10 February 2006
PHOTO RETAILERS can play a major role in the creation of national staff training standards designed to help ensure the future of their business, PMA UK Director Nigel McNaught said today.
He is urging them to respond to the first draft of a new industry wide training strategy which has been drawn up by Skillset, the industry's national training organisation.
Said Nigel, who is also a Skillset board member: "If the "bricks and mortar" photo retail trade is to survive it's vital that those who work in it can exploit its one big advantage - the personal touch.
"Many people looking for a digital camera, for instance, not only want but need advice and guidance and are happy to pay that little bit extra for it on the High Street.
"Competent, technically aware staff are essential therefore but so are staff who have a positive, helpful attitude and are able to make the customer feel welcome, comfortable and confident."
The draft Skillset strategy covers the training needs of the different groups within the photographic and imaging industry, not just photo retailers and minilab operators, but also photographers, manufacturers and photo libraries.
"Everyone can make a contribution," said Nigel. "We very much want and would welcome the thoughts of retailers whatever the size of their business or whether they are based in the big metropolitan areas or in small country towns.
"All they have to do is log on to www.skillset.org/photo and follow the links."