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OIA appoints new board, launches pilot scheme
The Outdoor Industries Association has confirmed the appointment of a new Board of Directors, following its conversion into a company limited by guarantee. The Board has been appointed to fully represent the UK outdoor industries, with members from across the sector.
The OIA Board is made up of transfers from the previous OIA Council, including co-opts. In addition, the new Board has appointed Sarah Wilson, Marketing Director of Berghaus, and Ken Reeve, Buying and Merchandising Director of Cotswold Outdoor. Frank Bennett has stepped down as Chairman, having filled this position over the last few years, during a very difficult and transitional period. Corry Taylor, Managing Director of Bradshaw Taylor, was unanimously voted in as the new Chairman of the Board and Chris Tiso, Chief Executive of Tiso Group Ltd, was elected as Vice-Chairman.
Meanwhile, the OIA has revealed details of a pilot scheme for retailers that it will run early in 2010, as it works towards introducing a new Retail Skills Certificate for the outdoor industries. Working with Skillsmart Retail, the sector skills council for the retail industry, the OIA is developing a competence-based qualification for outdoor retail staff that will recognise the work they do and provide a benchmark standard for the whole sector. The pilot project will start mid-February with a select number of OIA member stores, with the full scheme due to launch later in the year following a successful pilot project.
The pilot project will involve two to four employees from six to eight OIA members and will be delivered in store by the National Skills Academy for Retail Skillshops, a subsidiary of Skillsmart Retail. Successful employees will be awarded with a Retail Skills Level 2 certificate. OIA member retailers who are interested in participating in the pilot project should contact Louise Ramsay on lramsay@outdoorindustriesassociation.co.uk or call 0131 333 4414.
