Businesses in and around Gizo, Western province last week on August 2-3 2018 benefited from a ‘Marketing and Customer Service’ training workshop.
The two-day training was delivered by the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) in its continuous efforts to connect with businesses in the provinces.
Its their third visit to Gizo as part of its (SICCI) provincial strategy.
SICCI’s membership and services officer, Naomi Mara who was in Gizo last week, said apart from delivering training, these provincial trips are also aimed at getting insights on some of the issues businesses are faced with and explore ways to address these issues.
“It is important for the Chamber of Commerce to support and provide an avenue for rural entrepreneurs to start networking and find out what support is available.
“It is also important to help businesses to connect with customers and to network,” she said.
In March SICCI began a three-part training series called ‘Our Businesses in 2018 – Being the Best we can be’ with a focus on business planning.
Last week’s training focus was on sales, marketing and customer service.
The common link for all three topics is about building respectful relationships which lead to productive and profitable businesses.
Fourteen (14) businesses participated ranging from some of Western province’s largest to one-person operations.
The training workshop also attracted representatives from Solomon Airlines, Our Telekom and Bank South Pacific (BSP).
Everyone participated in two interactive training sessions and then individual coaching sessions were available.
There was also a general discussion about the importance of private sector led training and collaboration.
Participants from businesses in Gizo have described the training as ‘good and very useful’.
SICCI ‘s next visit is to Auki, Malaita province next week where another training workshop will be delivered on ‘Basic Business Skills’.
These provincial training workshops are facilitated by training provider Chris Elphick of Breadfruit Consulting.
Mr Elphick is an experienced trainer, coach and business mentor and has years of experience working with Small and Medium Enterprises.
“Breadfruit Consulting is pleased to be working in partnership with SICCI on this important national initiative and we look forward to further visits to all provinces,” Mr Elphick said.
