The manufacturers and BADA agreed to the formation of an industry training fund which will be used to develop ongoing training over the next five years, with the aim of continually improving standards within retail and educating dealers in new and emerging technologies.
Sunday 11 November 2007
By Phil Hansen
Long term strategic alliance...
BADA AND MAJOR MANUFACTURERS ANNOUNCE A LONG TERM COMMITMENT TO INVEST IN RAISING INDUSTRY STANDARDS
At a meeting of the BADA board and the association’s manufacturer (associate) members held in London today, an agreement was reached to form a long term strategic alliance to develop a programme of training for excellence.
The manufacturers and BADA agreed to the formation of an industry training fund which will be used to develop ongoing training over the next five years, with the aim of continually improving standards within retail and educating dealers in new and emerging technologies.
Initially aimed at BADA retail and associate members, the training will commence immediately with a concerted roll out of the existing Demcraft course. The agreed target will be to train 100% of customer facing staff within BADA retail shops and the manufacturers’ representatives in Demcraft. This will ensure a minimum standard is set that both dealer and supplier will adhere to. It will also help forge closer understanding between retailers and manufacturers of the importance of correct product setup and demonstration. Future training courses will build on this minimum standard to further develop the skill set of both retailers’ and manufacturers’ staff.
The target to complete the rollout of Demcraft is 2008 AGM in June where members will be asked to incorporate Demcraft into BADA’s code of practice thereby increasing member entry requirements.
The training fund will be established through contributions from BADA’s own finances and those of the signed up associate members. An agreed support program will be put in place to assist dealers to complete the Demcraft training by employing an innovative method of delivering the course pioneered during the last year with successful results. Six of the participating manufacturers agreed to provide qualified Demcraft trainers who will visit BADA dealers to undertake the training on location in preference to training delegates at selected manufacturer’s premises.
BADA is keen to point out that this initiative is about far more than just the Demcraft training course. Simon Byles, BADA vice chairman said in the meeting: “This move represents a fundamental change for the future. It is the start of a new relationship between retailers and manufacturers and is something that will be ongoing - a change in the function of BADA and the two groups involved in the association.”
Associate members present at the meeting:
Arcam, B&W, The Chord Company, Dolby, Dynaudio, JVC, KEF, Marantz, Meridian,
The Multi-Room Company, Naim, PMC, Yamaha
Ends
No embargo
© BADA 26 September 2007
Media contact: Phil Hansen 07813 893525, phil@bada.co.uk
www.bada.co.uk
Notes to editors
BADA was formed in 1982 and is the UK’s only Hi-Fi and Home Cinema retailers’ trade association. There are over 80 high-end shops represented and 20 associate members, made up of manufacturers, distributors and members of the press. Its aim is to promote retailing and business excellence in all member companies and the highest standards of service for the consumer when purchasing home entertainment products.
Any BADA retail member must meet and exceed industry recognised levels of service and expertise – members and their facilities are regularly checked to ensure that they can provide expert, impartial advice and support on all aspects of Hi-Fi & Home Cinema.
All members provide:
Expert, impartial advice on all aspects of audio & video, given by trained staff
Products specially selected for quality, performance and value
Personal demonstrations – Listen before you buy!
A home delivery and installation option
A 10-day exchange for hi-fi and home cinema separates (terms and conditions apply)
BADA’s free extended 2-year guarantee on all hi-fi separates (excludes vision products)
A guarantee that is transferable to any BADA member nationwide
Deposits safeguarded by the BADA Bonding Scheme
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BADA, British Audio-Visual Dealers Association,
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