Chartered Institute of Credit Management LMS

Fellows of the future. Do you know someone working in credit who has shown the potential to become a future leader or are you looking for a boost in your credit career? Find out about the 'Fellows of the future' scheme here.   ARTICLE January/February 2019

Brief encounters. George Hassler reflects on what a summer spent working in a cinema box office can teach us about respect.  ARTICLE January/February 2019

Payments received? David Kerr, Insolvency Practitioner, explains what happens when a liquidator claims back the  money paid pre-liquidation (England). ARTICLE January/February 2019

Reaping the rewards. Hilary Lewis, CICM Corporate Member Co-ordinator, explains how training at Travis Perkins is building confidence and inspiring further education.  ARTICLE January/February 2019

Reaching the top. Alice Purdy, Performance Manager - Customer Contact Business and Community Solutions, E.ON Energy, explains the role CICM training has played in helping a credit manager fulfil her lofty ambitions.  ARTICLE January/February 2019

Your specialism is our specialism. Find out more about how CICM's specialist team can help you deliver tailored and bespoke training for your credit team.  ARTICLE January/February 2019

New Year, new role. Karen Young, Director, Hays Credit Management, explains how to secure a pay rise in the New Year.  ARTICLE January/February 2019

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

Collection technique has changed significantly over recent years and those who stay abreast of modern collection practice stand the best chance of success. This CICM webinar covers best practice approach to telephone collections. Presenter: Jules Eames MCICM (Grad). CICM Lead Teacher. Broadcast: 5 March 2018; 10 minutes WEBINAR 2018

This is a private study text and learning resource area for tutors and coaches working with CICM Credit Academy learners.

This course supports preparation for the Taking Control of Goods (TCG) qualifying examination and an enforcement agent’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD). The CICM Level 2 Award in Taking Control of Goods is Ofqual regulated and meets the certification requirements of enforcement agents as determined by the Ministry of Justice. The High Court Enforcement Officers Association (HCEOA), the Local Authority Civil Enforcement Forum (LACEF) and the Certified Enforcement Agents Association (CEAA) endorse the course and review the TCG Guidance for Enforcement Agents annually. The course includes TCG Guidance, practice exam questions, a mock exam and a resource section with regulation and forms and takes around 90 hours to complete. Learners who complete key activities can print a course completion certificate to prove CPD. Course fees apply (free for CICM members along with other CPD resources on CICM Knowledge Hub). Course modules cover: Role of enforcement agents, law relevant to enforcement agents, practice of Taking Control of Goods, practice of removal and sale of goods, customer care and how to manage conflict situations. Email learningsupport@cicm.com or call 01780 722909 to purchase course. ELEARNING 2018 Premium Content

Purchase these 60 sample online examination questions to test your Business Environment knowledge. The questions are ideal preparation if you are working towards a CICM qualification. Questions cover six areas: the economy, the organisation, organisational management, the market environment, the competitive environment, the macro-economic influences on the organisation, and are of the same standard as CICM qualifying exams.  Pass a mock exam at the end in 60 minutes to access a course completion certificate. Note: Course fees for any CICM Credit Academy programme (virtual classroom, in-company class or Learning Support Service) include these questions - check with your learning provider first, if you have one, before purchase. Email learningsupport@cicm.com or call 01780 722909 to purchase a 12-month licence for these questions. Elearning 2018 Premium Content   

Purchase these 60 sample online examination questions to test your Business Law knowledge. The questions are ideal preparation if you are working towards a CICM qualification. Questions cover five areas: the English legal system, law of contract, Sales of Goods, Services and related topics, agency, other contractual matters, and are of the same standard as CICM qualifying exams.  Pass a mock exam at the end in 60 minutes to access a course completion certificate. Note: Course fees for any CICM Credit Academy programme (virtual classroom, in-company class or Learning Support Service) include these questions - check with your learning provider first, if you have one, before purchase. Email learningsupport@cicm.com or call 01780 722909 to purchase a 12-month licence for these questions. Elearning 2018 Premium Content   

Purchase these 60 sample online examination questions to test your Consumer Credit Management knowledge. The questions are ideal preparation if you are working towards a CICM qualification. Questions cover six areas: role and effect of consumer credit, organisation of the credit function, marketing of consumer credit, credit risk control, credit documents and systems, collections methods and recovery methods, and are of the same standard as CICM qualifying exams.  Pass a mock exam at the end in 60 minutes to access a course completion certificate. Note: Course fees for any CICM Credit Academy programme (virtual classroom, in-company class or Learning Support Service) include these questions - check with your learning provider first, if you have one, before purchase. Email learningsupport@cicm.com or call 01780 722909 to purchase a 12-month licence for these questions. Elearning 2018 Premium Content   

Purchase these 60 sample online examination questions to test your Trade Credit Management knowledge. The questions are ideal preparation if you are working towards a CICM qualification. Questions cover six areas: value of credit, organisation of the credit function, credit customers and arrangements, credit risk control, credit documents and systems, collections methods and legal action, and are of the same standard as CICM qualifying exams.  Pass a mock exam at the end in 60 minutes to access a course completion certificate. Note: Course fees for any CICM Credit Academy programme (virtual classroom, in-company class or Learning Support Service) include these questions - check with your learning provider first, if you have one, before purchase. Email learningsupport@cicm.com or call 01780 722909 to purchase a 12-month licence for these questions. Elearning 2018 Premium Content   

First impressions.  Philip King, Chief Executive, CICM, reflects on a busy and exciting year for the CICM and a series of 'firsts', including, ITN Credit Champions documentary, CICM Knowledge Hub, Mentor Hub and the launch of the new CICM branch in Ireland.  ARTICLE December 2018

Plus Ca Change?  Sean Feast, Managing Editor, Gravity, considers if it is time for the larger free debt advice organisations to merge or will they continue to ignore the elephant in the room.    ARTICLE December 2018

On the front foot.  Sean Feast, Managing Editor, Gravity, speaks to Derek Usher, Managing Director, Cabot Credit Management's UK Debt purchase business, about debt purchase, customer engagement and the batting style of Geoffrey Boycott.  ARTICLE December 2018

Budget surprises.  Frances Coulson, Head of Litigation, Moon Beever Solicitors, questions if it is time to dust off your old manuals.  In the world of insolvency and therefore in the wider credit arena, two areas of the budget sent shock waves through the finance and insolvency professions and will have a radical effect on credit, business start-ups and rescue as well as the very concept of liability.  These proposals allow HMRC - as judge jury and executioner - to determine when a company is guilty of tax evasion or avoidance, or phoenixism, and look directly to directors for recovery.  ARTICLE December 2018

Passport to Export.  Lauren Carter, Managing Director, Vantage Credit, questions how can best-practice credit management support international growth.  ARTICLE December 2018

Victory for law and common sense.  Peter Walker, Freeland Business Writer, reports that payments due in construction contracts can be very complicated and a cause of disputes - not easy for credit managers.  ARTICLE December 2018

A true collaboration.  Lesley Batchelor, Director General, The Institute of Export and International Trade, reports on working with the UK Export Finance to implement the Government's Export Strategy.  ARTICLE December 2018

International Trade.  Andrea Kirby provides a monthly round-up of the latest stories in global trade (USA, Russia, East Africa, Portugal, Europe, Argentina, Japan).  ARTICLE December 2018

Country focus.  Ireland: Part two.  Business matters.  Adam Bernstein, Freelance Business Writer, reviews the mechanics and legalities of doing business in Ireland.  ARTICLE December 2018

Drive, Drive, Drive. Chris Sanders, Head of Accreditation, CICM, questions what drives debt in your organisation and whose responsibility is it.  It is true that the sales ledger is the window into an organisation's processes.  ARTICLE December 2018

Bah Humbug.  Jason Braidwood, Head of Credit and Collections at Creditsafe Business Solutions.  The latest monthly business to business payment performance statistics.  ARTICLE December 2018

A bright future.  Karen Young, Director, Hays Credit Management, reports salaries rise faster outside of London as credit professionals continue to be in demand.  ARTICLE December 2018

The European Order for Payment.  Susan Connolly, Senior Associate Commercial Litigation and Professional Indemnity, advises how to use an EOP to enforce cros- border debt. (Europe)  ARTICLE December 2018

Risky business.  Nalanda Matia, Senior Director, Econometrics Solutions at Dun & Bradstreet, provides a global outlook of business performance in Q3.  ARTICLE December 2018

Unintended consequences.  Gareth Edwards, Partner, Veale Wasbrough Vizards, reports giving notice but not resigning, searching an employee's mobile phone, and the new parental bereavement act.  ARTICLE December 2018

Budget 2018.  David Kerr, Insolvency Practitioner, consider the potential impact on insolvency following the budget announcement.  ARTICLE December 2018

The problem with 'not invented here'.  Sean Feast, Managing Editor, Gravity, says he is yet to hear a party in opposition not claim that it will fix the NHS, invest in more housing and eliminate poverty and social injustice once and for all.  Brexit is a great example of this.  ARTICLE November 2018

Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs).  David Kerr, Insolvency Practitioner, asks are IVAs a good deal for creditors? ARTICLE November 2018

Empty promises.  Kevin Reed, Freelance Journalist, considers what the two main political parties said about business during their recent conferences.  In the dense fog that is Brexit, it might have been easy to overlook the recent information and direction of travel coming out of the current government's and opposition's party conference.  ARTICLE November 2018

Educating the bailiff.  Andrew Wilson, Chairman, High Court Enforcement Officers Association (HCEOA), reports that enforcement against goods is still a blunt instrument.  ARTICLE November 2018

The price is right?  James Perry, Vice Chairman, Law Society's Civil Litigation Committee and Director - Technical of the Recoveries team, questions if Solicitors are to publish pricing online from December but will this limit choice?  ARTICLE November 2018

Ice Magic.  Sean Feast, Managing Editor, Gravity, speaks to Dewi Fox, Director, ARC Europe, about swimming, artic rolls and the challenges of running a medium size debt collection agency.  A member of the CICM for more that 20 years, Dewi still engages with the Institute as an active member of the Think Tank.  ARTICLE November 2018

Acquiring knowledge.  Julian Winfield, Chief Executive, Hoist Finance Uk, considers why might further consolidation in the debt purchase and collection industry be good for the consumer?  ARTICLE November 2018

Championing small businesses.   Lesley Batchelor, Director General, The Institute of Export and International Trade, highlights the importance of helping smaller companies to export.  ARTICLE November 2018

International Trade.  Andrea Kirkby, provides a monthly round-up of the latest stories in global trade. (China, Europe, Indonesia, Latin America).  ARTICLE November 2018

Going Dutch.  Sean Feast, Managing Editor, Gravity, speaks to Cees Jansen at the Netherlands Vereniging voor Credit Management (VVCM) (Netherlands) about their credit management association and late payment/average payment dats in the Netherlands.  ARTICLE November 2018

Ireland: Part One, Adam Bernstein, Freelance Business Writer, reviews the sparkle of the Emerald Isle.  Steeped in history and rich with culture, Ireland provides an important market for British exporters. It's not very surprising that the UK Government reckons that the value of bi-lateral trade in the region is one billion euros a week.  (Ireland)  ARTICLE November 2018

Back to school.  Jason Braidwood, Head of Credit and Collections, Creditsafe Business Solutions, reviews the latest monthly business to business payment performance statistics.  ARTICLE November 2018

Big Deal.  Andgela McClean, General Counsel, Credit Services Association & Leigh Berkley, CSA Board Director, review what the UK credit and collections sector look like in a European contex, how the UK should prepare for Brexit and a proposed new EU Directive on credit servicers and purchasers.  ARTICLE November 2018

Recovery of regulated goods.  Jonathan Hall, Senior Associate, Finance Litigation, DWF Law, says seize your asset and do it quickly but get it right!  Get it wrong and there is a price to pay.  ARTICLE November 2018

Winning mentality.  As the deadline for entering the 2019 CICM British Credit Awards passed, Credit Management, asked some of the 2018 winners what it has meant to their businesses to win an award.  ARTICLE November 2018

Credit management essentials.  Build knowledge of key credit management areas.  Get recognition by studying for a CICM award.  ARTICLE November 2018

First class graduates.  Prize winners Jordan Baker and Philip Atkinson reflect on their experiences studying at the University of Plymouth and plans for a career in credit management.  ARTICLE November 2018

Purchase these 60 sample online examination questions to test your Export Credit Management knowledge. The questions are ideal preparation if you are working towards a CICM qualification. Questions cover six areas: value of credit, organisation of the credit function, credit customers and arrangements, credit risk control, credit documents and systems, collections methods and legal action, and are of the same standard as CICM qualifying exams.  Pass a mock exam at the end in 60 minutes to access a course completion certificate. Note: Course fees for any CICM Credit Academy programme (virtual classroom, in-company class or Learning Support Service) include these questions - check with your learning provider first, if you have one, before purchase. Email learningsupport@cicm.com or call 01780 722909 to purchase a 12-month licence for these questions. Elearning 2018 Premium Content  

Purchase these 60 sample online examination questions to test your Consumer Collections knowledge. The questions are ideal preparation if you are working towards a CICM qualification. Questions cover seven areas: principles of consumer collections; legal, regulatory and industry frameworks; obtaining sufficient information to commence consumer collection; consumer collection contact; action in response to continued non-payment; preparation for legal proceedings; effective consumer collection processes, and are of the same standard as CICM qualifying exams.  Pass a mock exam at the end in 60 minutes to access a course completion certificate. Note: Course fees for any CICM Credit Academy programme (virtual classroom, in-company class or Learning Support Service) include these questions - check with your learning provider first, if you have one, before purchase. Email learningsupport@cicm.com or call 01780 722909 to purchase a 12-month licence for these questions. Elearning 2018 Premium Content   

Why we should care about Wonga's demise.  Sean Feast, Managing Editor, Gravity, reports that the appointment of administrators last month was greeted, almost universally, as a victory for the consumer.   ARTICLE October 2018

Company rescue.  Has the Government listened to feedback from creditors?  David Kerr, Insolvency Practitioner & Stuart Hopewell, Managing Director, SRDS and Head of the Pre-Pack Pool, consider the recent Government announcements about reforms on corporate governance and rescue.  ARTICLE October 2018

Sweet dreams.  The incoming chair of the CICM, Pete Whitmore, urges members to dream big.  ARTICLE October 2018

Commercial Realities.  Sean Feast, Managing Editor, Gravity, looks at the issue of commercial debt, with the help of exclusive figures from the Credit Services Association's Data Gathering Initiative. ARTICLE October 2018

Top tips to choosing a commercial debt collector.  Sean Feast, Managing Editor, Gravity, reports such an increase in commercial debt collection by CSA members is against a backdrop of a steadily increasing level of debt being outsourced for collections.  ARTICLE October 2018

Brilliant thoughts.  Sean Feast, Managing Editor, Gravity, caught up with Gavin Jones, Head of Income, Imperial College,  to discuss College life, CICMQ and the benefits of continual learning.  ARTICLE October 2018

Urge to merge.  Lawrie Holmes, Freelance Journalist, believes the debt collection sector is revving up for growing deal activity.  ARTICLE October 2018

Measuring up.  Chris Sanders, Head of CICMQ, CICM, reports the challenge with benchmarking is how to find something similar and relevant to compare yourself against.  ARTICLE October 2018

A day in the life of an HCEO.  Credit Management spends the day at a High Court Enforcement Office.  Due to changing factors, landowners of all portfolio sizes are experiencing difficulties with squatters which means demand for our services is increasing dramatically.  ARTICLE October 2018

Deep impact.  Lesley Batchelor, Director General, The Institute of Export and International Trade, recommends planning for Brexit to ensure your teams have the right skills to help your business through the difficult times ahead.  ARTICLE October 2018

International Trade.  Andrea Kirby, provides a monthly round-up of the latest stories in global trade (USA, no Brexit deal, China, Uraguay, Mexico, Greece, UK).  ARTICLE October 2018

The great summer slowdown.  Jason Braidwood, Head of Credit and Collections, Creditsafe Business Solutions, reviews the latest monthly business to business payment performance statistics.  ARTICLE October 2018

P2P to be reviewed.  Daniel Fitzgerald, Senior Associate Finance Litigation, DWF, looks at loan-based (P2P) Crowdfunding Platforms and the FCA's Consultation Paper - Change is coming.  ARTICLE October 2018

Gambling on the  reference.  Peter Walker, Freelance Business Writer, recalls a tale of a visit to the Playboy Club and how credit managers should be wary of references.  Lord Sumption said that the Bank 'had no reason to suppose that it was dealing with no one other than the Playboy's associate company.  It had not voluntarily assumed any responsibility to the Club.   ARTICLE October 2018

In the black.  Charles Wilson, Chairman, Lovetts Solicitors, questions why would achieving zero bad debts not necessarily be a good thing?  ARTICLE October 2018

MCICM (Grad)  Step up to the next level.  Become the complete credit manager.  Equip yourself for specialist and management roles by investing in the Level 5 Diploma in Credit Management MCICM (Grad) studies.  ARTICLE October 2018

Black and white.  Gareth Edwards, Partner, Veale, Wasbrough, Vizards, reviews a contract dispute, failing to pay the minimum wage, and how to dress to impress.  ARTICLE October 2018

Door knocking and the White Rabbit.  Derek Scott, Freelance Business Writer, considers a series of whimsical anecdotes of collecting debts in unusual scenarios.  ARTICLE October 2018

This course supports preparation for the CICM Level 2 Award in Credit Control/Collections or Level 2 Credit Controller/Collector Apprenticeship. The course includes pre-course elearning and reading, ten 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: you and your organisation, credit and collections function, credit control and collections risks, organisational risk and compliance, risk compliance and you, delivering excellent service, influence of standards and values, demonstrating effective credit/collections work, reflective practice, Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Email learningsupport@cicm.com or call 01780 722909 to purchase course. ELEARNING 2018 Premium Content 

Purchase these 60 sample online examination questions to test your Credit Management (Trade, Export and Consumer) knowledge. The questions are ideal preparation if you are working towards a CICM qualification. Questions cover six areas: value of credit, organisation of the credit function, credit customers and arrangements, credit risk control, credit documents and systems, collections methods and legal action, and are of the same standard as CICM qualifying exams.  Pass a mock exam at the end in 60 minutes to access a course completion certificate. Note: Course fees for any CICM Credit Academy programme (Virtual classroom, in-company class or Learning Support Service) include these questions - check with your learning provider first, if you have one, before purchase. Email learningsupport@cicm.com or call 01780 722909 to purchase a 12-month licence for these questions. Elearning 2018 Premium Content   

What a load of old PAP.  Sean Feast, Managing Director, Gravity, considers the impact of Pre-Action Protocol. ARTICLE September 2018

One in four UK companies hit by domino effect.  Sean Feast, Managing Editor, Gravity, highlights that in in the worst case scenario, the loss of a vital business relationship can lead to a company's own insolvency in turn - the domino effect.  ARTICLE September 2018

Hitting the books.  With the help of The Bookseller magazine, Credit management look at the state of the publishing industry with exclusive additional statistics from Dun & Bradstreet.  Credit Management acknowledge the kind assistance of The Bookseller in putting together this article.  ARTICLE September 2018

Reporting misconduct.  David Kerr, Insolvency Practitioner, says creditors have a part to play in the process.  ARTICLE September 2018

Taking control of goods.  Andrew Wilson, Chairman, High Court Enforcement Officers Association (HCEOA) asks if the Call for Evidence is the third-year review? The position of the HCEOA and CIVEA (Civil Enforcement Association) is that the reforms are an improvement and opening up  the restrictions on enforcement of County Court Judgments (CCJs) would be an easily achievable regulatory change the would benefit court users. ARTICLE September 2018

Wise council.  Heather Greig-Smith, Freeland business journalist, highlights, that some local authorities are pledging to cut the use of bailiffs and collect debts more ethically. So how will it work?  ARTICLE September 2018

Loft converter.  Sean Feast, Managing Editor, Gravity, caught up with Steve Murray to discuss his career in credit, including, the challenge of increased regulation, Michaelangelo's Sistine Chapel, and starting a business in a loft! ARTICLE September 2018

The power of engagement.  Chris Sanders, Head of Accreditation - CICMQ, suggests that with increased technology driving organisations, it is sometimes easy to overlook your most critical asset.  ARTICLE September 2018

Ask the experts.  Voluntary Action.  Brendan Clarkson, Debt Advisery, Insolvency, Business Support and Operations and Christine Francis, Associate Director, Restructuring and Insolvency team, Moore Stephens, review Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVA's) .  ARTICLE September 2018

Breaking protocol.  Sean Feast , Managing Editor, Gravity, investigates the pre-action protocol (PAP) promised much but has it delivered?  ARTICLE September 2018

Plying our trade.  Lesley Batchelor, Director General, Institute of Export and International Trade, explains how the Institute of Export is helping businesses discover and embrace international trade opportunities.  ARTICLE September 2018

International Trade.  Andrea Kirby, provides a monthly round-up of the latest stories in global trade.  ARTICLE September 2018

Country focus. Spain, part 1, Y Viva Espana.  Adam Bernstein, Freelance Business Writer, reports Spain has more to offer than bullfighting, siestas and football. ARTICLE September 2018

Payment trends.  A certain uncertainty.   Jason Braidwood, Head of Credit and Collections at Credit safe Business Solutions, reports on the latest monthly business to business payment performance statistics.  ARTICLE September 2018

Why bother with bankruptcy?  Katharine Lawrenson, Solicitor and Partner, DWF LLP, looks at the reasons why creditors should not always overlook bankruptcy in their quest to get paid.  ARTICLE September 2018

Shifting sands.  Nalanda Matia, Senior Director, Econometrics Solutions, Dun & Bradstreet, reports the UK economy is showing signs of inconsistent payment performance across sectors and rising business insolvencies.  ARTICLE September 2018

Cultivating an agile credit and collections team.  Debbie Tuckwood, Head of Education and Professional Development, reports over 80 delegates attended the annual CICM Education Conference in Birmingham, looking to learn more about new CICM standards and resources to develop agile credit and collections teams.  ARTICLE September 2018

CICM qualification success.  Colin Barnett, Customer Payment and Debt Supervisor, Southampton City Council, reports Southampton City Council recognise the value of investing in their team.  ARTICLE September 2018

Self-assessment.  What stage are you at in your career?  Where do you want to be?  Complete the self-assessment in CICM Knowledge Hub to plan your journey as a credit and collections professional.  ARTICLE September 2018

Rewarding times?  Julian Winfield, CEO, Hoist Finance UK, reports that appropriate incentive structures can drive positive behaviours.  ARTICLE September 2018

Securing top talent.  Karen Young, Director, Hays, reports employers must improve their hiring process to hire the best in credit.  ARTICLE September 2018

Canoeing and the credit profession.  Gary Baker, CICM Southern Branch, reports on the CICM Southern Branch conference.  ARTICLE September 2018

Big businesses are always the bad guys. Sean Feast, Managing Editor, Gravity, reports that four in ten SME's in the UK admit to having no financial buffer to keep the wolves from the door, despite average monthly debts of almost four thousand pounds.  ARTICLE June 2018

Wise council.  Alex Simmons, Assistant Editor, Gravity, spoke to Bexley Council to find out more about its early payment drive that's supporting its supply chain.  ARTICLE June 2018

State of the nation.  Nalanda Matia, Senior Director, Econometrics Practice, Dunn & Bradstreet, gives an in-depth analysis of the health of the UK economy.  ARTICLE June 2018

A diabolical liberty.  David Andrews, Freeland Business Journalist, suggests, giving money away to young people, a 'citizen's inheritance' is not the answer to our current problems of a divided society with huge disparities in wealth.  ARTICLE June 2018

Countrylife.  Sean Feast, Managing Editor, Gravity, caught up with CICM Think Tank member Dan Hancocks MCICM, CoCredo to find out more about the importance of dual opinion reports and working in the Buckinghamshire countryside.  ARTICLE June 2018

Sticky wicket.  Lesley Batchelor, Director General, The Institute of Export and International Trade, reports the next stage of Brexit discussions around trade are proving to be tricky.  ARTICLE June 2018