate results.

Lucy Francis - Account Manager & Trainer
Lucy has spent 12 years of her career working within the Travel Industry including time with British Airways. She specialises in sales & customer service and developing teams in these areas.

Over recent years, Lucy has been working in a leadership & development environment, using personal effectiveness tools and coaching techniques. With her knowledge and experience she supports individuals and businesses to release their full potential and perform at their very best.

Ali Simmonds - Marketing Manager
Ali started her career with the London Stock Exchange working in securities and compliance before spending eight years living overseas in Canada and Muscat. When Ali returned to the UK she focused on her passion for writing and has worked as a freelance writer, proof reader and editor for several organisations.

Ali joined Zing in 2007 and works closely with clients providing direct and e-marketing services.

Mark Ace - Consultant & Trainer
Mark has worked with many Companies, helping them to get their businesses going in the right direction... He has done this principally through the implementation of profitable sales & marketing strategies together with the coaching and leadership of the people involved.

Mark has a corporate background having previously worked for Ford Motor Company and RAC Motoring in senior sales & marketing roles.

Paola Bystrom - Administrator
Paola came to England from Sweden 10 years ago to work in London before moving to Bristol 6 years ago. Speaking four languages fluently, she worked for many years as a translator for banks and large corporations. Paola joined Zing in 2007 and is responsible for administering all courses, venues and funding applications.