Yell qualifies for new ICM Learning Partnership scheme - 10 May 2007
Yell, the international directories business, is among the first organisations in the UK to qualify for the Institute of Credit Management (ICM) Learning Partnership scheme, which promotes the effective development of credit management expertise and supporting working processes.ICM Learning Partnerships enable organisations to work closely in conjunction with the ICM Education Department to review credit management processes and identify training needs, with the ultimate aim of enhancing performance.
Yell, which operates in the classified advertising market and whose UK products include Yellow Pages directories, Yell.com and 118 24 7, became involved in the scheme to provide development opportunities for its 80-strong credit management team at its head office base in Reading, Berkshire.
Sharon Hitch, Yell customer service and operations training manager, explains: “When I joined the company in 2004, people were taking various qualifications in their own time, sponsored by the company. To support the ongoing professional development at Yell as part of a wider training strategy, we decided to increase our support for ICM qualifications.”
Currently, Yell runs one new study group every six months, with classes running over a 12-week cycle and revision courses before exams. The first two groups have now completed their Foundation course, some taking the exams last June and some this January, with another group currently working specifically towards the accountancy module.
In all, more than 30 people in Yell’s credit management team now either have an ICM qualification or are studying towards one. The relationship with the Institute has been recently formalised with Yell’s qualification for the ICM Learning Partnership scheme. It has just been officially presented at its head office with a certificate marking the partnership.
Sharon adds: “Taking these courses is a great motivator, with numerous benefits for employees. Not only do the courses help the team to expand their skill sets and better understand their role, they also boost the team, helping our people to feel empowered.”
Director General of the ICM, Philip King adds: “The ICM Learning Partnership offers the ideal opportunity for the ICM to work with the industry to promote development and training. We are pleased to see such prestigious organisations participating and the positive impact that the scheme is having on UK business.”
