ACS

The 2009 Independent Achievers Academy launched last week, beginning the seven month long programme that improves the profits and skills of independent retailers.

Stakeholders from key industry suppliers, symbol groups and sponsors of the IAA joined select Academy retailers to launch the Academy and celebrate the release of the IAA’s 2009 Guide to Better Sales & Profits, dubbed the independent retailer’s ‘recipe for success’. In line with the IAA’s principle of learning and improvement, guests at the launch event were invited to learn a new skill, and were taught how to hand decorate their own Belgian chocolates.

Kishor Patel, chairman of Nisa symbol group development committee, and winner of the launch event’s ‘Overall Best Choc’ award, said ‘I think the IAA is a fantastic initiative for independents, and will be encouraging all the retailers I come into contact with to enter the Academy this year.’

The 2009 Academy programme is free for retailers and runs from April until November. It offers business advice to retailers in the Guide and for those who enter the Academy, the opportunity for an in-store visit and assessment. The Academy announces a UK top 100 Independent Retailer list in September and concludes with a gala dinner in November celebrating the best in the industry.

‘It’s great to see so many faces from all sides of the industry supporting the Academy. Everyone at the event showed a keen interest in improving the standards of the independent sector by getting retailers involved in the IAA’ said Kate Dickenson, IAA project manager.

For more information contact Kristina Kitchen by email or ring her on 020 7689 3385