News

BADA and major manufacturers announce a long term commitment to invest in raising industry standards (5/11/2007)

At a meeting of the BADA board and the association's manufacturer (associate) members held in London, an agreement was reached to form a long term strategic alliance to develop a programme of training for excellence.

The manufacturers and BADA agreed to the formation of an industry training fund which will be used to develop ongoing training over the next five years, with the aim of continually improving standards within retail and educating dealers in new and emerging technologies.

Initially aimed at BADA retail and associate members, the training will commence immediately with a concerted roll out of the existing Demcraft course. The agreed target will be to train 100% of customer facing staff within BADA retail shops and the manufacturers' representatives in Demcraft. This will ensure a minimum standard is set that both dealer and supplier will adhere to. It will also help forge closer understanding between retailers and manufacturers of the importance of correct product setup and demonstration. Future training courses will build on this minimum standard to further develop the skill set of both retailers' and manufacturers' staff.

The target to complete the rollout of Demcraft is 2008 AGM in June where members will be asked to incorporate Demcraft into BADA's code of practice thereby increasing member entry requirements.

The training fund will be established through contributions from BADA's own finances and those of the signed up associate members. An agreed support program will be put in place to assist dealers to complete the Demcraft training by employing an innovative method of delivering the course pioneered during the last year with successful results. Six of the participating manufacturers agreed to provide qualified Demcraft trainers who will visit BADA dealers to undertake the training on location in preference to training delegates at selected manufacturer's premises.

BADA is keen to point out that this initiative is about far more than just the Demcraft training course. Simon Byles, BADA vice chairman said in the meeting: "This move represents a fundamental change for the future. It is the start of a new relationship between retailers and manufacturers and is something that will be ongoing - a change in the function of BADA and the two groups involved in the association."

Associate members present at the meeting:

Arcam, B&W, The Chord Company, Dolby, Dynaudio, JVC, KEF, Marantz, Meridian, The Multi-Room Company, Naim, PMC, Yamaha

www.bada.co.uk