GMG Radio launches training course with Institute of Sales and Marketing

The year-long course will cover subjects such as understanding strategic marketing, advanced negotiation and presentation skills, and GMG Radio claims it is the first time a media company has offered an ISM qualification.

Sales account managers from Real Radio, Smooth Radio and GMG Radio Solutions who take GMG Radio's new internal training course called Bright Sparks, will also get an Advanced Media Sales diploma.

Stuart Taylor, chief executive of GMG Radio, said: "GMG invests a lot of time and effort into developing its people and I am delighted participants on our new Bright Sparks course will not only broaden their skills and knowledge, but will receive a recognised qualification at the end of it.

"This is something totally new in UK media companies and we are proud to be the first to offer it."

GMG Radio will begin interviewing internal candidates in November and the first module will start at the beginning of 2012.

Earlier this month, Andy Carter, Smooth Radio's managing director, was promoted to group managing director of GMG Radio, following the departure of Billy Anderson, who left the company to lead a consortium to buy GMG Radio's Scottish Rock Radio.

This article was first published on mediaweek.co.uk