ISMM accredits ‘unique’ SIG training initiative
A major sales training scheme by leading construction products supplier, SIG plc, has received a prestigious accreditation from the Institute of Sales & Marketing Management (ISMM) – the first of its kind in the construction industry to do so.
SIG’s sales training courses – which range from internal sales and key account management through to senior sales executive development programmes – have been accredited by the UK’s leading professional body for salespeople, meaning that graduates will now be awarded with ISMM qualifications accredited under the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).
The initiative is, according to ISMM’s Head of Sales, Ben Turner, the first that has been seen in the construction industry and represents a ‘major step’ in recognising the importance of sales professionals as a route to business growth within the industry.
Turner said: “This is a truly unique scheme within the industry – one that will allow sales personnel to achieve recognised qualifications and cement the importance of their role within the business, and indeed the industry as a whole.
“The ISMM are delighted to be working with SIG,” added Turner. “Their sales training structure is of an outstanding quality, and we are glad to be able to contribute to the further development of this key part of the business.”
Frank Rowe, SIG’s UK Sales Performance and Development Manager, said achieving ISMM accreditation represents an important milestone in the company’s push to encourage the long-term development of the firm’s 1,500-strong UK sales force and reinforce the company’s commitment to customer service.
“We have made a concerted effort over the past 18 months to make SIG plc a true centre of excellence for salespeople in this industry,” said Rowe, “and this accreditation is further proof that sales executives have an opportunity to forge a long-term career here, with real avenues for personal development.
“Turnover of sales staff in the construction industry is high and, while others in the marketplace might be happy to accommodate for this, we want our employees to know that they have a future here,” added Rowe.
“Our investment in an on-going training programme to up-skill all of our sales staff is testament not only to this commitment, but to the fact that we want to provide the best possible service to our customers. The greater knowledge and expertise our staff have, the more effectively they can help deliver our customers’ projects,” explained Rowe.
As part of this on-going campaign, SIG has also introduced a number of innovative new ideas to ensure training and personal development remains on-going for the firm’s employees.
A ‘Training Prospectus’ was produced in September to outline the range of training opportunities available to SIG staff, it being anticipated that employees will shortly be issued with a ‘Training Passport’ enabling them to keep track of all courses and training modules they subsequently complete.
Frank Rowe concluded: “Sales is the cornerstone of most suppliers’ businesses, so their salespeople – and more importantly the job satisfaction of their salespeople – should be a top priority. As far as I’m concerned, this is something that every company should be doing, and I’m glad that SIG is leading by example in investing in the development and longevity of our sales teams, and excellence in customer service.”
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