Runners in the corporate sector can be well paid and the work provides new entrants with a great platform on which to build their experience. Production companies range in size from 'one-man bands' to large companies with more than 100 employees. These may employ as many as twenty Runners, some working as couriers/bike riders to dispatch tapes and materials, others as general office assistants or Production Runners, and others helping out with client hospitality.

In the world of business communications, there are three areas of particular interest to Runners:

• Business television - providing local and international communication on video, DVD or via satellite (which increasingly involves interactivity)
• Business events - often involving multimedia input
• Corporate video - short, often high budget productions, which concentrate on high quality storytelling to specific audiences.

The trade association, the International Visual Communications Association (IVCA) publishes an annual directory of members with descriptions of the different production areas that they cover. The IVCA also publishes a monthly newsletter with info on events and initiatives.

Before making a speculative application, find out as much as possible about the size and work of the particular company. Then send a CV and a covering letter emphasising all your relevant work experience to the Production Manager or Production Co-ordinator. Remember that the corporate sector is a tough and highly competitive business, which relies on building and maintaining excellent customer relations. So try to demonstrate these skills in your application and interview.

Employers say

"Budgets have fallen in the last couple of years - a Runner has to really contribute something to be worth employing."

"If people aren't going to be good they expose themselves pretty quickly - we're a small team."

"I'm always impressed by people who have worked in real customer service jobs. We had a good Runner who had previously always worked in car hire."

"Be aware that you're on show. Lunch breaks and general contact with senior people can open all sorts of doors."

Skillset, Focus Point, 21 Caledonian Road, London, N1 9GB. Tel: 020 7713 9800