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By Brown Chimezie
As part of efforts to empower local retailers, uplift communities, and contribute to economic growth on a profound scale, the international Breweries Plc has launched a Growing Retailers Innovatively Together (GRIT) initiative.
Commenting on the initiative, Nicholas Kade, Sales Director, IBPLC said the transformative programme embodies the core values and commitment of the company.
Kade noted that the essence of the programme is rooted in the understanding that local retailers are the backbone of “our business and communities, often representing the first point of contact for our cherished consumers.
“ In recognition of this symbiotic relationship, we at IBPlc have taken a proactive step forward by launching the Retailer Development Programme.
“This programme is meticulously designed with our retailers’ needs in focus. We aspire to make it a beacon of empowerment, knowledge, and growth. Through comprehensive training in crucial areas such as financial management, stock, marketing, sales and responsible retailing, we aim to equip our retailers with the essential tools to not just survive but thrive in an ever-evolving market landscape.
For his part, Herman Franken, Route Marketing Director, IBPLC, said GRIT has been meticulously carved out to empower retailers.
“This aligns with our core principle which is” we thrive when our communities thrive.”
He pointed out that at the core of the retail development program are three policies that are essential; business skills, financial inclusion, and infrastructure.
He said these essentials stand as a foundation of a comprehensive and holistic approach to retailers’ empowerment. “We recognise in today’s dynamic and rapidly changing business landscape the ability to adapt. We all know how volatile Nigeria’s environment has. So we want to kit our retailers to be able to respond to the volatility. Our retailers will be provided with a variety of learning experiences that blend with digital , classroom, and real live training not only to survive but to grow.”
The Country Program Director, Techno Serve, Ayokanmi Ayoba, noted that the company has been working with enterprising people all over developing countries to build individuals, markets, industries, and banks.
“In this initiative, we train the trainers with cutting edge retail strategies and insight in a rapidly evolving landscape.” She said the goal of the initiative is to empower retailers with tools, knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a competitive market and we have delivered this through the retailers development programs an initiative in collaboration with IBPlc.
“We are about sustainability of the government’s goal. The goal of quality education is part of what IBPlc is doing today. It is a rich curriculum that is highly beneficial and will impact positivity on every retailer, community, and economy.
In his remarks, Ogunaike Ayodapo, the Commercial Officer II of Small and Medium Enterprises Development of Nigeria (SMEDAN), who represented the Director General of the association, Dr Wale Fasanya, appreciated IBPLC for the initiative, adding that the program is in sync with its mandate to develop and grow SMEs in nigeria. “I’m convinced that the training will increase the capacity and sales margin of the retailers and ultimately influence the communities positively.
