Sales training across the print industry has been a long-term problem.  The cost of training coupled with the time spent out of the office has meant that sales training has always been challenging for the industry. Yet sales training is critical if our sector is to grow and succeed.

This is a stance acknowledged by the BPIF which is why they have launched their own virtual Sales Academy in partnership with Advance, who are leaders in the field of sales training. The BPIF Sales Academy provides their Members with access to high quality sales training at an affordable and always discounted price. All of the training is accessible via an online virtual classroom which means that their Members can access the e-training anywhere in the world, 24/7 online at a time and place to suit them.

Richard Gray, Commercial Director at BPIF says, "We firmly believe that the industry needs to invest in skills development. It is widely acknowledged that there is a sales skills gap and we hope that our Sales Academy will provide Members with the skills they need to grow their businesses and win more sales. We have partnered with Advance because much of their course content is about sales process disciplines that can be communicated just as well on-line, as long as it is done in an active and creative way. We ensure that the online training is delivered in an engaging and interactive way by using expertly blended interactive media including video, animation, audio and textual material."

Members can choose to access e-training modules and programmes with prices starting from £50 plus VAT. The Sales Academy is supported by an online community which provides learners with help and support, as well as the opportunity to network with other business professionals.

Interactive role plays throughout the modules together with the way that the e-training is delivered means that BPIF Members can immediately make use of the skills they have learnt in their place of work. Also included within the cost is the chance to download course notes at the end of each session. Members can set their own personal objectives along the way and track their progress.

BPIF Members can benefit from a special offer up the end of June 2011. Buy a user licence and access the Professional Selling Skills Foundation Programme at a substantially discounted price.  This Programme gives Members access to over seven hours of sales training and will provide them with the skills needed to handle important sales meetings, including how to have an intelligent but persuasive meeting with key contacts. It consists of six modules and is a prerequisite for anyone working in a client-facing role. Single user Programmes can be purchased from as little as £160. For more information visit: www.britishprint.com/salesacademy