Whirlpool UK expands training support

Whirlpool UK announces the expansion of its training support. Five retail consultants have recently been appointed to boost the training function under the direction of Ray Isted, Head of Training.

“Face-to-face training is probably the most familiar and popular with retailers.  It is a great way to get to know the culture for both parties, ask questions and address any issues.  It is also a method that suits the retailer; few are able to send staff for training off-site in this day and age, so our new team is there to provide additional support and assistance.

“Training is the lifeblood of the industry and vital for the future of every brand.  Knowledge breeds confidence and professional performance.  With the consumer often knowing exactly what they want when they come to buy, it is essential that the retailer can offer that final reassuring depth of product knowledge at the point of sale.  The expansion to our training team will be a tremendous asset,” comments Ray Isted.

Whirlpool UK has its very own training facility and showroom, ‘ATHOME’, designed to enlighten trade partners across all four of the company’s brands Amana, KitchenAid, Maytag and Whirlpool. This is available for use by retailer partners, as well as our suppliers and outside associations and organisations, and is designed to deliver tailored and bespoke training programmes.  This is ideal for those who can invest the time away from the store.

“We feel that the retailer benefits tremendously by arranging time out and visiting ATHOME.  We create individual and on-going interactive training programmes ensuring that delegates’ involvement is guaranteed.  The more you enjoy it, the more you will remember it too!” explains Ray.

“This gives them the opportunity to see the portfolio of appliances and have the luxury of learning every aspect of the company, from its heritage, brand values and meet the people behind the brand in uninterrupted comfort.  To be able to touch, see and feel every product is a big experience, and will often take knowledge to a greater level with the spin-off of adding value at the point of sale and ultimately to the bottom line,” comments Ray.

Whirlpool’s other training initiative includes their bespoke online training tool, which is a substantial and comprehensive programme of retailer/trade specific product training modules. These may be fully customised according to the need of each retailer’s requirement. The training tool has been designed to embrace the technology behind the Whirlpool range as well as addressing different generic product functions, usability, cleaning and maintenance, safety and energy efficiency. And, of course, it’s available 24/7, and perfect for a staff looking to gain that extra edge of professionalism.

Ray concludes: “The current economic environment impacts on everyone and it its really important for retailers to focus on long-term strategy in order to achieve growth in challenging times.  Retailers and the most successful organisations, with a clear focus, invest more heavily in training to lay strong foundations for future growth – this is why training is so important and is the bedrock for the future.

“No matter what your business is, training and keeping staff motivated and up-to-date with industry trends and new technologies is essential to achieving sustainability.  When all is said and done, the make-or-break factor depends on the skill of your shop floor team, which is why we are investing in the most beneficial methods of training. Best of all, it will have a positive effect on performance and an impact on the bottom line.”

For more information on Whirlpool’s retailer training please email Ray Isted to discuss your training needs at: Ray_Isted@Whirlpool.com

Ends

Image caption: Ray Isted, Head of Training, Whirlpool UK

Whirlpool Europe

With around 12,500 employees, a sales presence in over 30 European countries and manufacturing sites in seven countries, Whirlpool Europe is a wholly owned subsidiary of Whirlpool Corporation. The world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, Whirlpool Corporation has annual sales of approximately $19 billion, 70,000 employees, and 67 manufacturing and technology research centres around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn Air, Amana, Brastemp, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. Whirlpool’s European Operations’ Centre is located in Comerio (VA) Italy. For further information on the company, please visit the website www.whirlpoolcorp.com

13th April 2010

For further press information and images please contact:
Jacqueline at JM Marketing

Tel: 01536 414555

Email: Jacqueline@jmmarketingservices.co.uk

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