TaylorMade adidas Golf qualifies for ICM Learning Partnership

Credit Management, May 2007

TaylorMade adidas Golf (TMaG) has become the latest organisation in the UK to qualify for the ICM Learning Partnership scheme at a ceremony on Thursday 8 March at its headquarters in Basingstoke.

ICM Learning Partnerships are formed to encourage the effective development of credit management people and their working processes, enabling organisations to work closely in conjunction with the ICM Education Department to review credit management processes and identify training needs, in order to raise performance.

TMaG, producers of high quality, tailor made golf clubs, took advantage of the opportunity to work with the ICM, as Stephen Skipwith MICM(Grad), European Credit Manager explains: "I have been a graduate member of the ICM for sixteen years, and can be honest that the education and professional status provided have helped underpin my career. I wanted to ensure that my team members enjoy the same opportunities, so was quick to volunteer for the Learning Partnership, which can only serve to benefit all parties.

"The credit function at TMaG has faced some big challenges over the past two years, with the need to centralise functions into the Basingstoke office to create a UK shared service operation to meet the expectations set by the brand in relation to internal and external customer services, and the need to reduce DSO (Days Sales Outstanding) and bad debt losses.

"With centralisation and the demand for 'less people, but better qualified people', a deliberate push was orchestrated from my desk to 'professionalise' the team. In autumn last year we commenced our first study initiative, providing six of our staff with the opportunity to study for the Introductory Credit Management exam.

"The team of nine, covering a pan European customer base, are now all members of the ICM, and with centralisations complete and performance on track, it is clear that training from the ICM has played a significant role. Training initiatives have led to greater team togetherness, individual confidence and staff retention, which have in turn impacted both on performance and job satisfaction.

"I am delighted with the improvement and progress, and with the ICM continuing to move forward with improvements to their presentation, available knowledge resources, status and communication with its members, I look forward to continuing the partnership in the future," Stephen concludes.

Director General of the ICM, Philip King agrees: "The ICM Learning Partnership scheme offers the ideal opportunity for the ICM to work with industry towards best practice. We are pleased to see such prestigious organisations participating, with the partnerships proving to have a real and significant impact."