Cornwall Farmers Make Commitment to Retail Training

March 2009

Cornwall Farmers has embarked on an extensive training programme to develop the capability and confidence of all the staff in their retail division to make it better equipped to come out of the economic downturn in an even stronger position.

The programme, operated in partnership with Cornwall College Business and Cornwall Retail Skills, will involve over 150 staff through a number of programmes and workshops leading to NVQ qualifications for everyone involved in sales, buying and management.

“We wanted a consolidated programme in place that is not only relevant to retail but also to Cornwall Farmers, and this package is really going to develop our capabilities and confidence,” says David Harding, Training and Development Manager at Cornwall Farmers.

“This is the first time that Cornwall Farmers has initiated group training at this level, and I believe we are the largest agricultural retailer in the south-west to undertake a scheme of this impact,” adds Mr Harding. ““We conducted a cost benefit analysis on the benefits of training and the overarching response was we cannot afford not to do it. Improving the customer experience is what is going to make the difference, and training our staff to deliver that is more important than ever in this climate.”

Early signs are very positive from the members of staff taking part. Julie Russell, Branch Manager of Cornwall Farmers’ Country Store at Wadebridge, says the programme is: “absolutely fantastic and what the team here really want to enhance their skills.”

“It’s not very often that you find a scheme like this, so everyone is very enthusiastic,” she adds. “My Assistant Manager and I will be taking part in management training and all the retail staff will be trained in retail and warehousing. Everyone will receive nationally recognised qualifications at the end, which is a great incentive.”

Cornwall Farmers has also set-up an internal reward scheme for everyone who successfully completes the programme.

“Our aim is to give our people the knowledge and skills to meet customer expectations,” says David Harding. “Cornwall College will be delivering the workshops and this will be supplemented with NVQs which will provide the proof of learning, so it’s a theory and practice programme that we hope everyone will benefit from and enjoy.”

The Management development programme will comprise aspects such as motivation, delegation skills and performance management. The management teams will be also take part in a visual merchandising workshop which is being delivered by a national trainer, sponsored by Cornwall Retail Skills. This management development programme will lead to the Workskills award, plus the NVQ3 in retail management as well as an ILM Award in front-line management. A Supply Chain Management programme for buyers will lead to an NVQ3 or 4, while retail teams will be working towards an NVQ2 level qualification in addition to the Workskills award.

For further information regarding careers at Cornwall Farmers, please contact our Human Resources Team on 01872 274301.