Hello

Penstock Training is a family business, named after a part of the world that holds a special place in our hearts. Like any great story, ours is one of romance, hard work, passion, and plenty of laughter—and Penstock Training reflects all these values.

We are a dedicated team of passionate trainers, each specializing in specific course areas, committed to delivering dynamic and inspiring training sessions. Our mission is to empower learners, helping them recognize their ability to create meaningful change in both their personal and professional lives.

At Penstock Training, we strive to provide exceptional value for money, ensuring our programs deliver a measurable return on investment for individuals and businesses alike.

Ellie's story

Photo of founder, Ellie Hutchison, with a spaniel dog

Driven by a determination to redefine training standards, Ellie founded Penstock Training with a mission to deliver impactful, engaging, and effective learning experiences. Having endured uninspiring training sessions in the past, she vowed to "train better than she has ever been trained"—a philosophy embraced by every Penstock Trainer.

Ellie’s expertise is backed by a solid academic foundation, including:

A degree in Psychology.
Postgraduate qualifications in Therapeutic Counselling.
A Master’s in Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology, which enhances her approach to both coaching and training.
Ongoing studies toward a PhD in Wellbeing.

Her professional journey took a unique turn after a riding accident led her to join the police. There, Ellie began training officers to recognize vulnerability and support victims of crime. She went on to develop and deliver an acclaimed Mental Health course, educating thousands of police officers with remarkable success.

Ellie’s passion for psychology drives her commitment to helping others improve resilience, boost productivity, and achieve personal growth. She takes immense satisfaction in staying hands-on in the training room, sharing her talents, and empowering individuals to thrive.

Outside of work, Ellie embraces a full and active life. Whether it’s riding her horse, playing tennis, practicing yoga, working out at the gym, or walking her dog, she finds joy in movement and connection. At home, she navigates the lively (and often entertaining) challenges of teenage drama with her daughters.

Photo of lead trainer, Patrick Tordeur, with a cockapoo dog

Patrick's story

With a passion for both business development and training, I am proud to bring over 20 years of experience to Penstock Training, helping individuals and organizations achieve their highest potential.

I began my career teaching children who were initially unengaged, transforming their learning experiences and inspiring a genuine desire to grow. These foundational skills have evolved over decades of working across Europe, where I’ve developed and trained staff to excel in their roles.

Currently, I deliver tailored training programs to companies across England, focusing on topics such as:

Multi-cultural workplaces
Project management
Meeting management
Problem solving
Presentation skills
Communication and leadership
Complaint management

In addition, I’ve authored and delivered internationally acclaimed courses on these subjects, training hundreds of professionals and equipping them with practical skills for success. My approach mirrors the ethos of Penstock Training—creating engaging and motivational training sessions that truly resonate with learners.

I rarely rely on PowerPoint presentations. Instead, I’m known for delivering dynamic, interactive sessions, with comprehensive follow-up materials that enable learners to retain and apply their knowledge effectively. My expertise in adult learning ensures that every session is facilitative and empowering, leveraging participants’ strengths to maximize their learning outcomes.

Outside of training, I channel my love for languages by teaching Spanish, French, and Italian in evening classes for local communities. In my leisure time, I enjoy playing tennis, swimming, walking my dogs, and watching football—though only when Manchester United isn’t losing! Like Ellie, I also navigate the joys (and dramas) of teenage life at home with our daughters.

Associate Trainers

Comprehensive Training Solutions with Penstock Training

At Penstock Training, we pride ourselves on delivering expert-led training across a wide range of topics to businesses throughout London, the South East, and beyond. Our commitment to excellence is matched by our ability to adapt to your specific requirements, ensuring every session is practical, engaging, and impactful.

With a team of seasoned associate trainers—many of whom we’ve collaborated with for years—we are equipped to design and deliver customized courses that perfectly align with your organization's goals. Whether it’s leadership development, mental health awareness, or communication mastery, our tailored approach guarantees training that resonates with your team and drives results.