A Paralympic champion has been sharing his own strategies for success with the first group of recruits at Spicerhaart’s brand new training centre.

Athlete Danny Crates, who lost an arm in a car accident, officially opened the new Spicerhaart Academy Training Centre, which has been established at the company’s headquarters in Colchester, Essex.

The agency’s training team will be emphasising high performance in the intensive programmes they run at the brand new facility, which will combine theoretical and practical skills. There will also be lessons from senior leaders.

Antony Lark, joint CEO, said: “We’re excited to have opened our new training centre, which is part of our broader vision to raise the bar in the property industry by investing in the next generation of talent.

“By providing comprehensive training and emphasising a culture of high performance, we aim to prepare our recruits not just to meet, but to exceed the expectations of our customers.

“It’s apt that Danny was the person to open it – his attitude and lessons in perseverance and performance resonates with everyone.

“We’re now on the lookout for people with a knack for sales and customer service who can fit seamlessly into our teams up and down the country.”

After losing his arm in a car accident, Crates claimed a Paralympics gold medal in Athens in 2004 in the 800m, following a bronze in Sydney four years earlier in the 400m. He is a former paralympic world record holder and also won gold at the World and European Championships.

Crates said: “It was great to speak to people starting their Spicerhaart careers and discuss my own highs and lows with them.

“I hope the participants took something from my session which helps them and consider how they can be 1% better tomorrow than they are today.”