On the 13th June we hosted our annual National Forum for delegates from approved centres across the country. The event was at a new venue this year, the National Conference Centre in Birmingham, which provided us with better facilities and more space.

The event began with an exciting introduction by LCL Awards Director, Mark Krull who revealed the company’s new name and branding, designed to take the company forward. The new look was well-received by delegates who later had the opportunity to attend a workshop on the importance of branding led by Jessica Lowe, LCL Award’s PR and branding consultant Nigel Clegg of MLCM Marketing.

Other workshop sessions were held by senior LCL Awards staff and expert guests. Topics included an ACS and MLP update from Steve Mulvany, sessions on the electronic XAMS system which has been developed to cut down on admin time, and practical sessions run by Tracy Harker and her team to help centres with QMS management and prepare for an EQA audit.

Guest speakers also contributed to the day:

• Heather Venis, of Awarding First delivered an excellent session on Risk Management
• Kelvin Kelly from Business Edge introduced the new specialist RACHP Level 3 qualification that his company has recently developed in association with LCL Awards.
• Clive Buggins and Steven Green from EUIAS held a session on apprenticeship standards, focusing on the gas industry and smart metering.

Delegates enjoyed all these session and made the most of the break times between them to network and discuss industry-related issues with their colleagues from other centres and colleges around the UK.  

The day rounded off with tea and summing-up from Mark and delegates were given the opportunity to visit the National Motorbike Museum, housed next-door to the conference centre.

In the evening LCL Awards hosted a social event at the nearby Manor Hotel in Meriden. Guests were entertained by Paralympian skier and motorbike rider, Talan Skeels-Piggins who spoke about resilience and the importance of positive thinking. 

We’re planning to hold the event in the same venue next year. The date will be announced shortly so please watch this space!

 Mark Krull, Director of LCL Awards, launching the new branding