In the midst of a global economic crisis - unparalleled in the memory of most - there is, perhaps, one positive to be currently identified in the highly volatile world of international business. What is that you may justifiably ask; times have never been more difficult? Well, dear reader, it is the enhancement of the role of the international credit executive. In an environment embracing challenges as diverse as the turmoil currently gripping the Eurozone to the stimulation and expertise demanded by the BRIC economies - not to mention the management of key development markets ranging across Central and Eastern Europe to the Far East - the demonstration of professional credit management is now more than ever a key component for every successful business. No longer can Credit be seen as 'Sales Prevention Department' - in fairness, that has never been the case in truly forward looking organisations - for it now has a crucial part of the competitive drive to be and remain a profitable organisation achieving incremental sales worldwide.
How is the expertise necessary to meet these extraordinary challenges to be gained? One major imperative must be the achievement of academic qualifications by those who hold responsibility for the management of what might well be the single largest asset on your company's balance sheet. There are a number of options to consider, one of which is certainly the Online Courses offered by the International Credit and Trade Finance Association (ICTF) created in conjunction with the Thunderbird School of Credit Management in the US.
The message for businesses in 2012 must be 'However difficult, find room in your budget for education and training. The investment is guaranteed to pay off many times over'.
We appreciate the partnership with OnGuard and their support of ICTF through membership, sponsorship and investment in events, including last month's successful Expo in Dusseldorf.
Tim Lane
Membership Director ICTF Europe
http://www.ictfworld.org
00 44 (0) 1869 277523
00 44 (0) 7815 690018.
ICTF is an independent, not-for-profit, member-led association, providing a distinct advantage to those seeking greater expertise in the field of international credit and trade finance.