Karin Schroeck-Singh: Tell us a bit more about The English Manner. 

Alexandra Messervy: Founded by me in 2001, The English Manner gives worldwide personal development, cultural, hospitality and social skills training to an international clientele of all ages. Our main office is in Somerset, but we have offices in London and Manchester. Our staff come from the best of backgrounds and skill sets and include John Robertson and William Hanson.

Karin Schroeck-Singh: Who is your target group?

Alexandra Messervy: We work and cater for anyone, although a lot of our business sees us working with private individuals, professionals and corporations; we assist with tuition insocial and protocol skills and household management and provide tailor-made training to create a smooth running business, lifestyle or household. We also create unique travel experiences in artistic and cultural skills development for a discerning clientele.

Karin Schroeck-Singh: What is the format of your etiquette courses? (face to face, distance learning, eLearning?)

Alexandra Messervy: We teach face to face, although we are in the beginning stages of developing distance learning and e-learning and have plans to expand to China, South Africa, and the Middle East later this year.

Karin Schroeck-Singh: How much do you charge your course attendees/clients for taking etiquette courses at your institute?

Alexandra Messervy: Much of what we offer is bespoke and so prices will vary. For the courses that our sister company (The Household Academy) offers it ranges from £195 to £800.

Karin Schroeck-Singh: How big is the competition in your country regarding etiquette training?

Alexandra Messervy: There is little competition in the UK in comparison to the USA and other countries, but we consider ourselves to be the best at what we do.

Karin Schroeck-Singh: If someone would ask you to give 5 reasons why they should attend a course at The English Manner what would you say?

Alexandra Messervy: 1) Our tutors come from the highest pedigree and have first-class experience. 

2) Our attention to detail is second to none. 

3) We listen to what each client needs to cater specifically for them, rather than using the ‘one size fits all’ approach.

4) Our tutors are frequently called upon by international media, mainly the BBC, to comment on matters of etiquette, protocol and civility.

5) Despite etiquette tuition being the definition of ‘niche market’, we continue to remain very busy and inundated with enquiries and bookings. 

Karin Schroeck-Singh: How do you see the future of etiquette training on a global scale? Will the demand for etiquette training increase? Will it change and how?

Alexandra Messervy: I see it increasing. People have had years of computers and technology and as such their awareness of real social skills are getting forgotten (or, in some cases, not taught). It will change slightly but the core of good manners will always remain the same.

Karin Schroeck-Singh: What would you say was the most important lesson you learnt in running an Etiquette Business in the UK?

Alexandra Messervy: Keep an open mind!

Karin Schroeck-Singh: What is your background in etiquette, protocol and housekeeping?

Alexandra Messervy: I worked in the Royal Household of Her Majesty The Queen for many years, and have also been a PA to a VIP entrepreneur, as well as working as a consultant for the Lucie Clayton Finishing School. I have also worked for a private management consultancy running several large houses.

Karin Schroeck-Singh: Is there anything else you would like my readership to know about your etiquette institute? 

Alexandra Messervy: The English Manner, together with two other leading etiquette & hospitality firms, have set-up ‘The Household Academy’ (www.thehouseholdacademy.com), which provides first class training in the domestic arts. We run several courses, ranging from the 6-Day Housekeeping Course to the 1-Day Domestic Bliss course (both aimed at different markets). We have had lots of interest since we launched in October and coverage on BBC Radio 4, the BBC News website, Country Life & The Lady magazines, as well as various newspapers and news-based websites.

Karin Schroeck-Singh: Ms Messervy, thank you very much for your time and your insightful answers.