Phoenix Avis 569

Solid and profesional company

Arriving on the Phoenix Course I expected the high standards that the website displays as 'World Leaders'. To be fair to the whole team, they did not disappoint.

Communication before the course from the team was excellent and all of my questions were quickly answered. From Day 1 it become clear that the instructors knew exactly what they were talking about and that they had a wealth of knowledge and personal experiences to draw from. The content of the lessons are delivered to a standard that meets all the requirements of the students, ensuring no one gets left behind with the knowledge required of them to have. The days are long, sometimes breaching over 12 hours, and then going back to the hotel to do some self study or workbooks, but it all adds up positively and does reflect the life of a CPO when out in the real world.

The live operations are really good, they do make you step back afterwards and think about how everything you were taught in the classroom really does matter. The experiences and situations faced on the exercises were there to test us and they definitely did at points, but the feedback and work on points from the instructors meant that we didn't make the same mistake twice.

The 'fun' days spent out of the class doing some additional modules are really enjoyable. As a taster to what we could do in the future they again were delivered by expert instructors who gave us all their time and effort to ensure we had an enjoyable but informative day and we left with either a new skill that we had learned, or a thirst to go and learn more after the course.

One thing that stands out about this course is that its not just a bog standard CP course. It also teaches you how to be a team leader. On reflecting where my friends who have previously done this course are, they quickly became Team Leaders out in the real world and said that they seriously benefitted from the course being taught this way when working as a CPO.

Overall I would recommend Phoenix to anybody interested in doing the course. I have gained a lot of experience and knowledge from the time spent here, not just about close protection but also about who I am and how I am as a person. Yes, the course is demanding. Yes, the course is intense and has long days. But in the end it is definitely worth it.

As a final point, actually having the CEO come and engage with you in the classroom or out on the fun days is really good to see. His attention to detail and the knowledge he also passes down are invaluable. Not many companies I've seen do that, but having him visit and show a genuine interest in you as a student definitely spur you on to do better and achieve more.

I had a great time! Instructors were professional and experienced, the course is as close as it gets to real conditions. Met a lot of great and wonderful people and I hope that everyone will get the same experience

Worked with a great team. Instructors were class and knew what they were on about. You are held to a very high standard from the get go. Id recommend anyone to do the course

Knowledgeable and experienced instructors. Good balance of immersive experience and theory for baseline expectations and further detail. Would recommend to anyone wanting to enter the CP industry for a holistic learning experience.

The experience was great, professionally taught by the instructors great realistic scenarios used to keep the training relevant and as close to reality as physically possible remained to a high standard throughout

Had a great time was challenging at times but pulled through with a good team

Really challenging and enjoyable course. The real life scenarios make the difference with this course for me.

Does not matter the level of experience you have the course will unlock something you didn't think you had.

It was amazing having to do the Live operations. It allowed you to experience truly what you will go through in real life.

Great course ,with amazing trainers that are very informative and knowledgeable .
I will definitely be recommending this course to anyone who is interested

SIA and Accreditation bodies need to investigate this company. They’re only interested in money nothing else. Several reports received by investigation and enforcement departments about conduct of taking money of vulnerable people with medical issues stating that they will qualify has CP operatives. Also in the middle of the course tell the students they’re not suitable and kick them of the course , no refund.

Having retired from the Police as a Firearms Officer I decided to contact Phoenix with a view to embarking on a Close Protection Course.
I read the refund policy before hand and was satisfied that the 14 day cooling off period was ideal should I change my mind. I was contacted by Phoenix and spoken to by Raj. I decided to pay a deposit of £1000 to secure a place on the April 2025 course. I subsequently decided not to undertake the course and cancelled, this all being within the 14 days cooling off period. This was at the end of December 2024. It is now over 3 months later and despite numerous Emails and phone calls they have yet to issue a refund. I have been told to Email the payments department numerous times with the only response being a generic automated reply. No body actually ever responds to the Emails. I have also been given the excuse that I was due the refund at the end of January but the payments system changed so it never happened. I am extremely disappointed in the un-professional way this company conducts itself in terms of it's refund policy so cant imagine how professional or un-professional the training is they deliver. I would say read the reviews before hand and select a company with a better reputation.
It has got to the point now that I have had to refer to the small claims court to pursue the money owed.

It was a great course all round, learnt a lot throughout the course about everything easily enough and the practicals were good

The Phoenix Close Protection Course was great with real-world insights situations. The instructors provided the skills and confidence needed for a career in close protection. Highly recommended!!

I had to cancel my course. I was due a refund of over 2k but have still not received it. Every time I call to chase I get told to email, which I have multiple times but have still not received my refund. It was due over a week ago (having already waited 3 weeks) and I am still no clearer as to when I should expect it to be returned. They are good at sales but not good at returning money owed and they have no clear escalation process in place to help when things don't go correctly.

I was recommended Phoenix and was informed about the high standards and reputation. In all honesty I was dubious before joining the course. But having committed I have no regrets whatsoever. They made it clear that their aim was to make sure we leave the course a different version of ourselves and I can attest to that. I learnt more than I thought I would, about close protection and about myself. Incredible instructors and a great experience.

The extra care that is put in by the instructors putting a personal touch to help individuals gain the confidence to do the job

A very professionaly ran and informative course with amble opportunity to put into practice all the skills taught.

The instructors were great and made the course enjoyable whilst teaching and making it easier to understand.

Absolutely do not pay the deposit unless you are willing to fully commit. I was persuaded to pay £300 to simply receive a brochure and told I had 14 days to think about committing. I acted on impulse and felt they would honour the agreement to refund me the disposit. I have had all my emails ignored. I have made several phone calls, each person saying they would personally assure I would be refunded. It has been over a month and nothing. I will likely never see the £300 again. Do not trust them.