The new chairman of the BII, Anthony Pender, has promised to make the organisation more ‘relevant’ and ‘respected’.
In his first official interview, with BIIBusiness magazine, since being selected for the role in November, he outlines his plans for the future.
Pender said: “The BII is still respected, but I don’t think people feel it’s relevant to them at the moment.”
He believes the industry wants an organisation that truly represents its members and needs a strong professional body to support its workforce. He admits the BII had ‘lost its way’ but welcomes the goodwill within the sector for the organisation’s future.
BII support services
The BII offers a comprehensive range of support services designed to help members meet all the challenges of running their businesses. This includes 24-hour legal helplines, one-to-one mentoring, comprehensive HR support, significant discounts on a range of products and services and twice-weekly e-shots giving advice and updates on a range of topics.
Pender has promised to focus on supporting the needs of BII members as well as raising standards and promoting careers in the sector.
Careers
He said he believes the role of the BII is also to help people realise their career aspirations and nurture the business leaders of the future.
“It’s really important that we bring young members on board and give them the tools to progress their careers. It’s a message we need to bring to the regions and out to young people,” he said.
Look again at the BII
He advised non-members of the BII to look again at the organisation.
“Don’t just join the BII, but take a look at what we are doing, then consider what membership can bring you,” he said.
Pender is also founder and managing director at the five-strong Yummy Pub Company and is vice chairman of the Perceptions Group, the award-winning initiative to promote the pub sector as a career option. He has worked at Yummy Pub Company for seven years.
About BII
BII is a registered charity and the leading professional body for the licensed retail sector. BII’s mission is to promote high standards of professionalism throughout the licensed retail sector; to encourage new entrants into the industry, and to help them develop their long-term careers.
Wholly owned by BII, BIIAB is the leading awarding body for the licensed retail sector. BIIAB is accredited by Ofqual and the Scottish Qualifications Authority. Over 1.5 million BIIAB qualifications have been processed to date.
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