IF this article is written correctly, it will do two things.

After capturing your attention, it should encourage you to keeping on reading through to the end.

For training company boss Simon Corbett, one of the key principles behind his business is the same.

Mr Corbett is a former surveillance trainer and specialist operations cop who was sent around the world to foil gangs behind people smuggling and drug trafficking.

Nowadays, he’s boss at Hartlepool-based Orangebox Training Solutions, the company he founded to deliver courses on areas such as health and safety, first aid, food hygiene and security.

However, there’s another area it focuses upon.

A course known as Dynamic Deliveries aims to bolster people’s communication skills and it is one Mr Corbett is keen to emphasise.

It’s also where the principle of capturing an audience's attention comes in.

Mr Corbett says the programme highlights how the first five seconds are pivotal in any situation.

Those initial seconds, says Mr Corbett, whose career in law enforcement took him to countries including Portugal, Montenegro and Kenya, must capture people’s interest.

Then, after gaining that foothold, the next 30 seconds are all about hooking them in for the full duration.

It’s a scheme borne out of previous frustrations.

Unlike many courses he previously went on, there’s no time wasting here.

“I was always a bit frustrated with training because the people (delivering the courses) didn’t engage with the audience, so you had people who didn’t listen or were switching off”, said Mr Corbett.

“I always thought I would have my own company bringing expertise that could capture an audience.

“It all about communicating efficiently, whether that be over the phone, face-to-face or in a class.”

However, what really gives his business an edge, says Mr Corbett, are real-life stories, using firefighters discussing first aid as an example.

He said: “They can talk about how they have gone out in their wagon and dealt with an incident.

“They can provide that real-life side of it, rather than something from a textbook.”

To that end, Mr Corbett, who started his career as a police constable with Durham Constabulary, based in Peterlee, east Durham, before climbing the ranks and securing a place with the National Crime Agency (NCA), says he hand-picked his team of trainers to ensure they offer a breadth of knowledge on their subjects.

He said: “We’re different to other providers and that’s because of the trainers we have on board.

“They have been trained to the level I believe is needed for them to effectively engage with their audience – whether it be six people or 200 people – to maximum effect.

“A lot of employees will have been on courses where they’re almost falling asleep because they’re so bored, or they can’t connect with the trainer.

“The company which has paid that trainer has basically wasted its money.

“On average, a person will remember 50 per cent of a presentation, and that will reduce to 25 per cent the next day.

“A week later it’s down to ten per cent.

“We have changed that, and people will be remembering 60 per cent of the course a week later, which is a massive difference.”

Matters of national security stop Mr Corbett from revealing too much about his NCA background.

However, he did say while the job, where “you could get a phone call telling me to a pack a bag because I was on my way to Africa” was enjoyable, he doesn’t regret for a second starting his new venture.

He added: “I’m passionate about training and want Orangebox to be nationwide.

“I’d also like the business to be overseas in the next couple of years.”

Five minutes with… Simon Corbett

Favourite North-East building and why? The Tyne Bridge. It reminds me of spending time with my family as a child, heading up to Newcastle with my parents and brother to visit my grandparents and then off to watch Newcastle play with my Dad. Great memories.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? My first ever full-time job was in 1989 working in a clothes shop in Hartlepool called Director Menswear. I was on a YTS earning £35 a week. I was still able to socialise more then. The shop was owned by Kenny Johnson and is still going now called Cuba Menswear, with Kenny running it.

What is the worst job you've had? Working in a bank for three years (I won’t name which one). It wasn’t me and I hated getting out of bed on a morning. I worked with some great people but the job was boring and was always just a stepping stone to joining the police.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner? I enjoy cooking but don’t seem to have much time these days. My favourite meal is probably roast chicken and vegetables with sweet potato and a healthy homemade cheesecake for dessert.

What would your superpower be? To get rid of cancer.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party: Barack Obama, Sir Richard Branson, Sir Bobby Robson and Kevin Keegan.

Most expensive thing you've bought - other than car or house - and how much? I bought my wife a Chopard ring as a surprise a couple of years ago, I think it was £3,000.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why? I only really use Twitter for business and find Sir Richard Branson’s journey as a businessman fascinating. He always offers great tips and advice.

Favourite book? Paul Gascoigne’s autobiography was a light-hearted fun read that brought back some great memories.

When did you last cry? Recently, due to my Dad’s ill health.

What is your greatest achievement? Being the dad of four fantastic kids.

What's the best piece of advice in business you've ever been given? “Don’t be the same, be better”.

Favourite animal and why? A Boxer dog (childhood pet).

Most famous person on your mobile phone? Brian Honour, Hartlepool United legend.

What was the last band you saw live? Lee Maddison, or my son’s band, The Comeback Season.

Describe your perfect night in? Watching Shawshank Redemption with my family.

In another life I would be... Content, working in a beach bar somewhere hot with my family.

Who would play you in a film of your life? I’d like to say Jamie Dornan but realistically it would be Zach Galifianakis.

What irritates you? Betrayal.

What's your secret talent? Pretending to be someone I’m not.