A MALVERN consultancy firm that has successfully pioneered drama-based training is set to go transatlantic after enjoying a successful first year in business.

Viv Nelson is to visit the USA in August to conduct a series of "pitches" to demonstrate her training methods to other companies.

It follows a successful 12 months, which includes the company's most recent contract to train 250 Gloucester City Council staff.

Mrs Nelson set up Welland-based Nelson Training last year, using professional actors to act out problems faced every day by employees.

Scenes might feature a stroppy customer, disruptive pupil or work- shy employee. The right and wrong ways to go about resolving them are then demonstrated by local pantomime stars Kevin Tillet and Robert Traynor.

Contracts

The "forum theatre" training method, which does away with the need for role play, leaving delegates more relaxed and receptive, has won the company dozens of contracts. Clients ranging from Elgar Housing Association and Thames Valley Police to Royal Worcester Porcelain are on its books.

Mrs Nelson is keen now to replicate this success in the USA.

"As far as I'm aware, there's no forum theatre in the States," she said.

"I don't think they're aware of it and there's a market there to be taken."

Mrs Nelson said cultural differences should not make her methods any less effective.

"The only thing we would not be able to do is conflict resolution with the police because they would just pull a gun out" she said.

Accompanying her to the USA will be Kevin Tiller, who regularly appears as the dame in Courtyard Arts Centre pantomimes, and Robert Tranor, who last year starred in Aladdin alongside John Inman.