Course overview.
Delivered through engaging discussions, case studies, and hands-on exercises, this one-day course goes beyond theory to provide real-world methods that businesses of all sizes can apply. Participants will explore both open-source and structured analysis techniques, learning how to ethically gather information, spot emerging trends, and identify competitor vulnerabilities. The result is a powerful skill set that empowers professionals to anticipate challenges, refine strategy, and achieve a sustainable competitive advantage.
Who it's for.
This course is designed for business leaders, managers, analysts, entrepreneurs, marketing professionals, and strategic decision-makers who want to deepen their understanding of competitors and market forces. It is particularly valuable for SMEs looking to scale, organisations facing aggressive competition, and individuals responsible for business development, sales strategy, or market positioning.
What you'll learn.
Module 1: Intelligence Gathering in the Business Environment
This module introduces the principles of collecting competitor and market intelligence ethically and effectively. Participants will explore open-source intelligence (OSINT) tools, online research methods, and creative ways of extracting useful insights from publicly available information. Practical exercises show how small data points, when pieced together, can reveal significant competitive insights.
Module 2: Competitor Profiling and Analysis Techniques
Here, participants learn how to build structured competitor profiles that capture strengths, weaknesses, strategies, and future moves. Using proven business analysis frameworks such as SWOT, Porter's Five Forces, and Value Chain Analysis, attendees will practice breaking down complex competitor behaviours into clear, actionable intelligence. The focus is on producing profiles that inform strategy rather than overwhelm with raw data.
Module 3: Turning Intelligence into Strategic Action
Collecting intelligence is only valuable if it leads to better decision-making. This module guides participants through the process of synthesising findings into practical business strategies. Through scenario-based exercises, participants will explore how to anticipate competitor moves, identify gaps in the market, and exploit opportunities. The module concludes by showing how intelligence can be integrated into planning cycles, ensuring it supports long-term business resilience and growth.
What you'll leave with.
By the end of the day you'll be able to:
- Gather competitor and market intelligence ethically from open sources
- Build structured competitor profiles using SWOT
- Analyse market pressure with Porter's Five Forces and the value chain
- Anticipate competitor moves and spot gaps in the market
- Build intelligence into regular planning
Before you book: None. Useful for leaders, sales, marketing and business development professionals. Not sure it's the right level? Take the one-minute self-check.
Pairs well with:
Know your market better.
From public information to a strategic move: how the day turns scattered facts into competitive advantage, legally and ethically. Select any stage to jump to it.
Is this course right for you?
Five quick questions, about a minute. You'll get an honest read on whether Business Recon fits where you are now, and which parts of the course will help you most.
This course is fully fundable through ReACT+.
If you've been made redundant or are facing redundancy in Wales, the Welsh Government's ReACT+ scheme can fund up to £1,500 toward this course — plus childcare, travel and accommodation expenses. We'll handle the application.
Benefits of Attending This Course
Gain practical skills for researching businesses, identifying opportunities and understanding risks. This course helps you make better-informed decisions by using structured reconnaissance techniques and valuable business intelligence.
Ascent Training Wales · Bridgend.
Our conference room is purpose-built for effective training — bright, modern, and fully equipped for workshops, seminars and accredited sessions.
Llynfi Enterprise CentreHeol Ty Gwyn Industrial Estate
Maesteg, Bridgend, CF34 0BQ
Strengthen Your Business Reconnaissance Skills
Understand Business Reconnaissance
Learn how to gather, analyse and use information about organisations, markets and digital environments effectively.
Identify Risks and Opportunities
Develop techniques for uncovering valuable insights, assessing exposure and supporting better business decisions.
Improve Strategic Awareness
Build the skills to research competitors, understand business landscapes and make more informed strategic choices.
What people get wrong.
Three things we hear before almost every Business Recon course, and what's actually true.
Competitive intelligence means spying.
Reality
Done properly, it uses public information and ethical methods. No pretexting, no hacking, no misrepresentation.
We know our competitors already.
Reality
Most teams know what competitors were doing. Structured analysis shows what they're likely to do next.
More data means better insight.
Reality
Unfocused collection buries the signal. Start from the decision you need to make.
Common questions.
Quick answers to what most people ask before booking. Still need help? Get in touch.
How long is the course and where is it delivered?
How much does it cost and what's included?
When is the next date available?
Is this course eligible for ReACT+ funding?
Can you deliver this course in-house for our team?
Is competitive intelligence legal?
What sources do you cover?
Is this suitable for small businesses?
From the classroom.
Our Bridgend venue is purpose-built for working learning — bright, modern, configurable for cohorts of four to twelve, with quality AV throughout and free parking right outside.
Llynfi Enterprise Centre · Bridgend · More about our venue →
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Book Business OPSEC: Protecting Secrets in the Digital Age Course for £275 a seat, or send us a brief and we'll come back with a tailored in-house quote for your team within two working days.