New research from ISA-UK, formerly the BSGA, has revealed that 68% of those surveyed reported that recruiting and retaining staff is a key issue, whilst more than half said that staffing issues pose a significant problem to their business.

Sam Armstrong, who heads industry training company Make it Happen, was recently appointed vice president of the association.

She comments: “One of the most common misconceptions about training is that it’s only needed at the start of a new job or to ‘tick a box’ for a specific project or position: once your career is well-established, and you have years of experience under your belt, surely you don’t need further training?

“But training offers so much more. It’s an opportunity for people to continuously learn and develop their skills, pass on these benefits to customers and, ultimately, the bottom line of their business.”

ISA-UK now offers 24 online training courses covering digital signage, business management, marketing, print, project management and sales, as part of its partnership with the International Sign Association.

Each course costs £35 for ISA-UK members or £55 for non-members. Once completed, participants will receive a digital certificate to demonstrate their proficiency in a subject.

“Offering a comprehensive training programme is a powerful way to retain your staff,” adds Armstrong. “You are more likely to secure the loyalty of your team if you demonstrate that you are committed to their personal development and continue to motivate and challenge them.”

Of those surveyed, 62% said that accessing training for staff is an issue, but as ISA-UK president Rob Lambie says, sign-makers are finding that customers are looking for more creative and design input from them, so it makes sense to be up to date with the latest developments on the market.

“New products and processes are coming to market constantly, and businesses need to ensure they are aware of what’s available,” explains Lambie. “Today’s customers don’t want yesterday’s products and solutions; they expect their sign supplier to be able to recommend innovative solutions so they can stand out from their competitors.

Lambie adds: “Investing in regular training for you and your staff will ensure you have a thorough knowledge of what’s available and what’s coming online - and how you can incorporate new technology and techniques into your offering.”

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