Albion’s formula for business improvement

Citation

(2008), "Albion’s formula for business improvement", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 40 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ict.2008.03740fab.004

Albion’s formula for business improvement

Article Type: Notes and news From: Industrial and Commercial Training, Volume 40, Issue 6

Albion Chemicals Group, a UK and Ireland chemical distributor, has committed to one of the largest employee-training schemes undertaken by its sector. The four-year program will see more than 200 Albion employees undertake 54 scheduled training days a year at a cost of over £1 million.

The bespoke program has been devised by the group’s HR team, supported by external training specialist Opsis Consulting, to deliver highly-skilled customer-facing teams that operate out of Albion’s local-depot network. The first phase is for advanced personal development for account managers from all 18 Albion depots. It will conclude with a National Vocational Qualification.

“This is a significant commitment, specifically aimed at the ongoing development of our existing personnel,” explained HR director Greg Laing. “In contrast to global competitors, who are contracting out their customer-facing function in favour of a call-centre culture, Albion is investing in its local infrastructure and service as a core business model.

“We believe that customers highly value our local capability and their personal contact with Albion representatives. In order that we continue to deliver this in the future, we need quality people with the right skill sets.”

Neville Naylor, lead consultant for the project at Opsis Consulting, said: “We are delighted to be involved with this exciting business-improvement initiative. The HR team and management board at Albion have chosen to involve management and staff in shaping their bespoke training and development programs. This inclusive ‘top-to-bottom’ approach is to be admired and will result in a common commitment to the way forward at all levels.

“Investment in people, for any organization, is crucial. To link the investment to a professional qualification, such as NVQ, is forward-thinking and exciting for everyone involved.”

Albion Chemicals, part of chemical group Brenntag, employs more than 850 people.