BDMs to be offered degree courses
Business Development Managers (BDMs) could be trained to degree standard following a link-up between the BII and the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR).
The trade bodies have teamed-up so that entrants to the ALMR's Operations Managers Awards can also gain formal qualifications as part of the BII's drive to professionalise BDMs.
The groups will also be working with former Mitchells & Butlers director Peter Thomas and former Punch director Francis Patton, who both run university courses for BDMs.
Details of the plans were revealed at the BII's annual lunch at the Grosevenor House hotel in London today.
Nick Bish, the ALMR's chief executive, said: "The Operations Managers Awards have always been more than just a snapshot of excellence.
"They put the spotlight on this crucial level of management and illustrate the value added that operations managers can deliver for our industry - helping good operators and underpinning the investment that companies make in retail success.
"Now with the BII's insight and influence we can move to another level and develop executive talent in a very practical way."
The 2010 Operations Managers Awards are now open for entries.
As in previous years there is a managed house category for area managers and a BDM category for tenanted and leased businesses.
The entry process includes a paper and a full working day observed by a senior industry executive.
Finalists also attend a three-day master class to challenge their skills base, followed by in-depth questioning from senior industry judges.
The master class process could be used as part of a formal qualification.
Nominations can now be made online at www.almropsawards.org.uk or by calling the ALMR on 020 8579 2080.
