Chartered Institute of Credit Management LMS

Star Performance. Julian Winfield, UK Chief Executive of Hoist Finance, considers The prospect of future growth for  non-performing loans in Europe in 2020.  ARTICLE June 2019

Country Focus, Ethiopia. Adam Bernstein focuses on the African nation showing signs of real growth prospects. Part One: Ethiopia - Out of Africa.  ARTICLE June 2019

Export Controls. Lesley Batchelor, Director General of The Institute of Export and International Trade, looks at the vital role that controls play for exporters.  ARTICLE June 2019

International Trade. Andrea Kirkby, gives a roundup of the latest stores in global trade including, Russian Stagnation, Euler Hermes recent 'Big Switch' study, Bad news for British Exporting, Spotlight on India, Dangerous Chemicals, Middle East Construction, Interesting announcements from The Association of British Insurers, China Cashflow Crisis.  ARTICLE June 2019

Disputing Terms. Jamie Ashford, International Debt Recovery Lawyer, Bierens Debt Recovery Lawyers, discusses the importance of setting different terms for different region.  ARTICLE June 2019

The Forgotten Art of E-Billing. Joe Pettit, e-billing and collections expert, explains how finding the most efficient approach to the collections process requires investment in intelligent automation.   ARTICLE June 2019

Winning Ticket. Credit Management speaks to the winners of 2019 British Credit Awards about what it means to them.  ARTICLE June 2019

Cash Flows. Peter Walker, freelance business writer, discusses an interesting case in which a polluted river and ill-considered dividends led to an interesting case of fraud.  ARTICLE June 2019

Table Turning. In this month's sector focus, Credit Management takes a look at one restaurant that has turned its fortunes around.  ARTICLE June 2019

Compensation Culture. Gareth Edwards, a partner in the  employment team at Veale Wasbrough Vizards, explains a case agency worker that is paid a different rate to a permanent employee and makes a claim.  ARTICLE June 2019

Slamming Suppresants. This month's Soapbox Challenge confronts the rise of celebrity product endorsements online and on social media.   ARTICLE June 2019

Technically Speaking. Credit Management asked the members of the CICM Think Tank what tech they can't do without and why.  ARTICLE June 2019

Changing Skillset. Karen Young, Director at Hays  Credit Management, says some of the skills required by a modern credit professional might be quite unexpected.  ARTICLE June 2019

Tracking Down Debtors. Myron Fedak of the Sheffield CICM Branch reports on the second branch meeting of 2019.  ARTICLE June 2019

Find out about the ripple effect and its impact on those working in credit EBUZZ June 2019

Moving with the times. Michelle Thorp, CEO, Insolvency Practitioners' Association (IPA), discusses the importance of embracing technology following a trip to Belfast and the use of cheques as a form of payment (United Kingdon).  ARTICLE May 2019

Evolving Times. Pete Whitemore, Chairman of the CICM, tells a tale from 12,000 years ago about a caveman called Pip King and the importance of sharing knowledge.  ARTICLE May 2019

Iron Will. Sean Feast, Managing Editor, speaks to outgoing President of R3, Stuart Frith, about the insolvency profession, Consett Steel works, and the likelihood of Leeds United making the Premier League.  ARTICLE May 2019

CICMQ accreditation. Britvic Soft Drinks Ltd, Sony DADC Europe, Ab Agri and Hays report on their CICMQ accreditations.  ARTICLE May 2019

An Englishman's castle. Andrew Wilson, Chairman of the High Court Enforcement Officers Association (HCEOA) explains what could be considered a fair notice period for eviction (England).  ARTICLE May 2019

Back to the Future. Sean Feast FCICM, reports on how a Canadian commercial debt collector advocating Chinese Water torture has left many in the industry hot under the collar.   ARTICLE May 2019

Seeing is Believing. James Campbell, Secretary for the European Freight Trades Association, asks whether credit reference agencies are the Achilles Heel for credit managers trying to spot bogus accounts?  ARTICLE May 2019

Setting up Shop. Adam Bernstein completes the second part of the country focus on the UAE. This article looks at the many cultural and economic differences to consider when doing business in the region.  ARTICLE May 2019

Customs Courses. Lesley Batchelor, Director General of The Institute of Export and International Trade, writes about the different trade organisations and their role in helping British businesses export (United Kingdom).  ARTICLE May 2019

International Trade. Andrea Kirkby, gives a roundup of the latest stores in global trade including, US and China trade disagreements, an oil mist filter manufacturers export success, Euler Hermes new Open Data Portal, the 'new' trade deals announced by the UK, Vietnam's export value, Credendo's Innovation Library, AU Group's progress, Atradius' research into emerging markets for 2019, the impasse over Brexit negotiations, and Nuhr - a Blackburn candle company exporting to Saudi Arabia.  ARTICLE May 2019

What's on the Menu? Markus Kuger, Lead Economist at Dun & Bradstreet, provides an exclusive analysis of the UK restaurant and takeaway sector and the impact Brexit may have on its future. (United Kingdom)  ARTICLE May 2019

Meet our Fellows of the Future. The CICM has launched a new scheme called 'Fellows of the Future', with an aim to support CICM members who show potential to become leaders and role models in the credit profession.   ARTICLE May 2019

What it means to be a Winner. Credit Management asked the winners of the 2019 British Credit Awards what it means to them to win one of the prestigious awards.  ARTICLE May 2019

On the Up? Jason Braidwood FCICM, Head of Credit and Collections, Creditsafe Business Solutions, reports on the latest monthly business to business payment performance statistics (United Kingdom).  ARTICLE May 2019 

Maintain your balance. Tim Blundy, Enterprise Supplier Director - EMEA, C2FO, finds opportunities for global corporations to improve their long and short-term working capital strategies by analysing accounts receivables solutions and overall liquidity and working capital goals.  ARTICLE May 2019

Taking back control. Chris Sanders, Head of Accreditation, CICMQ, talks about his experiences as a mentor through the CICM Mentor Hub and how to go about getting a promotion. ARTICLE May 2019

80 years of the CICM. Branch Network. 2019 marks the 80th anniversary of the Chartered Institute of Credit Management (CICM). This article speaks to four Branch Chair's for their views on the importance of the network.  ARTICLE May 2019

Talking Risks. CICM trainer Jeff Lockhart, outlines his views on credit risk in the business environment.   ARTICLE May 2019

Age Concern. Gareth Edwards, Partner, VWV Employment Law Solicitors, advises on age discrimination, the gender pay gapy and whistleblowing in the public interest (England). ARTICLE May 2019

Boy Burglar. Derek Scott, a freelance business writer, tells a tale of a young lad's first job, a misplaced set of keys and the King's funeral.  ARTICLE May 2019

A reporting health check -  how to make credit and debt reports fit  for purpose EBUZZ May 2019

Private Hays consultants candidate assessment management area - accessible only to Hays members. PREMIUM CORPORATE PARTNER BENEFIT

This course supports preparation for the CICM Level 2 Award in Business Communications and Personal Skills or is a step in your journey towards Level 2 Credit Controller/Collector Apprenticeship. The course includes pre-course elearning and reading, seven modules covering all syllabus areas, assignment writing advice, a resources section and course completion certificate for learners who complete key activities and course evaluations. The course takes approximately 90 hours to complete. Course fees apply. Course modules cover: communication tools and skills, developing personal workplace skills, relationship building, teamwork, issue resolution, evidencing effective teamwork, reflection and evolution. Email learningsupport@cicm.com or call 01780 722909 to purchase course. ELEARNING 2019 Premium Content 

Standard Bearer. Michelle Thorp, CEO, Insolvency Practitioners' Association (IPA), discusses the benefits of competition between the professional and reulatory bodies that focus on insolvency. (United Kingdom).  ARTICLE April 2019

As simple as ABC. Philip King, Chief Executive of CICM, writes about the recent the state of the High Street, in particular the  administration of Patisserie Holdings PLC. He also discusses the work of the branch network in hosting meetings and events. (United Kingdom).  ARTICLE April 2019

Flying Visit. Sean Feast, Managing Editor, speaks to John Pears, UK Managing Director of Lowell, about collections, customer communications, and the flying characteristics of the De Havilland Chipmunk. (United Kingdom).  ARTICLE April 2019

CICMQ accreditation. Ab Agri and Hays report on their CICMQ accreditation.  ARTICLE April 2019

Ice Magic. Sean Feast, Managing Editor, speaks to Phil Andrew, Chief Executive of StepChange Debt Charity, about debt advice, future funding, and the dangers of catastrophic glacial decantation. (United Kingdom).  ARTICLE April 2019

Show Me The Money. Peter Wallwork, CEO of the Credit Services Association (CSA) and Henry Aitchison, Head of Policy, discuss the money merry-go-round of debt advice and how it is confusing how future funding should be raised and spent.  ARTICLE April 2019

Data Reliability. Christina Massaad, Managing Director of Cedar Rose, explains the importance of up-to-date data in an automated credit report. (United Kingdom).  ARTICLE April 2019

Audit Angst. Kevin Reed, looks at whether it's time for lenders to break the cycle of 'Big-Four auditor-only' covenants. (United Kingdom).  ARTICLE April 2019

Size Matters. Lesley Batchelor, Director General of The Institute of Export and International Trade, writes about the outcome of Brexit discussions and the different repercussions for different businesses. (United Kingdom).  ARTICLE April 2019

International Trade. Andrea Kirkby, gives a roundup of the latest stores in global trade including, export sales leads on a UK government website, the opportunities in Hungary for baby products, China's fall in imports and exports, new EU trade deals, the value of exports from ONS, the slowing down of Australia's economy, and reusable coffee cups.   ARTICLE April 2019

Back on Track. Lawrie Holmes, reports on the differing views on the financial health of the debt collection/purchasing sector. (United Kingdom).  ARTICLE April 2019

80 years of the CICM. 2019 marks the 80th anniversary of the Chartered Institute of Credit Management (CICM). See a timeline in this article which tracks key events and figures that influenced the Governance and Structure.  ARTICLE April 2019

Taking the P? David Kerr, Insolvency Practitioner, writes about the change to HMRC's preferential creditor status. (England)  ARTICLE April 2019

Mainly Overcast With a Few Bright Spots. Jason Braidwood, Head of Credit and Collections, Creditsafe Business Solutions, reports on the latest monthly business to business payment performance statistics (United Kingdom).  ARTICLE April 2019

What The Future Holds. Tanya Arrowsmith, Marketing Manager EMEA, HighRadius, reports from the world's largest order-to-cash networking event.  ARTICLE April 2019

L3 Advanced Enforcement. The launch of the CICM and High Court Enforcement Officers Association (HCEOA) Award with a new online course on the CICM Knowledge Hub.  ARTICLE April 2019

Knowledge Tests. Check your knowledge of key credit management, collections and enforcement areas with these knowledge tests. ARTICLE April 2019

Crime and Punishment. Gareth Edwards, Partner, VWV Employment Law Solicitors, advises on the legalities surrounding future employees checking criminal records.   ARTICLE April 2019

When Creditors Fall Out. Peter Walker writes about creditors of joint debts owed by insolvent debtors must try to agree on the way to proceed, and not be distracted by personal considerations.  ARTICLE April 2019

Personnel Development. Karen Young, Director, Hays Credit Management, explains how recruitment in credit management has changed and continues to evolve. ARTICLE April 2019

Are you a leader or follower? Find out more about how CICMQ accreditation can deliver dramatic improvements in cashflow and efficiency.  ARTICLE April 2019

The Role of Debt Sale in Commercial Credit. Karen Savage, Chief Operating Officer at Azzurro Associates, talks about her recent move to the commercial debt purchaser.  ARTICLE April 2019

From the Archive. A summary of articles from the 1971 issue of Credit Management, including company liquidation in the UK, and credit sanctions and the long-term contract.  ARTICLE April 2019

International trade. Andrea Kirkby, Euler Hermes gives a roundup of the latest stores in global trade including trading on Amazon, the depreciation of the Turkish lira, a challenging year for trade credit insurance, the trade war between the US and China, the Moroccan markets, the Ethiopian economy, the state of the construction sector.  ARTICLE March 2019

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Claiming damages. Sean Feast, Managing Editor, Credit Management, investigates the impact of spurious claims against lenders, collections agencies and buyers in order, effectively, to extort money, and asks if claims management companies have found their next unwitting victims (United Kingdom).  ARTICLE March 2019

Robust, trusted and transparent. Michelle Thorpe, CEO, Insolvency Practioners Association (IPA), writes about the work to strengthen regulation of Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVA), and new measures to streamline monitoring visits (England).  ARTICLE March 2019

The Glasgow Ranger. Sean Feast, Managing Editor, Credit Management, speaks to CICM Think Tank member Martin Roseweir, Managing Director of Bill Gosling Outsourcing (AIC UK) about outsourcing, cold relief powders, and holidays in a Talbot Sunbeam (United Kingdom).  ARTICLE March 2019

Healing hands. Sean Feast, Managing Editor, Credit Management, interviews Matt Barlow from Christians Against Poverty about his faith, Fair Share funding, and the joys of Rugby Union (United Kingdom).  ARTICLE March 2019

The gentle touch. Heather Greig-Smith, a freelance business journalist, speaks to a number of collections agencies about the vulnerability training they provide (United Kingdom).  ARTICLE March 2019

The small print. Lesley Batchelor, Director General, Institute of Export and International Trade, looks at the importance of international terms and conditions for businesses that are exporting from the United Kingdom.  ARTICLE March 2019

Star of the series. In the first of a new series, Credit Management celebrates studying members who excelled in their online exams.  ARTICLE March 2019

Diverse thinking. Karen Young, Director of Hays Credit Management writes about whether the diversity of credit management workplaces (United Kingdom). ARTICLE March 2019

Not a pretty sight. Jason Braidwood, Head of Credit and Collections, Creditsafe Business Solutions, reports on the latest monthly business to business payment performance statistics in the United Kingdom.  ARTICLE March 2019

Growing pains. Markus Kuger, Lead Economist at Dun & Bradstreet, examines the difficulties the construction sector is facing and the wider impact on the economy (United Kingdom).  ARTICLE March 2019

Risk and reward. Chris Sanders, Head of Accreditation, CICMQ, looks at how credit managers should deal with difficult customers.  ARTICLE March 2019

Recovery options under regulated agreements. Dominic Jones, Senior Associate, Finance Litigation at DWF advises on what to do when a regulated hire purchase agreement falls into default.  ARTICLE March 2019

CICMQ accreditation Omincom and Shell report on their CICMQ accreditation  ARTICLE March 2019

Discriminating against a disabled employee. Gareth Edwards, Partner, VWV Employment Law Solicitors, advises on how to determine sick pay for part-time employees, calculate national minimum wage and combat the rise in claims.  ARTICLE March 2019

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Private forum for Hays members CORPORATE MEMBER BENEFIT

Private forum for Office Depot members CORPORATE MEMBER BENEFIT

Private forum for Places for People members CORPORATE MEMBER BENEFIT

Private forum for First Ram Insurance members LEARNING PARTNER BENEFIT

This course supports preparation for the CICM Level 3 Award in Credit Management (Trade, Export and Consumer) or Level 3 Advanced Credit Controller/Debt Collection Specialist Apprenticeship. The course includes pre-course elearning and reading, 21 elearning modules covering all syllabus areas,  practice exam questions and a course completion certificate for learners who complete key activities and pass a mock exam. The course takes approximately 100 hours to complete. Course fees apply. Course modules cover: value of credit, organisation of the credit function, credit customers and arrangements, credit risk control, credit documents and systems, collections methods and legal action. Email learningsupport@cicm.com or call 01780 722909 to purchase course. ELEARNING 2020 Premium Content 

This course supports preparation for the CICM Level 3 Award in Advanced Enforcement which is an Ofqual regulated qualification or Level 3 Advanced Credit Controller/Debt Collections Apprenticeship (Debt recovery and Enforcement pathway). The High Court Enforcement Officers Association (HCEOA), the Local Authority Civil Enforcement Forum (LACEF) and the Certified Enforcement Agents Association (CEAA) endorse and review the course and related Taking Control of Goods Guidance annually. The course includes pre-course activities, ten modules covering all syllabus areas, assignment writing advice, a resources section and course completion certificate for learners who complete key activities and course evaluation. The course takes approximately 100 hours to complete and course fees apply. Learners studying through the CICM Learning Support Service have free access to the course as part of their programme. Course modules cover advanced enforcement areas including: Taking Control of Goods, powers and obligations of enforcement agents, risk management, legal, regulatory and industry frameworks, prescribed form completion, customer care, vulnerable customers, conflict management, personal effectiveness and reflective practice. Email learningsupport@cicm.com or call 01780 722909 to purchase course. ELEARNING 2019 Premium Content 

Looking ahead. Pete Whitmore, Credit Manager and Chair of the Chartered Institute of Credit Management, advises that credit managers should never underestimate the value of strong customer relationships.  ARTICLE January/February 2019

Trust, transparency, consistency and confidence. Michelle Thorpe, CEO, Insolvency Practioners Association (IPA), reports that a key area of IPA's work is to review, evolve and strengthen regulation to ensure that creditors can have confidence in the UK's insolvency regime (England).  ARTICLE January/February 2019

Tomorrow is another day. Sean Feast, Managing Editor, Credit Management, asks experts to predict what the future holds following a busy 12 months in the world of consumer collections (England), with contributions from Peter Wallwork, CEO, Credit Services Association; Steve Murray, CEO, Ardent Credit Services; John Pears, UK Managing Director, Lowells; David Sheridan, Operations Director, ABC Europe Debbie Nolan, CEO, Arvato; Nick Cherry, Managing Director, Phillips & Cohen; Martin Roseweir, Managing Director, AIC UK; Paul Jarman, Interim Head of UK Operations, Hoist Finance; Eddie Nott, UK Managing Director, Intrum.  ARTICLE January/February 2019

Powering through CICMQ assessment. Gazprom Energy and Roche Diabetes Care report on their CICM Quality (CICMQ) accreditation experience and the impact on their operations.  ARTICLE January/February 2019

Chemical reaction. Sean Feast, Managing Editor, Credit Management, talks to Tim Vine, Head of European Trade Credit, Dun & Bradstreet, about business information, the future of credit management and the relevance of a degree in Chemistry.  ARTICLE January/February 2019

A classical dilemma. David Andrews, a freelance business journalist, reports on the Brexit debacle and what might be to come (Europe).  ARTICLE January/February 2019

The Island of Ireland: Part three - Northern Lights. Adam Bernstein, a freelance business journalist, reports that Northern Ireland is one of the fastest growing regions in the UK.  ARTICLE January/February 2019

Panic stations. Lesley Batchelor, Director General, Institute of Export and International Trade, advises that businesses should for every eventuality after Brexit (Europe).  ARTICLE January/February 2019

International Trade. Andrea Kirkby, Euler Hermes gives a roundup of the latest stores in global trade including: car sales, French exports, Sri Lanka, China, Latin America, Ukraine, emerging currencies, Tall Security Group and Queens Award for Enterprise.  ARTICLE January/February 2019

Sale or return. Andrew Wilson, Chairman of the High Court Enforcement Officers Association (HCEOA) explains why enforcement agents sell the goods they take into control.  ARTICLE January/February 2019

Pulling the wool. Derek Scott, a freelance writer, explains that looks can be deceptive and costly, especially when it comes to the granting of credit.  ARTICLE January/February 2019

Reasons to be cheerful? Jason Braidwood, Head of Credit and Collections, Creditsafe Business Solutions, reports on the latest monthly business to business payment performance statistics (United Kingdom).  ARTICLE January/February 2019