Wilts announces Management Academy graduates

Trowbridge-based Wilts, an independent electrical wholesaler, has just completed its second Management Academy.

Launched in 2007 and open to all of Wilts' 600+ employees, the 15-month programme enables members to develop and further their careers within the company, taking individuals through various modules including financial awareness, leadership, customer service, sales, employee relations and law.

Out of the 11 recent graduates, who all took one day a month away from their day-to-day duties to take part in the course, three of the participants are already reaping the rewards of their studies by securing a promotion.

Branch managers Steve Hoyle and Dave Kenny have been promoted to regional directors, while Martyn Morant has advanced from finance manager to financial controller.

According to managing director David Purdon, the Management Academy scheme has been hugely popular and a worthwhile exercise. He said: "This is the second time we have made the academy available to our staff and the results have been fantastic. This is demonstrated perfectly by the success and promotion of three individuals, all of whom should be very proud of their efforts.

"Not only has the Management Academy proved to be extremely popular with the recent group, but we have had numerous enquiries from other members of staff hoping to enjoy a similar opportunity in the future. The feedback has been such that we are planning to run the next scheme later this year, which is extremely pleasing for us and serves to highlight the desire within our workforce to develop and further their careers."