CPD in the Business industry

Overview of the Business Sector

The business sector is a vast field covering an array of both general and specialist areas of expertise and skills. New technologies and the growth of the digital environment, changes in working practice, the perspective of consumer demand and customer service, as well as the ongoing advancement of globalisation, creates new dynamic challenges for the entire business community and the managers & business professionals working within the sector.

As the business sector naturally evolves, as will the need for high skilled business managers & leaders with the skillsets to steer their industry’s forward. However, with this also comes the increase in competition for job roles and functions, and the need for upskilling, practical experienced-based training & education. 

CPD in the Business Sector

Business professionals who manage their own personal performance can very easily set themselves apart from their competition. CPD can bring direct benefit to both the individual and the organisation as a whole. CPD in the business sector embodies a wide range of formal & informal training, comprising a whole assortment of business skill areas including; sales & marketing, communications, strategy & planning, customer service, public speaking, negotiation skills, leadership, time & project management, as well as many others. CPD enables an individual to build a full portfolio of talents which increases commercial awareness, improves general business acumen and allows any professional manager to bring their very best to the business decision-making process to shape the direction of their organisation. CPD can enable business teams to maximise their performance through collaboration and knowledge sharing. Diversifying business skills provides greater organisational flexibility, and promotes a culture of learning which naturally improves workforce motivation and organisational achievement.

CPD enables an individual to build a full portfolio of talents which increases commercial awareness, improves general business acumen and allows any professional manager to bring their very best to the business decision-making process to shape the direction of their organisation. CPD can enable business teams to maximise their performance through collaboration and knowledge sharing. Diversifying business skills provides greater organisational flexibility, and promotes a culture of learning which naturally improves workforce motivation and organisational achievement.

CPD for Managers & Directors

Chartered Directors and Managers at both the Chartered Management Institute (CMA) and Institute of Directors (IoD) are expected to complete Continuing Professional Development. A Chartered Director is expected to undertake approximately 30 hours CPD per year, whereas a Charted Manager at the CMA does not have a fixed CPD annual hours requirement but is expected to maintain ongoing CPD records ready for inspection by the professional body.

CPD for Sales & Marketing Professionals

Marketing professionals at the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) have been set a 35 hour annual CPD target through which members should record and document their learning & training activities on a personal CPD record form. The Institute of Sales and Marketing Management recommends sales & marketing professionals complete at least 20 CPD points each year to maintain existing skills and further recommends up to 40 CPD points per year to truly build on existing skillsets. 

CPD for Project Managers

The Association of Project Management (APM) considers CPD fundamental to business, and requires Project Managers to complete 35 hours of CPD each year in order to maintain Chartered status.