Congratulations to the Giftware Association for a worthwhile Members day and AGM yesterday. The event was enjoyed by a record turn out of members in Birmingham whilst others watched around the country as the event was streamed live. Chairman for the last two years Andrew Illingworth gave an encouraging round up of the recent achievements of the Association and incoming Chairman Michael Pape outlined his vision for the Association, based on Community, Collaboration and Reputation. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="382"] Andrew Illingworth handed over chairmanship of the GA to Michael Pape[/caption] Chief Executive Isabel Martinson lined up an excellent trio of speakers who informed, educated and entertained the Members with three very different presentations. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="158"] Jenny Lambie[/caption] Jenny Lambie emphasised the need for good service in our increasingly competitive world. 37% to 45% of customers have a level of dissatisfaction with service but say nothing. Jenny emphasised that the important thing is to harness  information, find what is creating dissatisfaction and deal with it. She made some interesting remarks about the difficulty some businesses have in benefiting from the feedback from mystery shoppers as they are defensive and reluctant to accept it.   [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="393"] Oliver Ashton of JUMP[/caption] Oliver Ashton of JUMP, a Shoreditch based provider of apprenticeship schemes hit the stage with huge enthusiasm. He was accompanied by living, smiling proof of the benefits of Apprenticeships in the shape of Wale and Harry, two apprentices who were now working for him and finding career progression and personal fulfilment in having a secure job for the first time. They were pleased to share their experience with the audience in order to encourage more Members to consider becoming involved in the Apprenticeships scheme. [caption id="attachment_8496" align="aligncenter" width="448"] Oliver Ashton of JUMP (centre) with his apprentices Harry and Wale[/caption] Last up came Simon Woolgrove, Senior Buyer for private members Club Achica, who painted an impressive picture of a rapidly expanding business which from its beginnings in 2010 has already gained 4 million members worldwide, is now delivering to 38 countries and growing at a rate of 25,000 members a week.  An impressive track record; and much more to come. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="336"] Simon Woolgrove, Achica[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="336"] New Laboratory Account Manager Vikki Bradshaw was on hand to give advice on testing services that Assay Office Birmingham can provide[/caption] After a very positive morning there was a real buzz of enthusiasm as the day moved on into smaller focus groups and surgeries in the afternoon.  [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="448"] The Laboratory at Assay Office Birmingham took part in the surgeries too[/caption] Congratulations and thank you to everyone involved in organising this very professional event.   

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