Thirty eight delegates from across the globe came together earlier this month to take part in the 2011 ‘Complete Cotton' training programme.
"The Complete Cotton training programme, in its new format, proved to be as popular as ever," said Lisa Stratford, a trader from Plexus Cotton and Chair of the ICA Training Committee. "With 38 delegates from 19 different countries attending, it was fantastic to see such a large and varied group of people come together to increase their knowledge, network with industry professionals and form new friendships along the way. With 94% of the delegates rating the course either ‘excellent' or ‘good', we can safely say that it was a great success and our thanks go out to all the presenters who kindly contributed their time and expertise."
Unique opportunity
Having revamped the training to make it more relevant to today's market conditions, Complete Cotton took place in Liverpool, UK - the ‘original city of cotton' - from 11 April until 20 April. Specially developed for industry professionals, the training provided delegates with a unique opportunity to learn about the complexities of the cotton industry from some of the world's leading professionals. With 17 tailored modules, delivered by 18 presenters, Complete Cotton delivered an insight into every aspect of the raw cotton trade - from cotton growing to spinning and everything else in between.
Added value
Speaking
about the new look programme, Kai Hughes,
ICA Managing Director explained: "We made
some improvements for 2011. We rationalised the syllabus, making it more relevant to today's market conditions. We
reduced the length of the course, allowing
delegates more flexibility when making
travel arrangements and less time away from their commitments back home. We
were also able to reduce the cost and offer a better discount for ICA members."
During
their studies, the delegates got the chance to network, socialise and take in the sights of Liverpool. They attended a number of
specially sponsored events, including dinner
at the Maritime Museum at Liverpool's UNESCO waterfront site, a trip to Anfield
- home to Liverpool Football Club and a visit to one of Britain's greatest industrial
heritage sites - Quarry Bank Mill, which was founded in
1784 and has been restored as a fully working
cotton mill and museum. Many of the
delegates also took the opportunity to sit the ICA Arbitrator Training
Course and Exam (Basic Level 1), the cost of which was included
in the training programme.
The delegates' verdict
- The 10 day training programme has helped me to develop a global perspective of the cotton industry. I can confidently say that now I know the direction of my focus for a career in cotton.
- Better knowledge of the cotton value chain and very good contacts.
- Very good understanding on Futures & Options and Risk.
- It was a perfect networking platform - networking with international cotton professionals.
- Lots of knowledge...Met a lot of nice people...Had an amazing time.
Far reaching benefits
Kai concludes: "Over the years, this training has provided an excellent grounding for many of today's key players in the cotton world. The benefits are far reaching. Not only do the delegates gain access to training and networking opportunities that may otherwise be inaccessible, they transfer the learning back home to help make a positive impact within their own workplace and community. This has a knock-on effect for the industry as a whole and helps to promote good trading practice."
Special thanks
"We want to pass on our sincere thanks to the delegates for their input and for their feedback, which we will use to help shape future training events. We also want to pass on our thanks to the training presenters - who flew in from all over the world to give their time, to the Training Committee for their valuable contribution and to the social event sponsors - Cotton Incorporated, SGS, Plexus Cotton and Wakefield Inspection Services."