BT Global Services links with Sterling Chase and ISMM to create world class learning and development programme.
BT Global Services has linked up with sales training specialist Sterling Chase and the Institute of Sales & Marketing Management (ISMM) to become the first company to implement the newly launched ISMM level 5 diploma in sales and account management.
The new ISMM level 5 diploma was launched in May 2011 and is the first and only Ofqual ‘Qualifications Credit Framework’ recognised sales diploma available across all industries. The applied learning and development programme was developed in partnership with Sterling Chase Associates. As the first to launch the new diploma, BT Global Services aims at accelerating its future growth by providing UK sales people with a market leading path for continuous professional development, as well as a highly rated and internationally recognised accreditation. .
Paul Coles, head of sales programmes for BT Global Services, said: “We are delighted to be rolling out such an exciting programme in BT Global Services. This is an initiative that will raise the bar in terms of sales training programmes within BT and across all industries.
“Our sales teams will receive world class training that will enable them to develop their selling skills and accelerate their own professional development. The model, which allows our sales people to gain externally recognised qualifications with the ISMM, represents a major investment in our professional sales community and will be fantastic for our people in terms of personal development.”
Steve Eungblut, Managing Director of Sterling Chase, commented: “Sterling Chase is proud to be working with BT Global Services and the ISMM to implement a programme that will directly benefit BT Global Services as a business unit. It’s a genuine win-win where the sales people will experience an applied learning and development programme that directly contributes to their own success as well as to the success of BT.”
Stephen Wright, Commercial Director at the ISMM which is the UK’s largest association for sales professionals, added: “We’re delighted to be working with BT and Sterling Chase in developing this programme.
“This exciting initiative demonstrates BT Global Services’ commitment to sales excellence and will lead the way for other blue-chip organisations by implementing an internationally recognised professional standard for the sales force. The initiative helps benchmark BT as a one of the most forward thinking UK businesses and is a model that shows BT’s commitment to their sales personnel as well as their customers.”
In June, the first members of the BT sales team started the training and development programme leading to the BT level 5 diploma.
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For further information
Enquiries about this news release should be made to the BT Group Newsroom on its 24-hour number: 020 7356 5369. From outside the UK dial + 44 20 7356 5369. All news releases can be accessed at our web site: http://www.btplc.com/News
About BT
BT is one of the world’s leading providers of communications solutions and services, operating in more than 170 countries. Its principal activities include the provision of networked IT services globally; local, national and international telecommunications services to our customers for use at home, at work and on the move; broadband and internet products and services and converged fixed/mobile products and services. BT consists principally of four lines of business: BT Global Services, Openreach, BT Retail and BT Wholesale.
In the year ended 31 March 2011, BT Group’s revenue was £20,076 million with profit before taxation of £1,717 million.
British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York.
For more information, visit www.bt.com/aboutbt
About Sterling Chase
Sterling Chase provides a range of business development services to organisations across all sectors in the UK and around the world. These services encompass: sales and business transformation consulting; leadership coaching and development; and consultative selling and sales management training and accreditation.
The company has received a number of awards including being chosen as a winner of the ‘Partnership & Collaboration’ category award at the National Training Awards in 2009. This award was received for successfully implementing a programme that encompassed training, coaching, and consulting and delivered an incremental net profit of £10 million within six months for the UK sales force of a global ICT services organisation.
For further information visit www.sterlingchase.com or call Sterling Chase Associates on +44 (0) 845 371 3099
About The Institute of Sales & Marketing Management
The Institute of Sales & Marketing Management (ISMM) is the UK’s largest association for sales professionals. Founded in 1911 to promote standards of excellence in sales and sales management and to enhance the status and profile of sales as a profession, the ISMM supports, represents and promotes the sales profession. It has been the authoritative voice of selling and the custodian of sales standards, ethics and best practice for many years.
The ISMM is also responsible for establishing benchmarks of professionalism in sales. It is the only membership body recognised by the UK Government regulatory body Ofqual as an awarding organisation to offer qualifications in sales, marketing and sales management.
The ISMM’s annual British Excellence in Sales & Marketing Awards (BESMA) are the most prestigious awards for the sales profession.
Further information from:
Ben Turner, ISMM, +44 (0)1582 840001; [email protected]
Bob Little, Bob Little Press & PR, +44 (0)1727 860405; [email protected]
