Registered Charity n°1068084
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Find out how Access Bank UK Strengthened Global Connections Through French Training
with Alliance Française de Manchester
Access Bank UK – a multi-award-winning institution recognised as Best Africa Trade Finance Bank (2023 & 2024) – identified a growing need to communicate more effectively with French-speaking partners, clients, and colleagues.
As Access Bank UK continues to strengthen its global presence, the team identified a growing need to communicate more effectively with French-speaking partners, clients, and colleagues. With operational hubs in London, Manchester, Paris, Dubai, and Lagos, and strong ties to Francophone Africa, French was becoming an increasingly valuable asset in their day-to-day business.
Lots of their UK-based staff were complete beginners, which meant a tailored, supportive introduction to the French language was essential. The goal was not only to prepare employees for collaboration with French-speaking markets, but also to ensure they felt confident engaging across cultural and professional contexts.
Staff needed to communicate more confidently with colleagues and clients in Paris and across Francophone Africa.
Some employees were starting as complete beginners, with no prior exposure to French.
Training needed to be practical and flexible, fitting around demanding schedules in a fast-paced financial environment.
Beyond vocabulary, there was a need to build an understanding of French cultural and business etiquette to strengthen
professional relationships
Beginner-friendly approach
We set up classes that were suited to all abilities within the business. Making accessible entry point for employees with no prior French.
Banking & finance focus
To make the training more efficient, lessons were designed around industry-specific vocabulary and scenarios.
Flexible delivery
Access Bank is a busy, growing company where time is limited. Training delivered in blocks of 32 hours at Access Bank’s premises to suit
their employees needs.
Holistic learning
As the employees would communicate over email, phone and in person, we had to create a balance of conversation, writing, listening, and
cultural context.
"Marie is good at what she does and her lessons are engaging and participation
is promoted and welcome within the students. I like that each week there is a
recap from the previous lesson so it can jolt our memory."
Access Bank Employee
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Following the training, employees reported amazing feedback to us. They felt the training was worthwhile, gave them greater confidence to
communicate with French-speaking clients and employees and gave them a sense of achievement, having started to learn a new language.
Greater confidence when working with Francophone colleagues and partners.
A stronger appreciation of French language and culture in professional contexts.
A sense of achievement in developing a new skill that directly supports their international work.
