IT'S GOOD to talk communication is vital to any business.

But one Hampshire company is on a mission to ensure that effective communication doesn't go out of the window in high pressure situations.

Set to be launched by Winchester-based Grahame Robb Associates, Crucial Conversations is a new training initiative which has already taken America by storm and has been developed to ensure that individuals can cope with anything from sensitive employee issues, through to supplier disputes and difficult relationships.

The first UK public training courses are due to be held in Southampton next month and Richard Pound, business development director, said that courses would equip people with the skills to effectively hold Crucial Conversations to help them prepare for high stakes discussions, to transform "silence" and "violence" to effective dialogue and to make it safe to talk to virtually anyone about anything.

Based on the best-selling book, Crucial Conversations tools for talking when stakes are high, the first two-day course takes place at Chilworth Manor Hotel on August 17/18 with a train the trainer' course on August 21/22 to allow organisations to subsequently train their own staff and managers.

The initial two-day course costs £850 plus VAT with the trainer certification course costing £1,250 plus VAT.

Clients include public and private sector organisations in areas of business from finance to technology, healthcare, housing and education.

To find out more call 01962 779911 or log on to www.gra.uk.com/cc1.asp.