Senior sales executives operating in the Suzuki GB dealer network have become the first to prove their skills with full IMI accreditation.

The Japanese brand introduced a tailored learning programme for senior sales staff using the IMI Accreditation Sales pathway and its training partner, Get the Edge UK, and have seen its first three sales staff successfully pass through the scheme.

First to complete the range of practical and knowledge-based assessments which are part of the course were: Anthony Denton; Batchelors of Ripon; Curtis Ennis, Chapelhouse; and Kevin Page, John Banks Ipswich.

Gareth Lumsdaine, general manager of dealer development at Suzuki GB PLC, introduced the new learning initiative to build the knowledge and skillset of sales professionals within its UK retail network back in 2016.

Commenting on the first phase of graduates, Lumsdaine said: “We would like to congratulate our latest graduates from the programme, and we wish them a successful ongoing career with Suzuki.

“Whilst sales executive accreditation is common best practice across many vehicle manufacturer retail networks, Suzuki is raising the bar by becoming the first to deliver the IMI Accreditation Sales pathway for its senior sales executives.”

Using the IMI Accreditation Sales pathway and its training and development partner, Get the Edge UK, Suzuki created a structured programme for sales executives to meet the requirements of recognised professional sales qualifications.

Objectives of the course, amongst others, include staff being able to lead by example, having the ability to offer advice, coaching and support to colleagues, understanding both the importance of good customer relations and the need for accurate record-keeping, as well as knowing how to work to budgetary constraints.

Explaining the importance of the sales executive role, Jon Davies, managing director of Get the Edge UK, said: “Developing a strong right-hand person for any sales manager or director working within a franchise dealer is vital.

“What we often see is that when the key management position is vacated due to days off, holiday or illness, standards sometimes fall and systems crumble, which can compromise the business long-term.”