Spring is a busy time for training and events in the BMF calendar, with a host of training days on offer at regional centres around the country. Covering a variety of topics, here we take a look at some of the sessions available to merchant members.
While all the courses and sessions are all packed with valuable content, one that will be particularly useful to a wide range of staff of both merchants and suppliers is Finance for Non-Finance Managers. The course is a must for anyone who is not directly involved in the financial management of the company, but who needs to understand the financial implications of their day-to-day decisions on the business.
As well as guiding them through the main financial statements — profit & loss account, balance sheet and cash flow statements — the course helps non-financial managers to understand the importance of profitability and margins, and why they vary for different parts of the business, and to understand the Key Performance Indicators for a typical company.
Delegates will be encouraged to relate these concepts to their own role. They will return to their organisation understanding how to identify the key costs of running a business and the impact each has, how to identify critical areas that affect profitability and margins, and the importance of KPIs.
Forum focus
BMF Chairman, Peter Hindle MBE attended the BMF’s second Branch Managers Forum in January. He told delegates that he well understood the role of the Branch Manager — having been one himself — and that that he viewed it as one of the most important jobs in merchanting.
So perhaps it is all the more surprising that this group is often neglected when it comes to training. Of the 50 or so branch managers and aspiring branch managers in the room, many had not been on any training course before.
The two-day event covered every aspect of the job, with a range of speakers covering product and operational issues. The format allowed delegates to network and learn from each other’s experience, discussing the issues raised and agreeing optimum solutions. Over 100 branch managers have so far taken part in this unique training programme, and there will be another towards the end of the year.
At just £149 for two intensive days, you can’t get better value, so be sure to book your place at what is rapidly becoming one of the most important events in the BMF calendar.
The BMF is also introducing specialist business forums for senior HR and Finance Managers respectively, each with a half-day programme covering a range of discussion topics that are likely to be at the top of mind of those attending. The two Forums take place in March and May, details in the calendar below.
Teambuilding challenge
Calling all Super Merchants and Super Suppliers — the search is on to find the BMF MasterMerchant Champions 2015. Do you have what it takes to win?
MasterMerchant is an exhilarating weekend of teamwork and adventure set against the stunning natural backdrop of the Lake District. This year’s competition takes place from 10th – 12th July, and the winners will have to demonstrate excellent teamwork and communication in a combination of physical and mental challenges.
It’s an ideal way to bring colleagues together to build strong relationships, trust and support, which they will take back to the workplace. Teams should consist of four people representing the whole company or a region, an area or just single branch. From apprentices to directors, male or female, anyone can take part providing they are over 18.
