MorePeople (MP) has teamed up with garden centre and DIY chain Homebase to develop Hortilicence - a staff training programme run by MorePerformance, the recruitment consultancy’s training division.

Devised by MP’s horticultural training manager Helen Brent, the programme aims to instruct and stimulate staff about horticulture.

Homebase project manager Will Caddick said: “The programme developed by MorePerformance and ourselves is designed not only to educate but also enthuse our staff about horticulture in general, and particularly the product range we offer. Our job is to channel that enthusiasm into improved customer service levels.”

More than 800 employees have attended various Hortilicence modules and the first trainees will complete the programme in the autumn.

“This is very much learning by doing,” said Brent. “The programme is delivered in seasonal modules so that it is relevant to the products in store and enables Homebase staff to give their customers timely advice.”