Case Study:
Cosmax Prestige Brands
Upskilling a Growing Workforce with Targeted Microsoft Excel Training
As a fast-growing distributor and brand partner within Australia’s prestige beauty industry, Cosmax Prestige Brands depends on efficient, accurate, and data-driven work across almost every department. From forecasting and inventory planning to sales reporting, marketing performance analysis, and operational coordination, Microsoft Excel sits at the centre of many day-to-day tasks.
Recognising the importance of strengthening this capability across its team, Cosmax partnered with Beltan Consultancy to deliver a comprehensive program of Microsoft Excel training. Over five days, staff participated in a structured series of Introduction, Intermediate, and Advanced sessions, with a total of 48 employees completing the program. What followed was significant uplift in confidence, consistency, and productivity across the organisation.
The Challenge: Maximising a Critical Skillset Across the Business
Cosmax Prestige Brands identified that Excel was a critical tool widely used across most roles in the business, but individual skill levels varied significantly. Some staff had developed their own methods over time, others had limited exposure to more advanced features, and some lacked the confidence to solve data challenges efficiently.
The leadership team sought to create a more consistent baseline of capability, reduce time lost to manual tasks, and encourage staff to use Excel to its fullest potential. As the company continues to grow, the need for streamlined workflows and more sophisticated data handling become even more important.
“We use Excel extensively across most roles in the business and wanted to invest in upskilling our team to give them a better opportunity to use this tool to a fuller extent,” the team explained. “We were seeking an opportunity to increase productivity throughout the team, as well as to show them that we are committed to investing in their skill development.”
Beltan Consultancy was engaged to support these goals with a tailored, multi-level training solution.
Aligning Training Levels to Individual Needs
To ensure each participant was placed in the most suitable course level, Cosmax combined internal skills testing with Beltan’s own structured self-assessment tools. The self-assessment provided was particularly helpful in guiding staff into the correct learning stream.
This careful planning helped maximise the value of each session. Participants felt appropriately challenged without being overwhelmed, and each group had a shared starting point that allowed for smoother delivery and more focused outcomes.
Beltan’s Approach: Practical, Supportive, and Hands-On
Across the five days of Excel courses, staff consistently praised Beltan’s delivery style. Belinda’s approach was professional, engaging, and highly knowledgeable and stood out to participants regardless of their skill level.
Feedback highlighted several recurring themes:
- Clear, well-paced content
Staff consistently noted that the pacing was ideal. It was structured enough to build competence step by step, yet flexible enough to allow questions and deeper exploration where needed. - Practical, real-world examples
Participants valued the practice exercises and relatable scenarios provided by Beltan that helped make concepts immediately usable in day-to-day work. - Confidence-building delivery
Many staff commented that any initial concerns or nervousness quickly disappeared due to Belinda’s warm, supportive style. One participant shared: “I was a bit nervous that I would not be as advanced in my knowledge as some other people in the room but quickly relaxed when I met Belinda… It was a very good pace, the examples were great, and I learned lots of tips and tricks along the way.” – Melissa L. - Strong preparation and resources
Cosmax staff appreciated the structured workbooks, shortcut guides, and follow-up materials provided. The ability to revisit concepts after the sessions helped reinforce learning and encouraged staff to apply new skills immediately.
The Results: Greater Efficiency, Confidence, and Engagement
Shortly after the training, Cosmax began seeing meaningful changes in how staff approached their daily work.
Employees reported:
- Increased use of shortcuts and time-saving techniques
- More efficient handling of data
- Streamlined processes and reduced manual effort
- Greater confidence navigating and analysing spreadsheets
While the organisation is still gathering longer-term productivity measures, early indicators were strong. Staff showed higher engagement with Excel tools, and several made use of Beltan’s post-training support offerings and website resources, demonstrating the ongoing value of the program.
The training also had cultural benefits. By investing in staff development, Cosmax reinforced its commitment to growth and capability-building—something the team noticed and appreciated.
Staff Feedback: Consistent Praise Across All Sessions
The quality of the training was reflected in the breadth and positivity of the feedback provided by participants across all five days. Highlights included:
“Well paced, easy to follow along, well prepared and obviously very advanced knowledge. Engaged all attendees.” – Sharon M.
“The training was very educational and easy to follow… Even for tasks I was already familiar with, I learned how to make them more customisable and efficient.” – Daniela A.
“The content was well structured and organised. Belinda is a great trainer and managed to keep everyone captivated!” – Justine M.
“Belinda was great with explanation and detail, very patient” – Lauren E.
“Belinda provided a thorough and organised format… She was approachable, knowledgeable and engaging. I think Belinda has created a new way of working for me that will make using the data easier and quicker!” – Mel C.
“Very helpful, very enjoyable.” – Irene T.
“Enhanced my current knowledge while also adding to my knowledge base. Well paced and did not feel rushed.” – Wil H.
“Things that took a little bit of time can now be done immediately.” – Nick E.
The consistency in this feedback reflects Beltan’s commitment to practical, high-quality learning experiences that empower participants to work smarter and more confidently.
Overall Value and Partnership Outlook
For Cosmax Prestige Brands, the Microsoft Excel training delivered by Beltan represented a strong return on investment.
“Overall, it was a very positive experience which the team engaged with in a very positive manner,” the organisation shared. “Many have expressed an interest in Belinda returning to provide other training in the future.”
The professionalism and responsiveness demonstrated before, during, and after the program reinforced Beltan’s reputation as a trusted training partner. From customising materials to providing guidance on training pathways, the experience was seamless and highly supported. Cosmax has already expressed interest in future sessions—an indicator of both the success of the program and the strength of the relationship established.
Recommendation
When asked whether they would recommend Beltan to other organisations, Cosmax’s response was clear:
“Yes. Belinda is an engaging trainer who tailored the sessions to suit the general skill level of the group. Her communication with the group and organisers before, during and after the training has been prompt and professional.”
Let’s Build Stronger, More Consistent
Excel Skills Across Your Business
If your organisation relies heavily on Excel and you are seeing mixed skill levels, inconsistent approaches, or time lost to manual processes, a tailored training program can make a real difference. Based on proven outcomes like those achieved at Cosmax Prestige Brands, I can help design practical Excel training that suits your team’s roles, experience levels, and day‑to‑day work. Use the form below to start a conversation.
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