Press Release: OVERLOOK MARKETING TRAINING AND RISK BUSINESS DOWNTURN, WARNS INSTITUTE

PRESS RELEASE


OVERLOOK MARKETING TRAINING AND RISK BUSINESS DOWNTURN, WARNS INSTITUTE

As marketers increase their activity for their Christmas campaigns, off-the-job training can often be overlooked as the pressure mounts. But to do so can be to the detriment of the business, The Chartered Institute of Marketing is warning businesses in the East Midlands.

Research has shown that there is a significant link between training and the chances of a business closing. Of the companies that did not provide training for employees, over one in four of (27%) closed between 1998 and 2004, while only one in nine companies that did provide training failed during the same period.*

“This is a significant statistic and one that businesses in the East Midlands can learn from,” explains Jill Wells, regional chair of The Chartered Institute of Marketing in the East Midlands. “Marketers are front line when it comes to driving growth and if they don’t have the qualifications or training that keeps them up-to-date then their employer’s business could unintentionally suffer.”

And yet research also shows that 11% of employees feel they are under-skilled for their current role.** If marketers are to work at their optimal level then active and targeted training by employers is vital.

“Those that are under-skilled are less likely to take advantage of marketing opportunities as they arise and are less likely to understand how strategic marketing can best position the business for growth,” concludes Jill.

There is a full events schedule available in the East Midlands as well as professional courses available at the local study centres, details of which may be found at www.cim.co.uk/events. In addition, The Chartered Institute of Marketing provides both professional qualifications and short courses that promote excellence in marketing. These are based on detailed research and feedback from employers, industry leaders, academics and The Institute’s students.

ENDS


* Training and Establishment Survival, Skills for Business Research Report 22, March 2007, Sector Skills Development Agency, www.ssda.org.uk
** Job Matching in the UK and Europe, Skills for Business Research Report 25, July 2007, Sector Skills Development Agency, www.ssda.org.uk

Note to editors: For assistance, kindly contact Amy Claridge on 01522 698 698 / 07770 764446.

About The Chartered Institute of Marketing:
The Chartered Institute of Marketing is the leading international professional marketing body with some 50,000 members worldwide. First established in 1911 it has for almost a century defined the marketing standards that operate in the UK and is the global champion of best marketing practice. The Institute exists to develop the marketing profession, maintain professional standards and improve the skills of marketing practitioners, enabling them to deliver exceptional results for their organisations. It does this by providing membership, qualifications and training to marketing professionals around the world. For more information please visit: www.cim.co.uk